Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! With an array of repertoire spanning from the baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, TSQ performs versatile programs that take listeners on a rousing musical journey through time and a multitude of musical genres.

René Dennis Thompson has been a professional Latin dancer for 37 years, 30 of those years as an instructor and choreographer. He began his career in Cuba in 1973 with a small role as an actor in the popular theater company "4 de Abil" under the direction of Tito Junco. Many other amateur theaters and dance companies helped him develop his artistic vocation. In the early 1980s talent hunters discovered Rene's versatility and soon he became a great Afro-Cuban dancer, performing with several well-known choreographers, directors, and dance companies, further developing his unique style.

1986 brought him into the world of night shows at the most prestigious clubs in Cuba, such as the Tropicana. His energetic and charismatic dance got the attention of many famous choreographers and directors from all over the world. René has performed traditional Afro-Cuban and popular Latin dance all over the world and in many music videos and movies with popular U.S. and international artists, including Will Smith, John Leguizamo, Gloria Estefan, and the Miami Sound Machine.

Born and trained in Cuba, René brings a wealth of knowledge of music and dance and its cultural context to his audience. He teaches the uniquely Cuban steps of Salsa, Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Mambo, and other traditional Cuban rhythms. He always includes the heart of the Cuban style, which has its foundation in Africa and Spain, as well as his homeland of Cuba.

Salsa del Soul is a Twin Cities-based, nine-piece orchestra performing various styles of dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean. Salsa del Soul was formed with the purpose to provide great dance music for Twin Cities Salsa fans. The musicians of Salsa del Soul represent some of the finest talents in the Twin Cities Latin music scene. The styles of music they perform include Son, Son Montuno, Plena, Cha-cha-cha, Bachata, Timba, and, of course, Salsa! Salsa del Soul performs locally at restaurants and bars, jazz and Latin festivals, private engagements, and other locations and events. Salsa del Soul has been making superb dance music around the Twin Cities and the Midwest region for more than a decade, providing top-notch talent delivered in the most professional fashion consistently and expeditiousl —the fruits of which can be recognized in Salsa del Soul's long list of clients and long-standing performance venues.