Benjamin de Menil is the founder of iASO Cultural Foundation and iASO Records. For two decades, he has produced recordings, performances, and educational programs that foster Dominican musical traditions. Benjamin’s productions, which feature pioneers of bachata, have been critically acclaimed and have topped music charts. His traditional bachata music and dance videos are viewed by tens of millions. In 2013, inspired by the success of the Dominican Republic’s baseball academies, Benjamin established the Academia de Bachata program to incubate the next generation of professional bachateros.

Jildania Sanchez grew up in Cabarete, Dominican Republic and received a degree in accounting from Universidad Tegnologica De Santiago. She has previously worked in customer service at Banco Popular, and at other organizations in areas such as HR, administration, and accounting. With her experience in operations and knowledge of Cabarete, the Bachata Academy program is fortunate to have her as a member of the team.

Originally from Russia and France, Alina Korotyaeva has a strong passion for music and bachata dance. She brings extensive experience in financial control, auditing, and project management.

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At the Bachata Academy, Alla is responsible for finance and the development of management and information systems, contributing to the organization and sustainability of the project. She also supports the administrative structuring of the program, including assistance in the development of Konpa Akademi in Haiti.

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In collaboration with dance instructor Yan Luis Query, Alla launched the dance program, which includes free bachata classes for children in Cabarete and stage dance classes for members of the Academy’s musical groups.

Emmanuel Civil is the Pedagogical and Artistic Director of the Konpa Akademi program in Haiti, where he leads the development of the musical and artistic program, promoting music education and access to culture for children and youth in Haiti.

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Originally from Cap-Haïtien, Emmanuel has a strong passion for Konpa music. He is a drummer and percussionist who began his musical training at CEMUSHCA, where he developed his skills and interest in musical performance.

Emmanuel participated in several musical bands in Cap-Haïtien and collaborated in organizing cultural and musical events. He also has experience teaching music, which has strengthened his artistic and pedagogical background.

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Emmanuel also worked for two years as a percussion teacher at the Bachata Academy in the Dominican Republic, where he contributed to students’ musical development and further strengthened his pedagogical and artistic experience.

With a degree in Modern Languages and a Master’s in Language Teaching for Specific Purposes, Alicia Lopez has over 15 years of experience in children’s and youth music education. As a choir director and teacher of music theory and recorder, she also excels in educational management.

At the Bachata Academy, she leads innovative academic programs, combining music pedagogy and instructional planning to enhance educational quality and develop programs tailored to students’ needs.