About us

SalsaCarib’Event was born from the meeting of two passions and two cultures: Salsa & trips, the Dominican Republic & France.

The founders

Pipo Alcala was born in the Dominican Republic in 1969. His father, an outstanding "Sonero" dancer, transmitted to him from his babyhood the knowledge and passion of Latin Caribbean dances. In 2000, he founded his first dancing school « Pipo La Fama » in San Pedro de Macoris. There he trained the best Salsa dancers in the country (including some very famous sport stars like Sammy Sosa). Named national champion in 2003, he took part in numerous demonstrations and exhibitions across the country, danced for various TV programs and international movies, « For Love or Country: the Arturo Sandoval Story » with Andy Garcia being one of them. He also set up choreographies for several of the biggest Dominican salsero’s concerts: Michel, Adruba, Keman Nuñez, Grupo Negro etc. In 2004, the singer Sexapil solicited Pipo in order to collaborate in the realization of his Emmy Award nominated video “Meneando la Cola”. At the end of 2004, he moved to Las Terrenas, a small city located in the north of the country on the peninsula of Samaná and created a new dancing school "Salsa Caribe", where warmth and friendliness are the guiding principles. Since then, Las Terrenas has also become a “must visit” site for all Salsa dancers in the country.

Cathy Launay was born in France in 1973 and began her career in the travel industry with a French Tour Operator in Spain. Later on, as a Public Relations manager on board the prestigious Royal Caribbean International cruise ships, she spent two years wandering around the world and at many ports of call, dedicated herself to learn Latin Caribbean dances. Back in France in 1999 and promoted Project Manager, she specialized in the creation of thematic trips, activities and original events. Seduced by the charms of the Dominican Republic, Cathy put down her suitcases for good in Santo Domingo at the end of the year 2000. During the next 5 years, she explored the entire country, in search of authenticity and originality and interact with the best artists and dancers of the country, including the National Folklorical ballet, the Popular Dancing Theater, the Kandela Show etc. She organized prestigious incentive trips, seminars and conventions for the biggest international companies. Since the arrival of Pipo in Las Terrenas, Cathy became passionate about Salsa and trained intensely. By the end of 2005, she and Pipo officially became dancing partners and have been giving since then exhibitions all across the country and in Europe. Together, they created the School Salsa Caribe and later on SalsaCarib'Event.

The team

An established team of professionals with many years of experience in the Dominican Republic is always at your service for any requests, reservations or quotations. Their mission is to help you to discover an authentic and amazing island through a high quality service.