The I and V of IV Motion

About Us

We first met in college. Then we found each other again in Birmingham, AL in 2017. We re-met at a Ballroom Studio where Irene was taking Tango Privates and Victor was starting his first day as a Ballroom teacher in Birmingham. We became dance partners, and then life partners. 

Enamored by the art of Latin Dance, specifically Zouk, we planned our first guest Professional Teachers class in the Birmingham Area. To bring awareness to the event, we branched off and began teaching Adult dance classes under our own name. We started a dance company in 2018, IV Motion (Irene & Victor Motion). It grew to the point our students pushed us for a Latin Dance Team. And now we teach out of multiple locations locally. Our main focus is Salsa and Bachata, but we teach ballroom, jazz, contemporary and more. Our goal is to share the life changing and inner healing aspect of dance.

Meet our TA: Ellie!

Ellie Kennedy brings a rare blend of technical precision, musical sensitivity, and pure love of movement to IV Motion. Her passion for rhythm began early, expressed through a childhood love of tap dancing that sparked a fascination with musicality and expressive footwork. This foundation was further developed at Daphne High School under Marsha Foster, where Ellie received formative training in ballet, contemporary, and lyrical dance. During her tenure, the winter guard became a two‑time WGI World Championships Semi‑Finalist and earned the title of Circuit Champion.

Ellie’s performance career expanded at Jacksonville State University with the Marching Southerners and Center Stage Performance Ensemble under the leadership of Rodney Bailey and Ken Bodiford. Her time there was marked by earning titles as a SAPA Independent Open Class Champion and a WGI World Semi‑Finalist, as well as a historic performance aboard the USS Missouri for the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. It was also at JSU in 2016 that her Latin journey began with the Hardcorps GoGos under Noelle Stovall, where she first embraced the challenge of learning salsa basics.

Her performance versatility extends to musical theatre, featuring productions of The Wiz, Peter Pan, and Hello, Dolly! under the direction of Carrie Colton, Brian Rothwell, and Annslyn Pilkington. At the Oxford Performing Arts Center, she made history by choreographing the center’s first-ever flag piece for The Wiz. In 2021, inspired by fellow professional Raven Pugh, Ellie joined IV Motion’s fan dance team. Studying intensively under Irene Naranjo and Victor Williams, she earned a 3rd Place trophy in the Bachata Pro‑Am Open Class at the 2024 Salsa Summit Championships.

By day, Ellie is an accomplished Senior Accountant, graduating summa cum laude from JSU. This analytical background gives her a unique ability to break down rhythm and technique with surgical precision. As an educator with five years of experience across the Southeast, Ellie creates a classroom environment that is energetic, supportive, and deeply rooted in artistry—helping students of all levels grow in confidence and truly feel the music.

Irene

Growing up in a small Southern town, Irene was often the only Hispanic kid in her school. Her mom’s solution? Keep her moving. She stayed busy with Tae Kwon Do, soccer, and—the one that eventually took over her life—dance.

That drive took her a long way from home. She co-founded her high school team, Titan Pride, and eventually traveled to London and Paris to perform in New Year’s Parades as a UDA All Star. She studied Flamenco and Ballet Folklorico in Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico at the Casa de las Cultura. While at the University of Alabama, she didn't just take classes—she trained under heavyweights like Cornelius Carter (Alvin Ailey), Rita Snider, and John Virciglio, digging deep into Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary styles.

When she hit the competitive circuit, the hard work paid off. Irene took home 1st place at the World Salsa Summit with the Los Angeles Bachata Queens as the only zoomed-in student, 2nd in the Rising Star Bachata Classic, and 3rd in the Rising Star Bachata Cabaret.

These days, Irene is the one calling the shots. She’s the choreographer and director of Southern Señoritas, co-choreographer for Southern Gentlemen, and co-coach for Southern Motion Elite 2024 (who recently took 3rd in the Bachata Pro-Am Open at the World Salsa Summit).

She has trained with renown professionals Gabriela Equiz, Elian Gomez, Roy & Jeannette, Terri Atkinson, Javier & Kiki, and Maria Catalan, among others.

For Irene, it’s about more than just a clean routine. She’s focused on building confidence and making sure the dance floor is a place where everyone feels they belong. Whether she’s coaching pros or teaching a beginner their first step, her goal is the same: helping dancers find their own rhythm and shine.

Victor

Victor's journey in dance began at Spain Park High School, where he took his first steps into the world of partnership dance classes. Before discovering dance, Victor excelled as a linebacker and a Junior Olympic track star, showcasing his remarkable athleticism and dedication to sports. A dedicated athlete at heart, Victor initially envisioned a future in sports. However, a severe neck injury shifted his path, and he discovered a new passion—dance—while attending The University of Alabama.

During his time at UA, Victor immersed himself in Hip Hop and Contemporary dance classes and joined the UA Ballroom Club, fueling his newfound enthusiasm for movement and expression. After earning his degree in Hospitality and Event Planning, he relocated to Naples, Florida, to pursue a career in event planning. It was there that Victor's dance journey deepened as he trained at a local Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

Victor's passion and dedication eventually led him to Tampa, Florida, where he became the male instructor at The Hip Room. Under the mentorship of Kristen Breaux, Johnny, and Lisa, he honed his skills and expanded his repertoire. After gaining valuable experience, Victor returned to his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, to teach and train at Champions Latin and Ballroom.

Victor has achieved notable recognition in his dance career, including placing 2nd in Rising Star Bachata Classic and 3rd in Rising Star Bachata Cabaret. He is the director and co-choreographer of Southern Gentlemen and Southern Motion, as well as the co-coach and co-choreographer of Southern Motion Elite 2024, which recently placed 3rd in Bachata Pro-Am Open at the World Salsa Summit.

Over the years, Victor has participated in numerous Ballroom, Salsa, Bachata, and Zouk conventions, continually refining his craft. He has trained with renowned professionals such as  Gabriela Equiz, Kadu & Larrissa, Javier & KiKi, Terri Atkinson, and Elian Gomez, among others. Victor’s journey is a testament to his resilience and passion, blending athleticism and artistry into a lifelong love for dance.