NEW VENUE - ‘The HAWTHORN Hotel’ !! |
| ||
| Join Bailando Salsa on Wednesday June 24th to celebrate their reopening.
Bigger venue. More dance moves. More people. Join them for the re-launch of Bailando – Melbourne's best brand of Salsa-tainment!
Click here to check out Bailando's new venue http://www.bailando.com.au |
| ||
| NEW CLASS SCHEDULE |
| ||
| SALSA WEDNESDAY $15/class ($25 for 2 classes) The Hawthorn - 481 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn (map) URBAN & SUAVE STYLE Click here to watch Bailando in action | |||
Where to Salsa in Melbourne?
- Click here to see the current listing of salsa events and classes in Melbourne.
- Click here for an alphabetical list of salsa schools, venues, event organisers in Melbourne
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Bailando's New Venue and Class Schedule
Friday, May 15, 2009
Ballet Bootcamp on Sat

Host: | |
| Type: | |
| Network: | Global |
| Date: | 16 May 2009 |
| Time: | 12:00 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Rosina Auditorium, Abbotsford Convent |
| Street: | 1 St. Heliers St, Abbotsford |
| Town/City: | Melbourne, Australia |
| Email: |
Description
*** BALLET BOOTCAMP IS HERE ***Strengthen core muscles!
Increase flexibility and balance!
Based on classical technique and contemporary methods!
BYO Yoga mat or towel
Beginners and experienced dancers alike!
Recession-fit @ $10 for one hour!!
I know this is not salsa, but it can help your dancing in general, and my friend, the ballet instructor asked me to add this information for you.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Beginners Salsa Workshop using Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais
| Salsa Workshop | |
| with David Hall and Wendy Twibill Sunday 10th May 2009, 10AM - 5PM, $150 At Prana House, Thornbury Beginners Salsa Workshop using Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais.
Salsa is a style of music and a partner dance that originally hails from Cuba. The music is absolutely infectious and the dance is exciting, infinitely flexible and a great deal of fun. To dance Salsa well, is to move simply, synchronously and most importantly, to move in time. |
Friday, May 01, 2009
Zouk Workshops by Gaspar Rebeiro & Donna Wild + Competition

Zouk Workshops this Saturday 02 May '09 by GASPAR REBEIRO (Brazil) & DONNA WILD (Sydney)
- Brazilian Zouk Dance Workshops
- Performances
- Private lessons
- Zouk Dance Competition – Melbourne’s 1st
Date & Location for Worshops, Party & Performances:
Saturday 2nd May ‘09, Town Hall Hotel, Richmond, Melbourne, Australia
Instructors / Artists:
Gaspar Ribeiro (Brazil) & Donna Wild (Sydney)
Workshop Times, Levels and Pricing:
Workshop 1:
7 - 8pm, Open Level, Cost $25
From the fundamentals to stunning steps for the dance floor!
Workshop 2:
8.15 - 9.15pm, Intermediate level, Cost $25
Dynamic dips and show moves! Donna & Gaspar are famous for their dynamic dips. Come and see why.
Private Lessons (with guest instructors):
$120 for a couple or single
Performances By:
Gaspar Ribeiro (Brazil) & Donna Wild (Sydney)
Party Entry & Location:
Town Hall Hotel, Richmond, Melbourne, Entry $15 non-members & for $10 members
DJ:
Mick Williams (Conga Room, Town Hall Hotel & Night Cat)
Zouk Dance Competition: Melbourne’s 1st ever - Anyone can participate!
Date: Saturday 2nd May ‘09
Description: Free style ‘AMATEUR’ level competition; Couples only (no soloists)
Prizes: The winning couple will receive ‘2 Full Free Passes’ (valued over $600) to the
2nd Annual International Brisbane Salsa & Brazilian Dance Congress, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia,
5 – 8th June ’09
Judges: Ming-Li Hafon (Melbourne), Donna Wild (Sydney) & Gaspar Ribeiro (Brazil)
Bookings essential / Enquiries for Workshops, Competition, Private Lessons And Party:
Contact Donovan 0417 640 033 or email: info@latinizedance.com.au or www.melbournezouk.com.au
COMING SOON TO MELBOURNE!!
LARISSA AND KADU (BRAZIL / BRISBANE)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Dance for the Bushfire Appeal

On Friday, the 27th of February instructors of Melbourne are coming together to teach workshops with all monies raised donated to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Workshops will include Hip Hop, Brazilian Samba, Salsa and Bachata by some of Melbourne's best instructors.
