Become a founding supporter of RISE — the Ritmo Institute for Salsa Education.

Salsa is one of the most influential musical and dance traditions in the world—yet there is no major institution in the United States dedicated to preserving, teaching, and documenting it.

RISE — the Ritmo Institute for Salsa Education — was created to help change that.

For more than two decades, The BIG Salsa Festival has brought together dancers, musicians, DJs, instructors, and cultural leaders from across the United States and around the world. Through that community, thousands of people have experienced the music and movement traditions that grew out of the Caribbean diaspora and continue to connect people across cultures and generations.

Today, that work continues through the leadership and dedication of Larissa Luna, Homero Plaza, Lee Rios, and Venessa Santos, whose efforts have helped sustain and grow the festival’s community over the years.

From that community came a larger idea.

While many musical traditions have institutions dedicated to preserving their history and educating future generations, salsa does not yet have a national institute devoted to its cultural legacy.

RISE — the Ritmo Institute for Salsa Education — was created to help fill that gap.

The institute is dedicated to preserving, teaching, and celebrating salsa music and dance and the broader Afro-Caribbean traditions that shaped it, including son, mambo, cha-cha-chá, bachata, merengue, and Afro-Cuban music and dance.

RISE builds on the foundation created through the salsa community and The BIG Salsa Festival, ensuring these traditions are not only celebrated on the dance floor, but preserved, studied, and passed forward.

Guided by the principles of R.I.S.E.

Revitalize communities through culture and connection
Inspire future generations through music and movement
Support artists, educators, and cultural practitioners
Empower individuals and communities through opportunity

Through education, cultural preservation, and community programming, RISE will:

Expand access to salsa music and dance education
Support artists, educators, and cultural practitioners
Document the history and legacy of salsa traditions
Promote community health and wellness through dance
Grow initiatives connected to The BIG Salsa Festival

Dance has long been recognized as a powerful tool for physical health, mental wellness, and community connection. Salsa, in particular, brings people together across languages, cultures, and generations through rhythm, music, and movement.

This campaign represents the first step in launching RISE and building a lasting institution dedicated to the cultural impact of salsa and its musical family.

With appreciation,

Geremy Landin
Executive Director
RISE — Ritmo Institute for Salsa Education

Help Launch RISE: The Ritmo Institute for Salsa Education

Help build the nation’s first institute dedicated to preserving, teaching, and celebrating salsa music, dance, and the Afro-Caribbean traditions that shaped it.

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