Dance. Music. Life
About Us
Who we are
Masacote Entertainment grew from a chance encounter at a salsa social in New York between dancer/choreographer Ana Tinajero, and musician/dancer Joel Massicot. Their immediate rapport, and their great love for music and dance, led them to create a company that gives equal respect and attention to musicians and dancers, respecting the symbiotic harmony of notes and moves.
Since its founding in 2003, Masacote Entertainment has become one of the most influential and in-demand Latin performance groups in the world. Though based in Boston, the company has taught, performed and spread the salsa bug in more than 30 countries, including Australia, China, Curaçao, England, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Tunisia.
Every member of Masacote Entertainment knows how music and dance can transform lives, and they share their passion eagerly.
Our Mission
To empower people to freely express themselves through Afro-Latin dance and music.
Our Vision
To nurture a loving global community.
Our Values
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Integrity – We are honest and aim to leave an exemplary wake along the journey of life.
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Mindfulness - We aspire to do good in the community and push for expanded consciousness.
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Diligence – We strive for the best in ourselves through our craft, knowledge, and technique. We do not waiver when times get tough and push the boundaries of our artistic expression.
Masacote Code of Conduct
At Masacote, we OPEN UP:
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O: Always stay Open Minded
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P: Contribute to a Positive atmosphere at all times.
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E: Always stay in a perspective of Empathy to understand others.
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N: Strive for our best at all times, with No comparison to others.
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U: Think of Us and work as a team. There is no “I” in Team.
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P: Aim to stay in Present Moment.
Meet the Directors
Ana “Masacote” Tinajero
Co-director of Masacote Dance Company
Ana began her formal dance training with folkloric dance at age 5 and Salsa at age 15. She has been a judge and guest of honor at salsa competitions and festivals worldwide. Ana believes that through dance, we can break down cultural barriers while we learn to better understand ourselves, and each other. She holds a BS in Management Science from MIT in Cambridge.
Joel “Masacote” Massicot
Co-director of Masacote Dance Company
Joel began his music training at age 8 and dance training at 17. He has been a judge and guest of honor at salsa competitions and festivals worldwide. Joel believes that through dance, we can affect positive change in our communities and external environment. Joel has studied at Howard University and Berklee College of Music, and he has served in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.
Meaning of Masacote
Cuban slang for the emotion evoked by the Salsa rhythm created when combining the basic percussive Instruments in salsa/mambo (the conga, guiro, timbales, clave, and bongo). More generally, it refers to the merging of various elements.
Masacote Entertainment Comprises:
The Masacote Dance Company – A professional touring performance troupe available to teach and perform around the world.
The Masacote School – A Cambridge/Boston-based school offering Afro-Latin dance and music instruction for people of all ages and level abilities.
The Ritmo Masacote Orchestra – A 13-piece Cuban Salsa orchestra with top Boston/New York Latin musicians.
Awards
Masacote has received the 2017 Boston A-List Award for “Best Dance Classes”, the 2014 SBA Minority-Owned Business of the Year award, the 2015 New England Salsa Music Award, the 2009 Boston Dance Alliance R&R Fellowship, and is an alumna of the 2015 Goldman Sachs 10KSB National Program.
