As a dance student from Montreal-Canada, I wanted to learn every dance move from the well know master Eddie Torres. Several months after my first class with Eddie I met Yvonne Gutierrez. She noticed my passion and dedication for dancing. She kindly offered some help. Yvonne's mastery in the execution of the Eddie Torres steps impressed me. The grace, precision in which she executed the "poetic Latin moves" became a source of inspiration. When she took me under her wing, I felt very privileged and start receiving her precious training. After being accepted in the Eddie Torres Dance Company, because of her coaching I was enlightened with confidence to push myself and become a performer. I will always remember my first show with the company. I was nervous and felt I had so much to learn as a new member. Yvonne brought me to her dance school, put me on stage and sat down in the audience to watch, correct and give advice for a few hours. Her disciplinary way of training me has contributed to my entire career. Back in Canada now, after having performed several times for the company and assisting Eddie Torres in classes around the world, I have ventured on my own path. I share the knowledge I have acquired in this art form to new students and dancers. Yvonne's spirit of dance is always with me. I am truly thankful to this lady who believed in me from the first sight and gave me the right tools to develop my professionalism in the dance field. Merci beaucoup,Caroline Pare
– Caroline Paré
“Yvonne really helped me reach the potential she saw inside of me; she always encouraged showmanship and technique. During my time as a Copa Cabana dancer she would always be hard on me, insisting perfection. I've grown as a dancer and showman due to her training.
Thank you Yvonne"
– Marcus Nieves
I began my dance training at age six at Ballet Hispanico School of Dance where I was introduced to ballet, modern and flamenco. I remained there for several years and progressed into the Apprentice Company where Yvonne became my instructor. She had us travel all over the city performing for several events. She created intense summer workshops that introduced us to many other types of dance such as Brazilian and from her own heritage, she taught Afro-Cuban. I graduated from the High School of Performing Arts where I had the opportunity to study with various artists. I received the opportunity to be presented as a solo artist on a program on the Arts and Entertainment channel for a program entitled "The Gifted Ones" and I have received two Tito Puente scholarships. In 1993, my family and I were struck with the most devastating event. My mother passed away and I lost the dream to follow my passion... TO DANCE. Within 5 years, I had a little girl, who is now one of Yvonne's "little diva's". I always thought I was blessed with a little girl so she can make my mother proud and become a dancer. That is all my mother wanted from me. In 1998 Yvonne opened my heart to finding my desire again. She invited me to dance for Flamenco Latino with her and we traveled to Colorado to perform in the Colorado Dance Festival. We went to Panama as well to perform for an orphanage group named El Nino Divino. I am presently dancing for Yvonne's group Herencia. We had the opportunity to be the opening act for the Salsa Congresso in the Copacabana Fall 2003. We are continuously performing for many events through out the city. There are no words to describe Yvonne's fervor for dance. She has the most stimulating, and energetic aura; you feel it the minute you walk into that studio. Her zeal propels at me which makes me thrive to perform. Performing is my life; it takes me away to another world where I express my deepest emotions. Yvonne: I never had the opportunity to thank you for reminding me that dancing and performing is my ardor. My life is the way it is because of you and I am extremely fortunate to have you in it. Your dedication, commitment and devotion to what you teach will always remain within me. I will never let it leave me again. You showed me that I am great at what I do and to never give up. I will have the enthusiasm for the rest of my life! Love
– Amanda Aviles
I have been a dance student under the direction of Yvonne for five years and have danced for her for two. With in those four years I have learned a great deal about professionalism, not only in dance but in life as well. Yvonne has influenced me greatly in my choice to pursue dancing. She is a very dynamic, focused, and accomplished dance instructor. Her ability to relate to her students in a professional manor motivates them to challenge themselves to achieve greater potential.
