U.S. & World

4 Students Accuse Star Choreographer Of Rape

Alex Da Silva Arrested, Held On $3.8 Million Bail

LOS ANGELES (CBS) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 2: Celebrity choreographer Alex Da Silva, seen in this mug shot, was arrested on April 4, 2009, on suspicion of sexually assaulting four of his students.
Click to enlarge 2 of 2: Celebrity choreographer Alex Da Silva was arrested on April 4, 2009, on suspicion of sexually assaulting four of his students.
www.alexdasilva.com/AP

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Well-known salsa dancer and TV performer Alex DaSilva was arrested Saturday on suspicion of four counts of sexual assault.

DaSilva, 41, was accused of sexually assaulting four dance students between May 2003 and March 28, 2009. Police say DaSilva, a professional choreographer, lured the women to his homes in North Hollywood and Van Nuys and used a ruse to get them into his bedroom where he allegedly raped them.

The dance instructor and choreographer is being held on $3.8 million bail.

DaSilva won the World Salsa Dancing Championships in 2002 and 2007 and currently teaches at the Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood and the Mayan Club in downtown Los Angeles. DaSilva also choreographs and performs for the reality TV show "So You Think You Can Dance."

Officials believe DaSilva may have assaulted other women and encourage the public to call. Tipsters can call Van Nuys sexual assault detectives at (818) 374-1926. After hours, tips can be made to 1-877-527-3247. Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD." Tipsters may remain anonymous.