Willie Torres
Behind the spectacular events and exciting productions of WTP Events is the man who has been devoted to Salsa and the City of Philadelphia for most of his life.  Known as the “Master of Salsa”, Willie Torres has relentlessly dedicated himself to salsa education and awareness, as well as bringing the dance and music alive in the city.  His relentless work, dedicated efforts, creativity and brilliant insight have brought and continue to bring the most electrifying and entertaining events to the “City of Brotherly Love”.

Mr. Torres’ professional life is quite fascinating and invigorating.  Besides his numerous salsa productions and events, Willie Torres has had a long career in professional boxing, construction business and involvement in the business and political communities in Philadelphia.  He is the President / CEO of Willie Torres, Inc., WT Productions, Global Salsa Association, and W.T. Boxing Promotions.  He is also the founding Partner of The Salsa Seven, Inc., producers of the World Salsa Championships held in Las Vegas, NV and Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL in 2007.
Prior to forming his own construction company, Mr. Torres, a.k.a. “Spanish Flash”, was a professional boxer, a World Contender in the Middle and Heavyweight classes with an impressive record of 16 wins out of 19 professional fights: 14 won by knockout.  He has received numerous accolades and recognitions throughout his boxing career, and in addition was the producer of Telemundo’s Boxing Entertainment events.

Over 25 years ago, Mr. Torres established, organized and opened the first Hispanic boxing gymnasium in North Philadelphia as one way of giving back to the community.  His lifelong passion and desire has always been to inspire, encourage, support and educate our youth to become productive, respectful and leaders in our communities. Mr. Torres carries on his devotion and passion which he has extended into the multicultural music, dance and performing art of “Salsa”.  Salsa is another means by which our youth can overcome individual and cultural barriers, develop their innate talents and athletic abilities while socializing and learning in a noncompetitive, nondiscriminatory environment.

For many years, Willie Torres has had an interest in salsa and produced a number of Latin American Music Festivals locally, nationally and internationally.  As a member of the World Salsa Congress, he has traveled intensely throughout different countries and cities assisting in the production of the event. Some of the places include Puerto Rico, Spain, Hawaii, Chicago, and New York. In 2002, he founded the “Salsa Life Time Excellence Awards” presented to lsmael Miranda and Puppi Lagaretta.  Mr.Torres founded and produced the 1st Annual Global Salsa Congress in 2004 in Philadelphia with 12 participating countries.  The event has evolved to include over 34 countries, currently known as “The World Salsa Championships” which was hosted in December, 2007 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. 

In addition, Mr. Torres produced Philadelphia’s first ever “Salsa on the Parkway” bringing together artists such as La India and Huey Dunbar. He also produced the largest assembly of Salsa dancers at one location breaking the Guinness Book of World Record with a total of 4,250 people dancing to the same routine!  On July 3, 2007, Mr. Torres was instrumental in bringing together a variety of Latin Artists for the “Salsa Con Salsa Fiesta Goya” such as Michael Stuart, Adalberto Santiago, Tito Puente Orquesta and various dance showcase performances.

Moreover, Mr. Torres has been heavily involved in the political community, including his work as a campaign coordinator for previous mayoral and judicial candidates. He is well-known and highly recognized for his tremendous service to Philadelphia. The community is fortunate to have such a caring and phenomenal individual that is able to share, teach and encourage others to partake in his two, albeit perhaps oddly juxtaposed, passions of boxing and salsa. His work in these two areas has undoubtedly brought continuous positive change to the community and touched the lives of many.