Alejandro Angulo on Changing Lives: Salsation for Holistic Success
- Editorial Team
- Feb 23
- 12 min read
At Calmfidence World, we uncover the secrets of visionary leaders who achieve success while maintaining balance and wellbeing.
Alejandro Angulo, founder of Salsation, is one such leader. His global dance movement has redefined fitness by blending music, emotion, and connection into a transformative experience. Salsation empowers people to dance while gaining joy and wellbeing.
In this exclusive interview, Alejandro shares his approach to holistic success, grounded in the PROHSPER framework—Positive Mindset, Relationships, Outcomes, Health, Strengths, Purpose, Energy, and Resilience.
While many believe high performance and wellbeing can’t coexist, Alejandro proves otherwise. Through Salsation’s growth, joy, authenticity, and holistic approach are at the heart of his leadership. He shows that true success is about passion, purpose, and staying true to your values. Discover how Alejandro is transforming lives through dance and achieving holistic success.
Positive Mindset – Spreading Joy Through Dance
Calmfidence World: What sparked the idea for Salsation? Was there a defining moment when you knew it was more than just a workout?
Alejandro Angulo: Salsation was born from my deep love for music and movement. From a young age, I saw how dance could uplift people’s spirits and strengthen the mind-body connection. The turning point came when I witnessed firsthand how my classes helped people transform—emotionally and physically. It became clear that Salsation was more than just fitness; it was about empowerment, self-expression, and helping people reconnect with themselves. That’s when I knew it needed to be a global movement.
Calmfidence World: How does dance shift people’s mindset and spark positivity?
Alejandro Angulo: Dance is a universal language. No matter where you’re from, it can break down barriers, uplift your spirit, and bring joy. Salsation is designed to activate emotions in a way that traditional workouts can’t. When people dance, they release stress, boost confidence, and cultivate a positive mindset. It’s about embracing your unique rhythm and feeling good in your own skin. The magic happens when you stop thinking and start feeling.
Relationships – "My People" and the Power of Connection
Calmfidence World: You always start your sessions with "My People." Why is that?
Alejandro Angulo: The Salsation community thrives on authenticity and connection. When I say "My People," I truly mean it. Everyone who joins a Salsation class becomes part of something bigger—a family where they are seen, heard, and valued. We embrace diversity, and that sense of belonging is what makes our movement so powerful. People don’t just come for the workout; they come for the emotional experience and the relationships they build.
Calmfidence World: How do you ensure that Salsation’s values of inclusivity and connection are present in every instructor and class worldwide?
Alejandro Angulo: It starts with our instructor training. We don’t just teach choreography; we instill the philosophy behind Salsation—connection, inclusivity, and passion. Every instructor is trained to create a welcoming environment where participants feel free to express themselves. Our community is global, but the energy and values remain the same no matter where you take a class. It’s about making people feel comfortable, confident, and connected, whether they’re dancing in Europe, Asia, or Latin America.
Calmfidence World: What role do human connection and emotional expression play in Salsation?
Alejandro Angulo: They are at the heart of everything we do. Movement without emotion is just exercise, but when movement is infused with feeling, it becomes transformation. Salsation encourages people to express themselves through movement, tap into emotions they may not even realise they’re holding onto, and connect—not just with the music, but with themselves and those around them. Our classes are more than just workouts; they’re experiences that leave people feeling alive, confident, and empowered.
Outcomes – Scaling a Vision into a Global Brand
Calmfidence World: Salsation has grown from an idea to a worldwide movement. How did you scale the brand while staying true to its roots?
Alejandro Angulo: Salsation started with a vision, but I didn’t have all the answers at first. What I did have was a strong belief in the power of movement and connection. Social media was key in spreading the word, and as invitations started coming in from different countries, I saw the global potential of the program.
Scaling wasn’t just about expansion; it was about finding the right people. I needed a strong corporate team to allow me to stay focused on inspiring and training others. Surrounding myself with individuals who complemented my strengths was essential. The program grew organically as more people resonated with our philosophy of movement, joy, and community.
Calmfidence World: You mentor trainers worldwide. How did you ensure quality while expanding?
Alejandro Angulo: At first, it was all about mentorship. I spent a lot of time guiding new trainers one-on-one via Zoom calls and WhatsApp messages. This was before COVID, so things were on a smaller, more personal scale. As the company grew, we had to build a team to support the instructors. That's when things started to shift. Now, we have a dedicated team ensuring the program’s quality and maintaining an excellent experience for both trainers and members. It’s been a learning process, but we continue to improve.
Calmfidence World: Salsation is now in over 80 countries. How do you manage rapid growth while maintaining consistency?
Alejandro Angulo: The growth has been incredible! We might be in 80 countries today, and by next weekend, we could be in two more after a few instructor trainings. It’s always evolving. To keep up, we’ve invested heavily in our team and resources to maintain high-quality experiences. We’ve also prioritised building support systems for our trainers. It’s not just about teaching; we want everyone to feel part of something bigger—our community, the "Troopers." My main focus during training is to open the minds of new instructors, helping them understand and embrace the philosophy and energy behind Salsation so they can pass it on in their own unique way.
