The people who will know your dancer by name.

Maria Mercedes Barbella is an environmental designer by training and a co-founder of Centro Integral Candy Jazz, established in Caracas, Venezuela, in 2009. Her organizational experience and commitment to the arts have been essential to the academy’s development in both Venezuela and the United States.

As Executive Director and Producer of Candy Jazz Dance Academy in Davie, Florida, she oversees the academy’s administration and plays a central role in coordinating its artistic projects, performances, and special events.

Since the Davie academy opened in 2016, Maria Mercedes has produced each of its annual stage productions, helping bring every performance from its initial planning to the theatre. Her work includes the academy’s themed productions and the MEMORIES 10-year anniversary showcase at the Miramar Cultural Center.

Pedro E. Guerra Machado comes from a family devoted to the art of dance. The son of Clemen Machado and nephew of Candy Machado, he trained in jazz and contemporary dance in Spain, where he also served as Artistic and Executive Director of Academia de Música Increscendo in Tenerife, Spain.

He continued his training at Centro Integral Candy Jazz in Caracas and later at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in New York, where he studied jazz, ballet, tap, and contemporary dance.

Since 2015, he has served as Artistic and Executive Director of Candy Jazz Dance Academy in Davie, Florida. There, he leads the academy’s academic and artistic planning, choreography, and the production of its themed and holiday performances.

Natalia Marie Rocamonde is a ballet instructor, choreographer, and performing artist with a B.F.A. in Dance from New World School of the Arts. Her training includes the Martha Graham Winter Intensive, ArchCore40 with Jennifer Archibald, and Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory.

She has taught ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance to students from early childhood through their teenage years at Kirova Ballet Academy, Ballet Etudes, BBharts Performing Arts, and Dance Zone Studio. Fluent in English and Spanish, Natalia creates a nurturing and structured environment where young dancers can develop strong technique, creativity, and confidence.

Tatiana Alise Tejeda began dancing at age two, training in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, flamenco, musical theatre, lyrical, and hip-hop. Throughout middle and high school, she performed with an award-winning dance team at an arts conservatory school and earned recognition as a Florida State Dance Champion.

She also volunteered as an instructor for elementary school students before beginning her professional teaching journey. Tatiana currently teaches hip-hop and tap while continuing her college studies and dance training. Her energy and versatility help her create engaging classes where students can build confidence, develop their skills, and enjoy dancing.

Angely Carucci is an international dancer, choreographer, and instructor with more than 25 years of professional experience. Her career includes Q’Viva! The Chosen, On Your Feet!, and work alongside artists such as Daddy Yankee, Gloria Gaynor, and Oscar D’León.

With more than 20 years of teaching experience in Venezuela, Italy, and the United States, Angely is certified by the F.I.P.D. in Italy and has served as a judge at international dance competitions. As Candy Jazz Dance Academy’s salsa instructor, she combines musicality, technical discipline, and an energetic teaching style that helps students grow in confidence and performance quality.