Tony Abello

Luis Antonio Abello-Hurtado—“Tony”—was born in the coastal Miraflores District of Lima, Peru, where he grew up surfing and swimming daily. The only passion stronger than his love for the ocean was his obsession with music. The voices of Oscar de León, Eddie Santiago, Juan Luis Guerra, and 4.40 echoed across the radio waves in localmarkets, buses, and block parties. At night, Tony would listen to traditional salsa music on his family’s tornamesa (record player).

Tony discovered his love for dance at age 11, inspired by the videos of Michael Jackson and Chayanne on MTV. He began teaching himself to dance at home, practicing for hours each day in front of the mirror. A natural athlete, Tony played basketball and swam throughout his school years. In 1997, he became Peru’s national breaststroke champion. Despite his athletic accomplishments, Tony did not have access to formal dance training. Rhythm and movement came naturally to him, and at age 15, inspired by the choreography of DLG (Dark Latin Groove), he began teaching himself salsa.

For the past 28 years, Tony has pursued the art of salsa, studying with musicians and dancers in the clubs and streets of Latin and North America. Drawing inspiration from his Afro-Peruvian heritage, an affinity for Cuban and Afro-Cuban dance styles, and deep understanding of salsa’s African roots, Tony has developed a distinctive style that celebrates artistic individuality, human connection, and playful athleticism.

Wherever he travels, Tony is invited to teach. He has taught in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, Mexico, Spain, and Uruguay, primarily working with private clients and small groups, including the Brazilian, Canadian, French, and German embassies in Peru. An intuitive dance partner with a great sense of humor, Tony helps his students relax into the music, tap into their natural instincts, and embrace the rawemotion and power of movement.