About Valentine Doran

I am Valentine Doran, Born on Valentines day in Los Angeles, California to a Motion Picture Family.  My father, Richard Doran was a cameraman for Warner Bros. filming such films as: "Rio Bravo" (John Wayne), "The Great Race" (Jack Lemmon & Tony Curtis), "The Naked & The Dead" (Cliff Robertson & Raymond Massey), "Inside Daisy Clover" (Natalie Wood), "Hotel" (Karl Malden & Merle Oberon), "Robin & The 7 Hoods" (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr). "Old Man & The Sea" (Spencer Tracy), "Bonnie & Clyde" (Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway), "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" (Jane Fonda & Michael Sarrazin).  My mother, Joyce B. Doran was Assistant to the Producers of: "Rio Bravo" (Howard Hawks), "Tall Story" (Josh Logan), "Dark At The Top Of The Stairs" (Michael Garrison), "My Fair Lady" (Alan Jay Lerner) and in Television worked with writers: Abby Mann ("Medical Story"), Ed Jurist ("Bewitched") & Television Producers: Mel Swope ("The Partridge Family"), Liam O'Brian ("Police Story"), Arthur Rowe ("Fantasy Island") and Irwin Allen, ("Alice & Wonderland" & "Outrage").

I have had unfortunate circumstances & health problems fill my life. Diagnosed with Diabetes at the age of 11 it has been a difficult road.  I have experienced many complications from diabetes throughout my life all leading up to a dual organ transplant in Sept. of 2005 (Kidney & Pancreas). After this amazing and miraculous event taking place in my life and after going through a major emotional and physical breakdown due to the depression and stress that is associated with the transplant process and living a selfish lifestyle, I made a decision.  That decision was to find a way to be joyful, content and happy regardless of outside influecnes and circumstances. I really did not have to look very far.  My best and dearest friend, Melissa Higdon, a salsa dancer who danced with Shawn Sallee & "Salsa Salvaje" told me for years of how much joy, fun and happiness salsa dancing brought to her life.

Once I finally got the nerve to take that first lesson, I was hooked. Getting past the fear that some of us experience regarding dancing, I was amazed at the inner joy I felt. Every time I took a class or danced at a social or a club, I forgot about all my worldly issues. The smile did not leave my face. Most every Salsa Dancer I have met during my journey has been respectful, nice, accommodating, and willing to share their skills openly.


"Valentine Doran has always been an artist and is very talented in that respect. He is very skilled in many different artistic genres.  His creative and artist abilities have enabled him to learn salsa quickly and become a confident salsa dancer.  Being an open person and someone who knows the value of honesty, allows him to make friends easily. This gives him an edge in the ability to share his skills and knowledge with others.  He is now offering to share his passion for Salsa Dancing with the L.A. Area."

If you have ever thought about learning to dance Salsa and for some reason never got around to it.  I can honestly say to you, "don’t put it off any longer."  Los Angeles is one of the hottest places in the world for Salsa right now.  There are many really great places to dance and many wonderful dancers waiting to dance with you.

Check out the Salsa Instructors Valentine and Los Angeles Salsa Studios recommends and what they have to offer.  Private & Group lessons, Boot Camps, DVDs and Choreography. You will surely find the right Salsa Instructor and Studio that fits exactly what you are looking for.

"Come ask any one of us artists who dance L.A. Style Salsa to dance, we never say, no."

Salsa is a fun & energetic way of expressing oneself, meeting new people and expanding ones circle of friends, socializing, and relieving stress, staying fit, losing weight and taking some of the anxiety out of life.




A note from World Renowned Salsa Instructor, Josie Nelgia

Warm Regards,

Josie Neglia

http://www.jnda.us/