Our Story
The story of Carisma is the story of Isabel and Cristina, two sisters who grew up in Rio, Brazil and now call California their home; whose passion for the ancient dance form of Samba and their love for Brazil culminated into this warm, welcoming dance academy in the heart of the Bay Area. Their story spans two continents and so does the story of Carisma.
Dancing, rhythm and beats are an integral part of Brazilian life, Isabel’s first introduction to dance, like most Brazilians, was early on in life at the street (dance) parties - as a way to hang out with old friends and make new ones - she realized early on that to her Dance was Happiness and A Way of Life. She taught herself many Latin dance forms like Zumba, Flamingo, Hip-Hop, Samba, Salsa, Bachata among others and soon started formally competing internationally and performing as a professional dancer. After years of being part of the glamorous world of professional Salsa dancing, an injury brought her back to her roots - Samba. Isabel had always enjoyed teaching and nurturing young talent, and while the world of dance is a glamorous one, it can also be an unforgiving one in the form of impossible body standards and cut-throat competition that it demands of its practitioners - so when Isabel and Cristina came together to lay down the foundation for Carisma; they wanted to create a warm welcoming studio where students of all shapes, sizes and color felt at home and where one came to learn, to build confidence as much as to hang out with friends, both old and new.
Our moto is Movement | Poise | Confidence.
The academy strives to impart excellence to its students in a safe, encouraging environment under the nourishing guidance of her teacher Isabel.
Meet the Team
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Isabel Montiel
FOUNDER
Movement. Confidence. Poise.
Isabel De Montiel is the founder and director of Carisma Dance Academy, based in Redwood City. With over 18 years of dance experience, she specializes in working with beginners, children and seniors (60+) and creating a welcoming, inclusive space for all body types, skill levels and backgrounds.
A Certified Image Consultant and lifelong artist, Isabel blends Latin dance with personal development—helping students build confidence, poise, and a powerful presence both on and off the dance floor. She is trained and experienced in Salsa, Brazilian Samba no Pé, Bachata and other Latin dances. A native Brazilian, she brings not only her dance expertise but also deep cultural knowledge and the rich meaning behind Samba and other rhythms. Isabel brings warmth, clarity, and deep care to every class.
Through Carisma, Isabel is building a movement of empowerment through dance—where everyone is welcome to show up, grow, and shine.
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Cristina Montiel
FOUNDING MEMBER
Born and raised in Brazil, Cristina grew up immersed in the rhythm of pagodes, latin music, and the vibrant pulse of Brazilian culture. From a young age, she discovered her passion for dance, a love that has only deepened through the years and across continents. Now based in the Bay Area, Cristina is the co-founder of Carisma Dance, a samba-focused dance academy she launched alongside her sister, Isabel Montiel. Together, the two have created a space where women can connect with the spirit of Brazil through the art of dance—sharing joy, strength, and sisterhood one samba step at a time.
Before Carisma, Cristina’s dance journey led her through belly dance and salsa, eventually becoming a lead dancer and captain of the Protégé Team at Montuno Dance Company, where she performed at venues all over the Bay Area. Her love for dance goes beyond movement—it’s about the vibrant colors, the transformative costumes, the energy of performance, and the freedom of self-expression. (Her favorite color? A bright, joyful yellow.) In addition to her work in dance, Cristina is also a founding member of Novella Real Estate, where she’s helped countless families and individuals find their dream homes. Her background in business and community work brings a grounded, empowering energy to everything she does—on the dance floor and beyond.
Whether she’s performing under the spotlight, guiding a first-time homebuyer, or teaching samba to women looking to reconnect with themselves, Cristina leads with passion, purpose, and, of course, carisma.
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Gisselle
FOUNDING MEMBER
A founding member of our Samba dance group, Gisselle brings rhythm, energy, and sparkle to every performance. With a dance personality as vibrant as our costumes, she embodies the spirit of Samba—joyful, dynamic, and full of life. Her commitment and passion have been at the heart of the group's journey from the very beginning, lighting up the stage with every step.
Offstage, Gisselle is just as spirited. A lifelong learner and explorer, she’s pursued everything from massage therapy and midwifery training to co-running an auto repair business with her husband—and their new puppy. She’s often found under the hood working on car projects, a hands-on hobby that fuels her creativity. She's currently diving into cooking classes, photography, and foreign languages, all while planning her next international adventure.
On the team, Gisselle’s color is green—a perfect match for her love of nature and vibrant energy. Whether in costume or not, chances are she’s wearing something green. It’s her signature shade, symbolizing growth, harmony, and that bold sparkle she brings to everything she does.
Green is her color, Samba is her rhythm, and life is her playground.
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Tajmah Martin
FOUNDING MEMBER
Tajmah is a lifelong dancer whose journey began the moment she could walk. With rhythm in her bones and joy in her spirit, she’s been dancing throughout her life, lighting up stages and hearts at festivals, special events, and most recently, the vibrant celebration of Carnival. Whether it’s a freestyle moment or a choreographed performance, Tajmah brings her full self—grace, energy, and authenticity.But dance is just one piece of her powerful story.
For the past 20 years, Tajmah has been dedicated to the field of education, and she currently serves as the Director of an Early Childhood Center. Her passion for learning, culture, and creativity comes alive every day through her leadership. She even showcased her love for dance during one of her program’s International Days, inspiring both children and educators to celebrate movement and heritage.
When she’s not dancing or leading with purpose, you’ll find Tajmah by the beach—her personal sanctuary. The ocean speaks to her soul, which is why blue is her color: calming, bold, and deeply rooted, just like her.

Movement
| Poise | Confidence.

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