Bio

Born and raised in Israel , Shani started her way in the dance world at the age of 7 studying Jazz and Ballet at “Dance Alma & Arnon” studios.

In the year 2000, at the age of 17, she was exposed to Latin dance and culture and began teaching and performing as part of the Israeli Salsa Academy “Latino Del Mundo” in many Latin cultural events and TV shows in Israel.

In 2004, Shani was invited to join the world-renowned salsa dance company
“Imperio Azteca” directed by Johnny Vazquez and Ramon Morales.
She relocated to Spain and became Johnny’s permanent dance partner and the company’s principal female dancer.

In 2004, the company was voted “Best Group of the Year” by the Europe salsa community. 

In 2005, Shani and the company moved to Italy after being offered to open a dance academy. She continued to perform in numerous International and national salsa congresses and festivals throughout Europe for 3 years.

In 2007, her dream of moving to NYC became a reality. She joined “Caribbean Soul Dance Co.” directed by Ismael Otero as his dance partner. Soon after, Shani joined choreographer, Sekou McMiller’s Latin Jazz project “Proyecto Descarga” and became his principle dance partner.

In 2008, Shani founded her Ladies Styling company “Shani’s Girls” which is now known as “CADENCIA DANCE COMPANY”.

In 2010, Shani was approached by “The mambo king”, Eddie Torres, to become his dance partner. She was honored. 

For 3 1/2 years, Shani and Eddie would travel the world successfully performing in over 100 salsa congresses and Latin events.

In 2014, Shani was accepted into a 3 months mentorship program led by choreographer Dana Foglia and relocated to Los Angeles. 
While actively training, Shani competed in the “LA Top Salsa Female Competition” event and won 1st place. She soon signed with talent agency “MSA” and became a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association.

A few of her credits include performances with artist: Pitbull, Marc Anthony, T-Pain, Ne-Yo and Kat Deluna. She performed at Jennifer Lopez’s 40th Birthday Party event,  The “NY Knicks” Noche Latina at Madison Square Garden and Madonna’s “Smirnoff lifestyle Exchange Project” showcase. Her TV Credits include  “The Wendy Williams Show”, “Kennedy Center Honors”, “Mira Quien Baila” , “The View”  and  “America’s Got Talent.”

In 2016 , Shani made her Broadway debut and became an ensemble dancer on the musical “ON YOUR FEET” the life story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan.

In 2017 Shani opened the 1st national tour of “On Your Feet” until closing in March of 2019. Soon after closing the tour, Shani relocated back to NYC when she was cast as a dancer in the Warner brothers movie.

“In The Heights” by Lin Manuel Miranda, directed by Jon Chu.The movie was choreographed by Christopher Scott and Eddie Torres Jr. 

3 months after wrapping “In The Heights”, Shani was cast as a principle dancer on the showtime series “Penny Dreadful City Of Angles” choreographed by Tommy Tonge and Desi Jevon.

In 2021, Shani was offered to work along side choreographer William Carlos Angulo as his associate choreographer at “The Muny’s” theatre production of “ON YOUR FEET.” 

Shani founded performance company “QUERENCIA NYC” which won 2nd place in the “Ladies shines division” at “THE SUMMIT CHAMPIONSHIP ” 2022.

Presently, in 2022 Shani was the associate choreographer on 2 Broadway productions: “Legally Blond” at “The Muny” and “ON YOUR FEET THE 2ND National Tour” along side director and choreographer Luis Salgado.

Shani continues her passion for teaching, offering weekly online and in person classes in New York City.