So get all your mates together and dance for the cause! Let’s help out so many others that have lost so much!
*More classes to be announced shortly
Each class will run for 1hr for a donation of $15 or $25/2 classes, $40/3classes and $50/4 classes.
Please bring CASH ONLY on the night as there are no credit facilities, sorry for any inconvenience.
All instructors and parties involved are donating their time!
Studio 1
- 6pm - Bachata moves by Brooke and Sep (Brooklyn Dance) - Beg/Int
- 7pm - Hip Hop by JC Reyes (IUAC) - Beg/Int
- 8pm - Brazilian Samba by Angela - Intro/Beg
- 9pm - Salsa/Shines by Anika and David – Int/Adv
Studio 2
- 6pm - Afro-Cuban Rumba by Manuel (Candela Dance) - Beg/Int
- 7pm - Street Cha Cha by Peter and Annmarie (Melbourne Dance Rhythm) - Beg/Int
- 8pm - Salsa turn patterns Jerome and Marie (Bailando) – Beg/Int
- 9pm - Spins by Sharon Pakir (Spin City) - Open
Workshops will be held at Broken Mirror, 2C Staley Street, Brunswick (near the corner of Sydney Rd and Blyth St)
For more information please contact Brooke 0433 680 980 or brooklyndance@hotmail.com
Facebook: Brooklyn Dance
Thursday, February 05, 2009
The BURN Collective Performance at the Sydney Salsa Congress 2009
The BURN COLLECTIVE performing at the Sydney Salsa congress!
They got a standing ovation in front of a huge crowd and lots of positive feedback.
The Burn Collective brought together the following dance schools:
IUAC Dance Arts Studio
Bailando Latin Dance
Synergy Salsa
Brooklyn Dance
Melbourne Dance Rhythm
I am glad to see that those dance schools came together to represent Melbourne. The Burn team really made Melbourne proud, since only 4 out of the 30+ international troupes got a standing ovation.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Carlito's Way @ OceanBlue tonight
Here's a last-minute announcement for you all:
Carlito's Way, a 9 piece Latin band is playing @ Ocean Blue tonight, on Wednesday, December 3. Free Entry from 9:30pm.
Address:
Ocean Blue, 6 Waterfront Place, Port Melbourne (MELWAY Ref 2J A7)
About Carlito's Way:
One of the most powerful bands to hit the Latin scene in long time Carlitos' Way, is the answer to those in need of the authentic sounds of Cuban music. Since their debut performance in Melbourne on the first day of the spring 2006, the band has created a fresh and unique sound that inspires all people, and have very rapidly established a reputation to be one of Melbourne's best.
The band is fronted by Carlos (Carlitos) Perez who is an exceptionally talented Cuban vocalist and percussionist with the passion to defend his musical roots, which are the fondation of many of the Latin Music styles that continue to develop across the world. The other seven members are a selection of Australia's finest musicians who come together with a shared spirit for this music.
Carlitos' Way is the first band in the country to represent purely Cuban music and they will continue to fight for the future of this music in Australia.
