Owner and director of Martinez Dance Studios/ Taino Dance Theater, Bronx, N.Y. native, Israel Martinez has a style all his own that's fast becoming a pinnacle in today's dance and entertainment industry. Israel has been dancing professionally for the past 15 years and has managed to turn his talent into two successful businesses.

Israel's appetite for performing was sparked as a child when his father, Israel Chamaco Martinez, lead singer for the Salsa band, Batiz y su Orquesta Tropicana, would invite him on stage to dance during the band's performances. He later developed his skills further in New York City Clubs, becoming well versed in free-style and loft.

As his professional training took him back to his love of Latin music, he was greatly influenced by Dance Greats Maria Torres and Freddy Rios.

By mixing his Latino rhythm with hip-hop, jazz, house and Salsa, Israel has managed to create a unique blend of dancing that combines technique with flavor. The July 3rd 1998 issue of Discovery Magazine featured an article on dance that describes his choreography as "more provocative than suave; a stalking, almost predatory practitioner... "

Israel enjoys a lucrative television career as well. He choreographs and performs on the weekly dance/variety show, Club La Bomba; and has appeared on the NBC show, Trinity; the variety show, Seize The Night; the 1997 Dehsi Awards; the 1995 Miss America Pageant; The John Stewart Show; and was featured in the Lifetime Television Special, Men's Room.

Along with his dance company, Israel works with major recording acts such as Junior Gonzalez, Andy Montañez, Larry Harlow, Barbara Tucker, D'Mingo & Rozalla. He's staffed in the musical, "Your Arms Too Short to Box With God', and has also been a featured dancer throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Israel's most recent project is "The Dance Of Souls" is a collaboration of New York choreographers who produce theatrical shows to help benefit the Children's Aid Society/ World Trade Center Relief Fund.

Recently, Israel opened a brand new dance studio called, Martinez Dance Studios, A.K.A "City Of Dance" in College Point, Queens. Here he plans to bridge the gap between all dance styles. The studio caters to dance styles from Afro-Cuban/ Salsa to Argentine Tango, Hip-Hop, House and much more. With diversity, the boundaries of dance will be dissolved, and people will learn for the pure spirit, love and passion of Dance.

Israel's production company, Taino Dance Theater produces theatrical works for shows here and abroad. Currently, he is creating a full-length autobiographical piece which will open Spring of 2003. He and his company can be seen performing regularly Throughout the Metropolitan area.

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