Calmfidence World: You blend passion with strong business systems. How do you balance both?
Alejandro Angulo: Thank you! I’ve always been passionate about dancing, music, and fitness, but I’ve learned that solid business systems are key to scaling and sustaining success. I’m not a numbers person, but I’m smart enough to know I need people who are. By hiring individuals who can manage the operational side, I can focus on what I do best—bringing joy to the community. It’s all about having the right people in place to execute the plan while I concentrate on inspiring others.
Calmfidence World: What were the biggest challenges of international growth, and how did you overcome them?
Alejandro Angulo: Staying true to our values while scaling. Many fitness brands look great on the surface but lack authenticity behind the scenes. I wanted Salsation to be different. Balancing our core philosophy with business operations was tricky, but by building a global team that shares our vision, we’ve kept our integrity intact.
Calmfidence World: How do you stay grounded in your mission while managing a growing global brand?
Alejandro Angulo: By remembering why we started. If Salsation was just about money, it would look very different today. Passion is the heart of what we do—you can’t pour into others if your own cup is empty. That’s why I surround myself with a team that complements my strengths, so I can focus on inspiring, leading, and spreading joy through dance.
Health – Salsation as Functional Movement
Calmfidence World: Salsation is more than dance—it’s functional movement. How does it support both physical and mental wellbeing?
Alejandro Angulo: Salsation is built on the idea that movement should be fluid, natural, and sustainable. It’s not about pushing yourself to extremes but about creating a long-term relationship with movement. Many people associate fitness with struggle, but we shift that mindset—exercise should energise, not deplete.
Physically, Salsation is based on functional training principles. Our movements mimic natural human motion, improving mobility, flexibility, and strength while preventing injuries. Instead of rigid, high-impact routines, we focus on smooth transitions and full-body engagement, making fitness more intuitive and enjoyable.
Mentally, the impact is just as profound. Music, movement, and community combine to reduce stress and elevate mood. The connection between mind and body is at the heart of what we do—when movement feels good, it transforms not just the body but the way people see themselves. That’s why Salsation isn’t just a workout; it’s a practice of self-care and confidence.
Strength – The Power of Passion and Purpose
Calmfidence World: Salsation stands out in the fitness world. What makes it different from other programs?
Alejandro Angulo: Passion. Our philosophy is simple:
Teach for passion, not for fashion.
Salsation isn’t just about physical transformation—it’s about emotional and psychological growth. When we empower others, whether instructors or participants, that energy flows back to us. Beyond movement, we focus on three core pillars: quality, community, and entrepreneurship. These keep us grounded and ensure that what we do isn’t just a trend but a lasting, impactful experience.
Calmfidence World: You’ve seen incredible transformations. How does Salsation movement unlock confidence?
Alejandro Angulo: Movement changes everything. It’s not just about getting stronger—it’s about feeling stronger. Many people come to Salsation thinking they "can’t dance" or lack rhythm, but once they let go of that fear and embrace movement, everything shifts. Their posture improves, their energy rises, and their confidence soars. I’ve seen instructors start out shy, doubting their abilities, and within months, they’re leading classes with joy and purpose. When you feel confident in your movement, it carries into every part of life. That’s the magic of Salsation—it’s more than fitness, it’s a mindset shift.
Purpose – Salsation as a Source of Motivation and Light
Calmfidence World: What would you say is the core purpose of Salsation, and how does it serve to improve the lives of those who participate in it?
Alejandro Angulo: I know people truly need this. I receive messages regularly—often daily—of people sharing how Salsation has helped them overcome significant struggles, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, or even cancer. I remember during COVID, people would say, "Ale, I was stuck in my room, and your class was the highlight of my day. It was my happy time."
This wasn’t just from one or two people; countless messages flooded in, with people telling me that Salsation was their therapy. They’d say, “I’ve been fighting with my husband, but when I come to your class, I forget all about it,” or “I don’t like my boss, but when I’m in your class, I leave all my worries behind.” They’ve shared how Salsation has been a constant source of motivation and light.
Calmfidence World: Looking ahead, what’s the next step for Salsation Fitness? What’s your vision for the future?
Alejandro Angulo: The next step is simple: reaching as many people as possible. People need this program, and I know it. I get messages every day—stories from people who’ve overcome depression, cancer, or suicidal thoughts, all thanks to Salsation. During COVID, I heard from people saying that my classes were the highlight of their day, the one thing that kept them going. That’s why I do this. It’s more than just fitness; it’s about making a real impact. And I’m not stopping until we’ve touched every corner of the world.
The purpose of Salsation goes beyond fitness. It’s about empowering people and helping them find a source of motivation, joy, and healing. And so that’s the true power of music and dance.
Energy – Sustaining Passion While Growing a Business
Calmfidence: You clearly have a lot of passion for your work, but running a company and launching a new brand must come with its fair share of challenges. How do you maintain your energy and resilience while balancing everything?
