About

Rafael de Jesús Cala Rodríguez (“Sassy”)
Cuban Salsa Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer & Cultural Ambassador

Rafael de Jesús Cala Rodríguez, widely known as “Sassy”, was born on January 2, 1964, in Regla, Havana, Cuba. A passionate dancer, teacher, and choreographer, Sassy dedicated his life to the art of Cuban salsa and the cultural traditions of his homeland. He is the founder and director of Salsiando Salsa Academy, where he built a career of more than thirty years (1994–2024) devoted to teaching and promoting casino-style salsa.

Sassy’s love for dance began at the early age of four, when he experienced a Bembé ritual, a Yoruba celebration filled with rhythm, spirituality, and movement, in his hometown of Regla. This early exposure to Afro-Cuban rhythms sparked a lifelong passion for dance. By the age of six, he was already performing at the Sociedad Cultural Rosalía de Castro in Havana, later studying at the Escuela Cubana de Ballet and the Escuela Nacional de Instructores de Arte. His natural talent and dedication led him to participate in numerous comparsas in Regla and Santa Clara, as well as in many theatrical performances across Cuba. He also appeared on the famous Cuban television show “Para Bailar”, a celebrated program that showcased the nation’s top dancers.

In 1991, Sassy moved to Curaçao, marking a new chapter in his international career. There, he quickly became a well-known performer in the island’s vibrant nightlife, dancing in popular nightclubs and participating in major Carnaval celebrations. During his time in Curaçao, he shared the stage with internationally renowned artists such as Marc Anthony and Willy Chirino, and performed with the local dance group Double R. It was in Curaçao that Sassy laid the foundation for what would later become Salsiando, his signature salsa project dedicated to spreading authentic Cuban dance culture.

In 1996, Sassy relocated to the Netherlands, where he became a key figure in spreading Cuban culture through music and dance. That same year, he officially founded Salsiando Salsa Academy in Leiden, establishing one of the earliest and most respected schools dedicated to authentic Cuban salsa. Through Salsiando, Sassy not only taught dance techniques but also built social communities, emphasizing that dance is a universal language of communication and connection.

As a cultural promoter, Sassy organized and supported major events and live concerts, bringing renowned Cuban artists to the Netherlands, including Azúcar Negra, NG La Banda, Rey Ruiz, Eliades Ochoa, and Issac Delgado. His work helped shape the salsa scene in the Netherlands, inspiring thousands of dancers and fostering a vibrant appreciation for Cuban music.