(Information courtesy of Caliente Promotions)
See my earlier post about Wednesdays @ Ocean Blue for more information on the night.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Christmas, New Year and other parties - Nov/Dec 2008
| Fr. Nov. 21th 2008 | Competition Night | Level 1, 432 Church St Richmond, Vic 3121 |
| Fr. 21th November To Sun. 23th November 2008 | SPRING SHAKE YOUR BOOTY CAMP! | Tramway Road—Mt. Evelyn (50min from Melbourne) |
| Sat. Nov. 22nd 2008 | Tropicana Summer Latin Party | Hot Rock Diner, next to Village Cinema, Werribee Shopping Plaza |
| Sat. Nov. 22nd 2008 | Candela Dance Spectacular! | Spencers Live - 419 Spencer Street, Melbourne |
| Fr. Nov. 28th 2008 | Social Dance (Star Studios’ Famous). GALA NIGHT Last Friday of the Month | Star Studios Level One 325 Centre Road Bentleigh 3204 |
| Fr. Nov. 28th 2008 | Salsa in the City @ the Park Hyatt | Park Hyatt - 1 Parliament Square Melb. MEL REF 2G A2 |
| Dec. 6th 2008 | Latin 247 Party | @ Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote |
| Dec. 7th 2008 | Salsa Cruise #7 - Cruising Port Phillip Bay | |
| Dec. 13th 2008 | Salsa Spectacular @ Ormond Hall | Ormond Hall 557 St Kilda Rd Melb |
| Dec. 13th 2008 | Bachata Bootcamp Crazy with World Renowned Bachata King -Tony Lara! | Coppin Hall 313 Punt Rd, Prahran. For bookings call 0414446794 |
| Wed. Dec. 17th 2008 | Summer Grand Final Dress Rehearsal! | Level 1, 432 Church St Richmond, Vic 3121 |
| Sat. Dec. 20 2008 | Annual Salsa Ball | 4 Thames Promendade, Chelsea |
| Sun. Dec. 6th 2008 | Dress Rehearsal! San Remo Ballroom | 365 Nicholson St, Carlton North |
| Sat. Dec. 20th 2008 | Showcase Ball! San Remo Ballroom | 365 Nicholson St, Carlton North |
| Christmas Party | ||
| Fr. Nov. 28th 2008 | Christmas Coctail Friday Party! | Richmond - Level 1, 493 Church st. |
| Nov. 29th 2008 | Xmas party/ dance party! | 478 smith street fitzroy |
| Sat. Dec. 6th 2008 | XMAS PARTY! | Northcote Town Hall, High Street, Northcote |
| Sat. Dec. 20th 2008 | Summer Competition Grand Final and Christmas Party!!! | Level 1, 432 Church St Richmond, Vic 3121 |
| New Year Party | ||
| Dec. 31th 2008 | NEW YEARS EVE 2008! | RIO CARINVALE at the Point Albert Park |
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
New Venue Launch: MarAzul @ Ocean Blue (Port Melbourne) on Wednesdays
Good news for Melbourne salseros(-as)! No more boredom in the middle of the week - who else wants to have fun and dance on Wednesdays?By popular demand, DJs Nas & Boricua Nights are proud to present MarAzul @ Ocean Blue in Port Melbourne (started on November 12, 2008) every Wednesday!
The night will kick off at 8pm with the Cuban Dance Academy dance classes (8:00-9:00pm Beginners, 9:00-10:00pm Intermediate) and a BBQ.
That will be followed by a dance party, featuring salsa, R&B, reggaeton and hip hop spinned by DJs Nas, Andrew Avi and Adam Trace.
Address:
Ocean Blue, 6 Waterfront Place, Port Melbourne (MELWAY Ref 2J A7)
Date & Time:
12 November 2008, 8pm - late
Entry:
Aloha BBQ Package - $20 (Entry, BBQ, Drink, Dance class) - between 8:00pm and 9:30pm
or
$10 entry after 9:30pm
Friday, October 31, 2008
November 2008 Events
| Sat, 1 Nov, 6pm - 3am | PACHANGA in the CITY @ THREE DEGREES BAR AND BREWERY, 1 QV Square cnr Lonsdale and Swanston Streets, MELBOURNE |
| Sat, 1 Nov, 8pm - 1am | Fiesta Candela: Salsa-Latino Dance Party 'SPOOKY Edition!'. Cafe Beelzebub, 353 Smith Street, Fitzroy |
| Sat, 1 Nov, 10pm | Del Barrio playing in Fitzroy, Graffitti Club, 62 - 70 Johnston st, Fitzroy |
| Sat, 1 Nov, 7pm - 2am | Latin Dance Party, Showy Salsa, The Spanish Club, 56 Johnston St, Fitzroy |
| Sun, 2 Nov, 7pm - 10pm | Latin Party @ St Kilda Sea Baths |
| Sun, 2 Nov, 9:30pm - late | Salsa DJ Mick Williams and Live Latin band Rumberos or Los Cabrones @ The Night Cat 141 Johnston St, Fitzroy |
| Tue, 4 Nov, 1pm - 6pm | Spin City Dance - Cup Day Picnic, Flagstaff Gardens, Williams St, Melbourne |
| Sat, 8 Nov, 8pm - 1am | Salsa Spectacular @ Ormond Hall 557 St Kilda Rd Melb (adj Belgium Beer Cafe) Enter via Moubray St. |
