SALSA: Javier Solis teaches Salsa at Euphoria on Sunday evenings 6-10pm.  Call him for details at 503.740.9100 Javier Solis Javier is from Mérida, Yuc., México and he grew up watching his mother dance salsa and learning from her. Salsa music has been a part of Javier's life since he was a child, but it wasn't until much later that he discovered his talent as a salsa dancer. His creativity and keen eye for picking up detail assist him and his partner in producing complex, energetic and exciting choreography. GEMINI was conceived in 2004 and has since been competing internationally, while maintaining the title of undefeated champion in Portland, OR. GEMINI is recognized internationally thanks to the quality of its performances and teaching. GEMINI has traveled to many destinations, including Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Japan and, most recently, China. Gemini has also produced the first full-color bilingual magazine dedicated entirely to salsa (Pure Salsa Magazine). Also, GEMINI has produced the Largest NW Gemini Salsa Competition to date, which is associated with the biggest promoter of salsa, Albert Torres, as well as the Las Vegas World Salsa Championships and ESPN. Holly Carmickle Holly found her way into the Portland Salsa scene about 1 1/2 years ago after independently emerging herself into Latin Culture by attending events such as Quinciañeras and concerts put on by world recognized Latin Musicians. For a short while, this was the place where she learned to release her fears and enjoy herself in social dancing to such rhythms as Cumbia, Los Norteños (Banda, Durangense), Meregue, and Bachata. Holly continues working part-time and focusing full-time on completion of a BS Degree. Teaching, performing, and competing at such locations as Canada, L.A, Washington, Hawaii, and most recently China, where she made history dancing on the Great Wall of China, has made these last two years the most challenging and satisfying time of her life. Being able to be apart of Gemini has not only opened her eyes to Salsa but has made her appreciate how hard one must work and what it really takes to be a performer and business partner. Taking part in the Annual Gemini Salsa Competition for the past two years and working along side Javier Solis (GEMINI) has presented Holly the chance at many wonderful opportunities. I have truly a lot to look forward to, and can’t wait to see where this next year will take me.