Song credit: "Mama Said Knock You Out," LL Cool J
🔥 Rob Is Back at VMAC 🔥
After a year away, Rob makes his return to the Portland Casino scene. Known for clean technique, sharp partnerwork, and a teaching style that somehow mixes humor with “wow, I actually learned something,” he’s stepping back into the studio.
Expect high-energy Casino, real Cuban flavor, and classes that level you up without the fluff.
Portland’s Casino game is about to get an upgrade!
"Outside of the Cubans, [Rob is] one of the best Casino dancers in the United States."
Robert is a talented and focused individual. When he sets his mind to mastering something, he succeeds. His drive is one of his greatest qualities, as well as his impeccable attention to detail.
Allison Lee
Co-Director, Timbadelic
San Francisco, CA
[I] highly recommend this class. I went to Cuba and heard many times that I'd obviously had a great instructor... this is about the highest praise for a dance teacher: to have a native dancer say you're doing it well. Rob knows his stuff and continues to learn from the masters.
Lori Peterson
[Rob is] freakishly easy to follow. At one point, we were dancing, and all of a sudden, I realized, "Oh... we're doing Tornillo."
Whitney Dawson
Former team mate,
Salsa Vale Todo
About School of Rob
Who the hell is this guy?
Starting his training in Casino (Cuban-style partner dance) in September 2005 in the Bay Area, Rob Hilario is an original member of Salsa Vale Todo in San Francisco, CA. The group started in 2007. He parted ways with the group in 2011.
Having trained in the United States, Spain, Portugal, and Cuba itself, Rob is described as having "super clean" and "flawless" technique. Rob is thoroughly well-versed in calling and choreographing Rueda de Casino (the group form of Casino), as shown in recent performances (see below).
However, Rob's true strength is his mastery of partnering technique, angles, handwork, and footwork to make social dancing enjoyable for follows as well as leads.
Relocated to Portland in April 2012, Rob is eager to share his knowledge of Casino with the Pacific Northwest. He is thrilled to join a community of dancers he highly respects and has a long-standing friendship with.
Need a more detailed introduction to Casino? Check out Rob's blog post!
Any other questions? You can contact Rob directly.
Thanks to...
Rob would like to thank the following people who have influenced him the most in all facets of his life:
John Abiol, his uncle: For displaying the value of showing strength by staying calm and staying relaxed. Admittedly, it's something Rob's had to practice frequently. He's trying his best.
Dianna Abiol, his aunt: For showing him that he shouldn't take b.s. from anyone. May she rest in peace.
Louis Reynaud: For giving him the stern wake-up call, read: ass-kicking, when he really needed it, and showing him the value of hard work and tireless dedication.
Out of all the people Rob has ever met in his life, he's the one Rob owes the most to.
Duane Wrenn: For showing him Casino concepts he had never been shown before, and for sound advice on becoming an Instructor.
Mike Eskeldson: For displaying the value of showmanship and charisma while instructing and performing (another thing Rob is still working on), and for gently pushing Rob into teaching more in late 2011.
He owes you a ton of lunches, Mike.
Rumbanana Salsa Group: For planting the "Why don't you just move to Oregon" thought in Rob's head in October 2010, and for your full support on his move to Portland in April 2012.
Allison Lee: For being the voice of reason and professionalism, and for keeping him grounded. He may not listen all the time, but he's glad to know that voice is there!
Royland Lobato: For showing him how high-quality Guaguancó should be done.
Richenda Hawkins and Alana Dobner: For listening, being a confidant, and letting him crash in your spare room/couch whenever he really needed it.
Oh, and for all the trail mix and chocolate almond milk.
Anejo Productions and DJ Antonio: For providing the countless venues and quality Timba for Rob and other San Francisco Casineros to perfect their craft.
Sidney Weaverling and Ryan Mead: While Rob started his Casino training with other instructors, he didn't make "the leap" until he started training with the Directors of Rueda con Ritmo, both of whom increased his vocabulary and introduced different concepts to enhance his Casino.
and lastly, to salsanick: for Rob's first steps, and more importantly, for teaching him invaluable lessons about great leadership and class (read: what NOT to do).