Competition Team

Milan Lopez Chiari

Milan Lopez Chiari was born on July 14, 2013, and is from Norwalk, Connecticut. He began his dance journey at the age of five, inspired by his father and a deep-rooted passion for both music and movement. Milan has developed an extensive dance repertoire, training in diverse styles such as bachata, merengue, jazz, contemporary, and flamenco—with salsa being his true passion and area of excellence. He specializes in Salsa On2 and currently trains, perform and competes with Latin Elements Dance Company. His dedication and artistry have earned him numerous awards and recognitions at top salsa congresses and dance festivals across the country.

Milan comes from a richly diverse Latin heritage—his father is Puerto Rican and Costa Rican, and his mother is Colombian and Panamanian—which deeply influences his creativity and cultural connection to Latin dance. In addition to dance, Milan plays both the piano and the flute, which has enhanced his musicality, rhythm, and overall understanding of timing and movement.

Outside the studio, Milan enjoys traveling, social dancing, playing sports, spending time with friends, and fishing. He also has a strong interest in marine biology and is endlessly fascinated by ocean life and the mysteries of the sea. Whether on stage or diving into his many passions, Milan continues to grow as a dancer, artist, and creative force—always sharing his vibrant energy, cultural pride, and love for the arts wherever he goes.

Paloma María Arango

Paloma María Arango is a passionate and multi-talented young dancer from Norwalk, Connecticut. With a diverse background—her mom is from Italy and her dad is from Colombia—Paloma’s love for movement and expression comes naturally.

She began dancing at just three years old and has trained in a variety of styles, including classical and contemporary ballet, jazz, musical theater, salsa, and flamenco. Paloma has earned international recognition at the Youth America Grand Prix in New York City, placing in the Top 24 in 2024 and the Top 12 in 2025. She has also received numerous awards for group, duet, and solo performances in salsa, contemporary, and classical categories at competitions throughout the tri-state area.

Outside the studio, Paloma enjoys playing the flute, singing for her friends and family, reading realistic and historical fiction, and drawing. She’s excited to take the stage with her amazing team and continue doing what she loves most—performing, learning, and sharing her love of dance

Kaili Alexandra Builes

Kaili Alexandra Builes is a vibrant 12-year-old dancer born on September 13, 2012, in Stamford, Connecticut. She began her dance journey at the age of three and quickly discovered a love for movement and performance. Kaili has emersed herself in a wide range of styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Salsa. This has brought both versatility and dedication to her craft. Although Kaili enjoys all dance styles, Salsa is the one she is most passionate about.

Kaili’s love for Latin culture, deeply instilled in her by her Colombian family, shines through in her dancing—especially in her passion for salsa and other Latin genres. Her cultural pride and heritage are an important part of her identity as both a performer and a young artist.

Kaili has always had a love for the arts, exploring acting, modeling and musical theatre before discovering that dance is her true passion. A naturally confident performer from a young age, she shines on stage with her happy, enthusiastic spirit and strong work ethic. As part of competitive salsa team, Kaili has earned various awards and accolades at dance congresses and festivals.

In addition to dance, Kaili is a multi-talented athlete. She plays on an all-girls travel hockey league and also plays volleyball and lacrosse. During the summer, she enjoys attending sailing camp, where she continues to build her skills and love for adventure.

Kaili’s goal is to continue dancing competitively in Latin genres and pursue a professional career in dance in the future, all while embracing her love for sports, culture, and the arts.

Yaretzi Palomo

Yaretzi is a proud 12-year-old Cuban-Mexican dancer from Stamford, CT, who celebrates her heritage through every step she takes. With roots in both Cuba and Mexico, Yaretzi embraces the rhythm, energy, and tradition of Latin culture in her performances.

She has trained in multiple dance styles, including salsa, hip-hop, and contemporary, and continues to grow her technique and versatility with each class. Among them, salsa is her favorite—it’s where she feels most alive and connected to her roots.

She has a deep love for dancing and is incredibly passionate about every moment on stage—it’s where she feels the most confident and free.

Outside of dance, Yaretzi enjoys being involved in theater, acting in plays, and staying active through sports like volleyball, basketball, and tennis. Her love for performing and staying active shows in everything she does, on and off the stage.

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