Top Pro
Carisma Dance Academy
About
Movement. Confidence. Poise.
Isabel De Montiel is the founder and director of Carisma Dance Academy, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 18 years of dance experience, she specializes in working with beginners, children and seniors (60+) and creating a welcoming, inclusive space for all body types, skill levels and backgrounds.
A Certified Image Consultant and lifelong artist, Isabel blends Latin dance with personal development—helping students build confidence, poise, and a powerful presence both on and off the dance floor. She is trained and experienced in Salsa, Brazilian Samba no Pé, Bachata and other Latin dances. A native Brazilian, she brings not only her dance expertise but also deep cultural knowledge and the rich meaning behind Samba and other rhythms. Isabel brings warmth, clarity, and deep care to every class.
Through Carisma, Isabel is building a movement of empowerment through dance—where everyone is welcome to show up, grow, and shine.
Specialties
How often
Once a week, Multiple times a week, Recommendations available
Student age(s)
14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old
Experience level
No experience, Beginner
Number of students
One person, Two people, A group of 3 – 5 people, A group of 6 – 10+ people
Dance style
Salsa, Bachata
Goals and interests
Developing a hobby, Preparing for a wedding, Preparing for an event or performance, Working out and physical health
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our reviews policy.
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Sara O.
What I enjoy most about Image Consulting & Dance is the opportunity to partner with the instructor Isabel on my fitness, dance, and personal goals. I found Isabel in September 2022 through Eventbrite when she organized a free 1.5hr Samba class for the community to check out and enjoy. The class was so inviting - I was introduced to the basic Samba step, Brazilian music, and immersed in the Samba experience as the live drummers drummed to the beat of our movement. I clearly remember how Isabel made an effort to give every guest 1:1 attention and even highlighted each of us during the last activity which was the Samba circle. She created a safe and fun space for me to truly express myself and feel comfortable through dance!
After class, I was convinced to sign up for her 6-week Samba Course. The course covered the history of Samba, culture, technique, posture, movement, and emphasized confidence. I started the course with zero Samba experience. By week 6, I was shaking my hips, feeling taller, and noticing how different I felt about my self esteem - and I was craving more! I expressed to Isabel that one of my personal goals was to perform in front of a large audience and to not feel shy whenever I felt like dancing.
Isabel worked with me for the next four months to solidify my Samba step, sharpen the movement of my legs, arms, back and shoulders, and gave me a lot of encouragement and 1:1 time which helped me to become a better dancer and performer. Throughout that time, she organized many activities for other dancers and myself to bond, celebrate, and grow closer as we developed a friendship outside of the studio. Isabel has been consistent about who she is and what she teaches since I met her six months ago. She’s an instructor, an incredibly talented dancer, a skilled image consultant, and a wonderful friend, too. I feel honored that I got to perform with her last week at the 13th Annual San Francisco Salsa Festival! Isabel helps me achieve my goals and I am forever grateful and excited to keep learning and dancing under her instruction.
March 29, 2023
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Tajmah M.
When I first started taking classes I was reserved and not used to moving my body. My shoulders were up by my ears. Each week I would peel back another layer grow more confident in my dance moves. The space is a place of healing, sisterhood and positivity! Isabel is a phenomenal instructor she breaks down every move in great detail and shares the history of samba! Come join us!
March 28, 2023
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Ana N.
Very skilled and great teaching technique. One feels very comfortable to learn and give their best due to the great environment that she is able to create during the lessons. I highly recommend her.
March 04, 2023
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Tajmah M.
I love the atmosphere! Izzy does an amazing job breaking down each movement! She would expertly explain how you use your muscles correctly! I leave each class feeling more confident as a dancer!
July 25, 2022
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Ixayana C.
Great instructor! She brings such a positive environment to practices and motivates everyone to try their best. Her skills are beyond amazing she helped a lot with fixing choreography and helping me and my courts
technique. So kind and sweet a really great instructor and as a person in general. Highly recommend her!
August 23, 2021
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Vianey G.
I loved it. Getting to a dance class was very difficult do to traffic. But now Having the online class is just amazing. Easy to learned , easy to follow along, great stuff. I recommend this 😁
August 11, 2021
Services offered
Dance