Mercedez Surita was born in Brooklyn, NY of Puerto Rican decent. Her passion for music began as a young child with traditional and urban beats. For 9 years, she was featured in the Puerto Rican Parade dancing tribal music also known as Bomba Y Plena. It was there that she discovered her love of music and the need to be part of it. Mercedez has dedicated over 30 years to her passion, to include singing with choirs and Motown shows, being a disk jockey and teaching salsa. In 2011, she found her next venture in Zumba Fitness. The eclectic mix of music immediately hooked Mercedez. Her big city upbringing has allowed her to bring a hip and urban flavor to traditional dance. She truly enjoys the mix and most of all sharing it with friends.