Making an Impact
Mission Statement
At Melómano, our mission extends beyond dance instruction to create positive impact in our community and environment. 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.
About Melómano
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, 11 years later, Patrick is the 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, helping them become skilled performers and dancers. Patrick is also renowned for hosting some of San Diego’s best Salsa and Bachata dance socials and is known as one of the friendliest dancers in the community. His welcoming demeanor and passion for dance have taken him from his home base in San Diego to teaching in various parts of the world, including Japan
Patrick’s deep love for Salsa stems not just from the dance itself but also from his passion for the music, ingrained in him by the 24/7 rhythms of Cali Radio Stations during his childhood. Cali, a city in Colombia famous for its contributions to the Salsa genre, left an indelible mark on Patrick. Growing up surrounded by Salsa’s vibrant beats, his love for the genre took root.
Patrick’s life is dedicated to his passion for dance, which he practices daily with the goal of improving himself and his dance company. His mission is to grow the dance community and share the passion he discovered with as many people as possible. He shares this love of dance with his wife, Diana Trigo, who is an integral part of the Melómano Dance Family. Together, they have three beautiful daughters: Luna, Maya, and Ren.
Experienced Instructors
Meet our Teachers
Get to know the passionate and experienced instructors who make Melomano a leading dance studio. Our teachers are dedicated to helping you achieve your dance goals, whether you’re just starting out or perfecting your technique. With their expert guidance and personalized approach, you’ll be inspired to dance with confidence and creativity.
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Patrick Hernandez, a joyful and renowned dance director, embarked on his dance journey when he visited San Diego from NYC in 2008. It took just… Read more
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Diana is a passionate and dedicated dancer who has been immersed in the world of dance for over 13 years. As the founder and director… Read more
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Kevin, a well-recognized social dancer in San Diego, has been teaching Salsa and Bachata for over 10 years. With his engineering background, Kevin is known… Read more
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Valentin has enriched San Diego’s Salsa and Bachata scene for over a decade. With a profound passion for dance, he has honed his skills through… Read more
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Katarina Guillot is a dancer, choreographer, performer, and student based in San Diego, California. Born in Antigua, Guatemala, she grew up in a multicultural household… Read more
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Analisa started dancing at a young age, exploring different genres from jazz to hip hop, and later ballroom as a teenager. Growing up in a… Read more
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Amado serves as the co-creator and primary student lead for Melómano’s Study Hall and also instructs Salsa’s Password Clinic. He is passionate about breaking down… Read more
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Josue N. Monge is a dancer, choreographer, and instructor originally from Detroit, Michigan. His journey began with breakdancing and hip-hop, later expanding into reggaeton, ballroom,… Read more
Our Dream Team
Advisory Board
At Melómano, our Advisory Board is like our trusted crew of experts who help steer the ship. They bring a mix of big ideas, real-world know-how, and fresh perspectives to the table, guiding us through decisions and keeping us on track. We genuinely value their input and they are a huge part of how we run Melómano and make sure we’re always moving in the right direction.