| Sat, 8 Nov, 10pm | Del Barrio playing in Fitzroy, Graffitti Club, 62 - 70 Johnston st, Fitzroy |
| Sun, 9 Nov, 7pm - 10pm | Latin Party @ St Kilda Sea Baths |
| Sun, 9 Nov, 9:30pm - late | Salsa DJ Mick Williams and Live Latin band Rumberos or Los Cabrones @ The Night Cat 141 Johnston St, Fitzroy |
| Wed, 12 Nov, 8:00pm - late | MarAzul @ Ocean Blue, 6 Waterfront Place, Port Melbourne (MELWAY Ref 2J A7) |
| Sat, 15 Nov 3pm - 11pm | Johnston St Fiesta, Johnston St, Fitzroy (between Brunswick & Nicolson St). |
| Sun, 16 Nov 2pm - 10pm | Johnston St Fiesta, Johnston St, Fitzroy (between Brunswick & Nicolson St). |
| Sun, 16 Nov, 7pm - 10pm | Latin Party @ St Kilda Sea Baths, Jacka Blvd, St Kilda |
| Sun, 16 Nov, 9:30pm - late | Salsa DJ Mick Williams and Live Latin band Rumberos or Los Cabrones @ The Night Cat 141 Johnston St, Fitzroy |
| Fri, 21 Nov, 8:30pm - 1am | Salsa Mambolita Dance Party, Spencers Live, 419 Spencer St, Melbourne |
| Sun, 22 Nov, 7pm - 10pm | Latin Party @ St Kilda Sea Baths, Jacka Blvd, St Kilda |
| Sun, 23 Nov, 9:30pm - late | Salsa DJ Mick Williams and Live Latin band Rumberos or Los Cabrones @ The Night Cat 141 Johnston St, Fitzroy |
| Tue, 25 Nov, 9pm - 11pm | Bailando Salsa night @ Plan B, 274 Bridge road, Richmond |
| Fri, 28 Nov, 10pm - 2am | Salsa in the City, Radii Bar @ Park Hyatt - 1 Parliament Square Melbourne (MELWAY REF 2G A2) |
| Sat, 29 Nov, 7pm - | New York Salsa Nights, The Order of Melbourne. Level 2/401 Swanston St, Melbourne |
| Sun, 30 Nov, 6pm - | Yarra's Edge Bar & Cafe, Yarra's Edge. Located right off Lorimer St, Docklands |
| Sun, 22 Nov, 7pm - 10pm | Latin Party @ St Kilda Sea Baths, Jacka Blvd, St Kilda |
| Sun, 23 Nov, 9:30pm - late | Salsa DJ Mick Williams and Live Latin band Rumberos or Los Cabrones @ The Night Cat 141 Johnston St, Fitzroy |
Legend | |
| Green | Weekly events |
| Yellow | Monthly events |
| Blue | Once-in-a-blue-moon events |
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Reggaeton: What do you guys think?
It causes me to feel considerable annoyance to find that some of the most popular venues amongst salsa dancers in Melbourne play more and more reggaeton. Personally, I find this music repetitive and dull, with rare exception, and most importantly very boring to dance to.
The explanations that I heard about why they play reggaeton included:
- People who can't dance salsa can join in and do the usual night club dance - move from one foot to another and shake.
- Salsa dancers don't drink enough alcohol to keep the events going, so DJs switch to reggaeton to force them to drink more because they can't dance to it and have to do something else.
I would like to ask you: What do you think about reggaeton? Should it be played during salsa parties? What percentage of reggaeton music do you find acceptable? Can organisers/DJs who play mostly reggaeton and a little bit of salsa still call their events "salsa parties"? What do you do when reggaeton comes on?
C'mon, there are over fifty visitors to this site daily, some of you should have an opinion. Feel free to add your comments.
St Kilda Sea Baths 2008-2009 Is Now On
Every Sunday this summer flock to the Sea Baths (Jacka Bvld, St Kilda) to dance reggaeton and salsa.
The night starts with a salsa/rueda class by the Cuban Dance Academy at 5pm, and continues with Latin DJs spinning reggaeton and a bit of salsa from 6pm until 10pm.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Melbourne International Bachata Festival - 13-14 September 2008
Remember this is a ONCE OFF event! - Jorge is coming all the way from the USA to pass on his knowledge to the art of Bachata. You'll also get a chance to get up close and personal with Jorge and Juan on the dance floor at the Salsa Mambolita Dance Party held on Saturday night Sept 13. There will be FIVE great performances on the night and we'll also have our local resident DJ 'Rafa' playing great salsa tunes with guest Sydney DJ Juan blending he's new Bachata collection. For those of you who know a little Zouk, there will also be a few tunes played.
