Mariano Abarca

Mariano is an extraordinary instructor, enthralling performer, and an accomplished choreographer. Mariano's passion for dance was cultivated at an early age - he was raised in a home enveloped by music, thus, his body inevitably became his instrument. Initially, Mariano was exposed to, and continued to excel in, the Latin styles of dance: salsa, meringue, and the Columbian folk dance, Cumbia

His apparent natural ability, and intense appreciation of dance, ultimately, inspired him to study alternative styles of dance - hip hop, b-boying, popping and locking. As a teacher and choreographer, Mariano has been working in Toronto in excess of ten years. His incredible musicality, his diverse skill base (hip-hop, b-boying, popping, locking), his remarkable experiences as a performer, his knowledge of the history and growth of hip-hop in Canada, and his willingness to share all that he knows with his students, make him a rarity in the world of hip-hop. His dancing abilities, combined with his passion for teaching and choreographing, render him one of the best instructors in North America.

Mariano is one of Toronto's premier b-boys, and, unquestionably, an audience favourite. He is famous for his incredible footwork, and innovative style of intertwining popping, b-boying, and hip-hop. As an established Toronto b-boy, Mariano led his crew, "Bag of Tricks" to international acclaim at "The Battle of the Year 1999" in Leipzig, Germany. Mariano's crews have, furthermore, earned championship titles in UK, Korea, and here in Canada.

Mariano's extraordinary style has allowed him to dance in several music videos, commercials, and television programs. Thus, he has worked with artists such as Vivica Fox, Tom Green, Mya, K-OS, Wyclef, Arrested Development, Grand Master Flash, De La Soul, Rob Base and DJ Easy Rock - to name a few. Remarkably, he was provided the exceptional honour of performing for the Prince of Wales. Currently, Mariano is working with ABS crew to develop his ideas and style into a full-length stage production. Mariano Abarca is a role model, an innovator, and a true urban artist.

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