Alejandro Angulo: My advice is to stay true to your core beliefs. Focus on your ‘why’—the reason you started in the first place—and keep that at the forefront. Embrace the notion that challenges are opportunities for growth, not setbacks. And, importantly, cultivate a supportive community around you. The energy you draw from your community can fuel your own passion and help keep the joy alive. Resilience and passion aren’t about pushing harder; they’re about staying grounded in your values and letting those values drive everything you do. Challenges are a part of life. I recently heard a saying:
The only people without problems are those in the cemetery. It’s all about mindset.
I see challenges as opportunities. When something arises, I focus not on the problem but on finding the solution. It’s not always easy, and the answers don’t always come immediately. That’s when having the right people around you is crucial—having a solid team and staying positive. I can’t walk into a meeting without bringing energy, and when I speak to my trainers, I need to infect them with that same energy.
Challenges will always be there. We’ve made decisions knowing they wouldn’t always be well received—change can be difficult for many. People love their comfort zones, and when you push them out of that, it’s uncomfortable. For instance, when we introduced the membership model, we knew there’d be resistance. Some didn’t like the idea of being charged, but it was necessary for the growth of the company. We needed to hire more people, invest in new territories, and expand. It was a move we had to make.
Calmfidence World: It sounds like a tough but necessary decision.
Alejandro Angulo: Absolutely. If I could offer the program for free, I would, but that would mean doing something else to sustain my life. Business needs to generate income, and we had to make that shift. However, we worked hard to ensure that we added immense value for our members, which helped ease the transition. The clothing line was another tough decision. We went for a style that was completely different from anything else, knowing some might love it and others might not. For instance, the new blue design—while we were certain some would love it, we knew there’d be others who wouldn’t.
The key is knowing what you stand for. It all begins with me. How do I feel about it? Are we doing the right thing? That’s where everything starts.
Resilience – Overcoming Challenges & Staying True to the Vision
Calmfidence World: Every entrepreneur faces setbacks. What were some of your biggest challenges in building Salsation, and how did you overcome them?
Alejandro Angulo: One of the biggest challenges was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our entire community was cut off from physical classes, and there was a real fear that the business would collapse. But I refused to give up. We pivoted quickly, offering free online classes, and incredibly, we grew during that time. That experience really showed me how resilient we are, both as a brand and as a community. Staying focused on our core values—quality, community, and entrepreneurship—helped us navigate the challenge and emerge even stronger.
Calmfidence World: Your story of resilience is truly inspiring. You’ve faced a lot of skepticism, especially when you were younger, when people told you that you couldn’t make a career out of dancing. How did you stay focused on your vision amidst those doubts?
Alejandro Angulo: I’ve always had the ability to block out negativity. When I was younger, in Venezuela, people mocked me for being a guy who did aerobics. They called me names, but it never bothered me. I’ve always had this mindset: focus on what I have, focus on what I can control, and don’t waste time thinking about what’s out of reach. My love for what I do, the people I connect with, and the happiness I see in my students is the only validation I need. It’s the fuel that keeps me going.
Calmfidence World: How do you stay resilient and adaptable as the fitness industry evolves?
Alejandro Angulo: Resilience is about focusing on solutions, not problems. Challenges will always arise, especially in an ever-changing industry like fitness, but we look for ways to adapt and grow. As we expand into new areas, like our membership program and clothing line, we always ensure the decisions align with our core values. When there’s resistance, we stay steadfast, knowing that staying true to the essence of our brand—quality, community, and entrepreneurship—will help us navigate change successfully.
Calmfidence World: What’s the biggest lesson in leadership and resilience you’ve learned from this journey?
Alejandro Angulo: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that leadership is about staying true to your mission and values, especially during tough times. It’s not about giving up or turning away when things get hard; it’s about believing in the power of resilience and practicing what you preach.
For me, it’s always about leading by example. When you embody the core values of quality, community, and entrepreneurship, your team and community will follow suit. Stay curious, stay humble, and keep learning. Recognise where you’re strong and where you need to grow. Stay grounded in your core values—quality, community, and entrepreneurship—and everything else will follow. If you lead with those principles, you’ll always find a way forward.
Words of Inspiration
Calmfidence World: If you could leave one powerful message for entrepreneurs, instructors, or anyone wanting to build something meaningful, what would it be?
Alejandro Angulo: Believe in the transformative power of what you do. Whether you’re teaching dance, running a business, or simply trying to make a difference, trust that your passion and resilience will carry you through. The world needs what you have to offer. It’s not just about the business—it’s about the people, the impact, and the community you create.
Dance Your Way to Holistic Success
Salsation is more than just a fitness class; it’s a global movement that’s transforming the lives through joy of dance and music. From total body toning and stress relief to improved cardiovascular health and enhanced confidence, the benefits are undeniable.
Alejandro’s journey embodies the limitless potential within each of us to create something that not only drives personal success but also uplifts others. In his story, we see the power of passion and resilience in forging a future where both wellbeing and achievement are not only possible but destined to thrive.
Salsation is a beacon of this truth—proof that when we stay true to our values and purpose, we unlock the ultimate potential within ourselves and those around us.
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