I was heavy most of my life and rarely exercised. However, I never was teased about my weight in school because I was known as the smiley happy kid, with a great personality and I got along with everyone. I always felt that it is what's on the inside that counts, and the way you looked did not matter. Because I was so cool with everyone, no one ever felt the need to tease me about my weight, so therefore I never saw myself as being FAT. I had to realize it for myself, and boy when I did…
I had been acting/singing and taking classes in the theater department at the Abrons Arts Center (one of the places where Yvonne teaches) since I was 13. It wasn't until I reached the age of 19 when I realized that I needed to do something about my weight otherwise I was going to continue to be type cast as the father, funny uncle or even a bear. I rarely played roles representing characters my own age. Although theater exercises your mind, it doesn't necessarily work out your body. So I would go to the gym every now and then, but once I would see all the "Skinny" people, I just felt that I was never going to be like that and I would stop going. I needed to be someplace where everyone was at the same level and it didn't matter what shape or size you were. So I decided to pick up a brochure from the Abrons Arts Center and see what dance classes they were offering. I quickly skipped over the ballet section. No one wanted to see me in tights, hell I didn't want to see my self in tights. Nothing really interested me, and then I saw it in big bold letters "NEW" Beginning Salsa for all ages. I registered immediately. After my first class I was hooked, I had finally found what I was looking for. Originally, I had only joined the class to get fit, and I did. I went from a size 42 waist to a present 32 - not to say that I did not diet as well. Now four years later I am still taking classes with Yvonne, but now I am in the advance class and performing with her dance group "Herencia" and I love it. I am also in my third year of Flamenco with Yvonne, and loving that as well. My dream all my life was to become a famous actor. Yvonne has change that for me, she has given me other options. Now I just want to be a working performer regardless of the medium.
Thank you for everything you've taught me. Because of you, I continue to advance in my dance study. I have very few roll models, and you are one of them. I am lucky to have crossed paths with you and I am very proud to know you and have you in my life. In life, if your lucky, you get to meet people, who touch you, inspire you, and change your life. Thank you for changing mine. Thank you for giving me the experience and the gift of dance.]
– John Burgos
My name is Itztla Belen Gutierrez. I have been dancing with my mother, Yvonne B. Gutierrez since 1999. My first dance class was at age 6. I am a girl with dreams and represented other young girls like myself as New York's National American Miss Pageant's 2006 Preteen Spokesmodel. I love learning different routines and performing for various community benefits. It’s very exciting to perform in different places and meet all kinds of people. My mother has inspired me to dance salsa and flamenco. In these years of training I have learned so much and will continue on my journey toward adulthood. It takes a lot of practice, endurance and responsibility to become a professional dancer! My music apprecation has been widen with my dance experience. I am proud to be a violin student at LaGuardia Performing Arts High School.
Now I attend NYU! - 2012
– Itztla Gutierrez
SALSA! I never knew the true meaning of Salsa until I met Yvonne Gutierrez. I met Yvonne in a completely different venue in the Fall of 1996. I worked with her in Higher Education and our relationship grew outside the office as we got to know each other on a personal level. I'd tag along with Yvonne when she performed or taught a class and I always thought to myself WOW, I wish I could move like that! Yvonne would encourage me to try whenever she instructed a workshop and slowly I started getting the exposure to the Salsa World, which should've never been foreign to me since my grandparents were of both, Cuban and Jamaican decent. In addition, I've also learned the true art of listening! In order for one to learn and grasp the "Open Shines" one must know how to listen. Listen to both the music (so that your timing is correct) and Yvonne's voice calling out the shines. Now, years later I'm proud to say that I attend Yvonne's beginner class on a weekly basis and try to sneak a peak at her intermediate class where I crave for more lessons on learning the movement of the arms and perfecting the counter body movement. Meeting Yvonne was like a "Blessing in Disguise", not only I have begun to learn Salsa but I've gained a true friend and confidant. A friendship that I will cherish and NEVER give up. Yvonne, thanks for all of your support, guidance and encouragement.
– Shannon C. Logan
Ever since I was a little girl I have loved dance. I began taking balletclasses at the age of 4 and continued through my preteen years. However, as a young Hispanic female I wanted to study dance from a different cultural perspective. I began taking flamenco classes with Yvonne at the age of 12. As well as learning technique, such as footwork, rhythmic handclapping and the use of castanets, I learned to take pride in myself and in my art form through her mentorship. Yvonne has always stressed the importance of education and with her as a role model, I have persevered and completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Through her empathic support and availability I was able to showcase my talent at different university functions. I am now a professional registered nurse. Although I do not dance professionally, I continue to perform at a pre-professional level for Yvonne at different venues. Our work together has gone beyond Flamenco. Through her guidance and empathic-creative sense of self, I am able to share my talents at religious services as a liturgical dancer. Her teaching and guidance has allowed me to learn so much about dance and even more about myself. I strongly recommend Yvonne as a teacher and mentor in the expression of dance.
– Elena Robledo
My training with Yvonne can never be duplicated. In the time that I have trained with Yvonne, I've learned not only her interpretation of the dance but also professionalism, discipline, endurance, the art of listening and learning. With Yvonne, I have seen my dance grow tremendously. She has given me a strong foundation that I've been able to apply to other art forms. Not only has she been a great teacher, she's also been a great friend who's always been there for me.
Thanks A Bunch Yvonne!