Our story
Dance is Our Passion
Patrick Hernandez, Director of Melómano, began his dance journey during a visit to San Diego from NYC in 2008. Within just one weekend, he knew San Diego was home, and three months later, he made the permanent move.
Now, Patrick is Director of one of San Diego’s largest dance companies, Melómano. As a Salsa and Bachata instructor, he offers public group lessons and trains over 100 students of various levels and backgrounds to become performers and dancers. He hosts welcoming socials, encourages everyone to be the friendliest dancer in the room, and has shared his teaching around the world, including in Japan.
His deep love for Salsa comes from both dance and music. Growing up in Cali, Colombia, Salsa was always present—from the city’s around-the-clock radio stations to the rhythms that shaped his childhood. Patrick has dedicated his life to this passion, improving every day while helping the community grow and sharing what dance has given him.
He shares that life and passion with his wife, Diana Trigo, an integral part of the Melómano family, and their daughters Luna, Maya, and Ren.
Making an Impact
Mission Statement
At Melómano, our mission extends beyond dance instruction. We are committed to:
- Preserving and celebrating cultural dance traditions while reducing our environmental footprint through sustainable business practices.
- Creating accessible dance education opportunities that promote cultural understanding and community connection.
- Reducing waste in our operations and events by implementing comprehensive recycling and sustainable material sourcing.
- Serving youth from underserved communities in San Diego through dedicated scholarship programs and inclusive dance education initiatives.
- Serving at least 75% local and independent customers in San Diego, fostering community connection through accessible dance education and events.
Through our passion for dance, we aim to build bridges between cultures, nurture artistic expression, and create pathways for personal growth that benefit both our immediate community and our shared environment. Proudly serving the local San Diego Metropolitan Communities.
Experienced instructors
Meet our teachers
Patrick
Instructor
Patrick Hernandez, a joyful and renowned dance director, embarked on his dance journey when he visited San Diego from NYC in 2008.
Diana
Instructor
Diana is a passionate and dedicated dancer who has been immersed in the world of dance for over 13 years.
Kevin
Instructor
Kevin, a well-recognized social dancer in San Diego, has been teaching Salsa and Bachata for over 10 years.
Valentin
Instructor
Valentin has enriched San Diego’s Salsa and Bachata scene for over a decade.
Kat
Instructor
Katarina Guillot is a dancer, choreographer, performer, and student based in San Diego, California.
Josue
Instructor
Josue N. Monge is a dancer, choreographer, and instructor originally from Detroit, Michigan.
Analisa
Instructor
Analisa started dancing at a young age, exploring different genres from jazz to hip hop, and later ballroom as a teenager.
Amado
Instructor
Amado serves as the co-creator and primary student lead for Melómano’s Study Hall and also instructs Salsa’s Password Clinic.
Our dream team
Advisory board
Adrian Martin
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Alice
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Ana Maria
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Ashley
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Carol
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Carolina
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Chelsea
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Cheyanne
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Dang
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Dustin
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Elvia
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Espy
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Hayley
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Ibeth
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Isabella
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Joseline
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Kas
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Magaly
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Maria
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Paul B.
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Paul E.
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Priscilla
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Suzanne
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Vanessa J.
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Veena
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Yoko
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New to dance? Start here.
Intro to Salsa and Bachata is free. No partner or experience needed.