If you book the bootcamp & Workshop you will pay only $10 entry to the Mambolita Dance Party - Book now to avoid disappointment synergysalsa@gmail.com
Here are all the details................
International Mambolita Dance Party, Bachata Bootcamp & Workshops Sept 13 & 14!!!
Proudly presenting the BACHATA 'king of King's '- Jorge Elizondo from the United States & Juan 'El Bachatero' Ruiz. Bringing you a weekend of a whole new concept in Bachata dancing called BACHATA FUSION
SALSA MAMBOLITA DANCE PARTY – SATURDAY 13th SEPTEMBER
GUEST DJ FROM SYDNEY AND LIVE BACHATA PERFORMANCES!!
DJ Juan 'El Bachatero' as well as our resident DJ Rafael will be spinning great Salsa tunes along with a blend of Bachata & a touch of Zouk!
FIVE (5) Great performances not to be missed by
Juan Riuz & Sam (NSW)
Mitch & Natalie (NSW)
Alex Bryant (Latitude Dance Company) – Zouk (VIC)
Peter & Lexy – Zouk (VIC)
CDA – ASC National Comp Routine (VIC)
8:30pm – 1:00am - Spencers Live – 419 Spencer Street, Melbourne ~ Tickets $15 at the door
8.30pm – 9.30pm* FREE* International Bachata Rueda Class with Jorge (Included in entry price)
INTERNATIONAL BACHATA BOOTCAMPS & WORKSHOPS – SEPT 13 & 14
The weekend has been carefully designed so that those who have never danced or attended a Bachata class can attend the bootcamps first. The bootcamps are designed to accelerate your bachata and prepare you for the workshops being held on the Sunday.
If your not sure which workshops you would like to do, those which I consider are a must do are
- Bachata on the sexy side (Jorge)
- Bachata Tango (Jorge) and
- Bachata Moderna (Juan)
SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER ~ BOOTCAMP – 2.30pm – 5pm
Covering:- Bachata Isolations, Body Movement how to lead & follow, Bachata Cheeky Moves and Turn Patterns
Cost $60 per person for 2&1/2 hours
SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER ~ WORKSHOPS -
- 11am - 4.30pm ~ Do All FIVE Workshops for $120
- 11.00am – 12.00pm : Bachata On the Sexy Side – Int/ Adv
- 12.00pm – 1.00pm Bachata Even Closer- Advanced
- 2.00pm – 3.00pm: Pasitos de Bachata - Open
- 3.15pm – 4.15pm: Bachata Tango – Int/Adv
- 4.30pm – 5.30pm Bachata Moderna – Int/Adv
See complete bootcamp/workshop details at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=35240150970
Workshop Prices: Do all 5 for $120, 4 for $100, 3 for $85, 2 for $60 or 1 for $35
Where: illadvanced urban dance studio, Rear Entrance, 458-460 Lygon St, Brunswick East (enter via the rear of the building, the red door on Eddy Street)
For complete Bachata Workshop info check out http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=35240150970
Those who book two days will pay only $10 entry to the Salsa Mambolita Party!
Only a few two day passes left. Book now to avoid disappointment email synergysalsa@gmail.com or call Natalie M at Synergy Salsa on BH 03 9703 6057 or MB 0413 503 262
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Long Weekend - LATIN247 on June 7
Just a reminder that LATIN 247 is set to sizzle this long weekend!!
A collaboration by 3 of Melbourne's top dance schools, LATIN 247 salsa and latin events are designed to give you bang for your buck, fabulous floor space, awesome music and a free dance class.
Because we're dancers ourselves, we understand what it takes to have a great night dancing. You want affordable drinks, cheap water (our's is FREE!!), amazing music with songs that aren't too long. You want a gigantic dance floor, with beautiful wooden floors that allow you to dance at your best. You want a dance class beforehand that is free, entertaining and provide you with an insight to a new dance style for the night.
Here at LATIN 247, we have designed the ultimate social dancing night - with all of the above and more!
Latin 24/7 @ Northcote Town Hall
JUNE 7TH, Saturday
A free Dance Class from 8.45pm - 9.45pm, followed by dancing all night!
Featuring performances from Spin City Dance, Cuban Dance Academy, and Dance Connection!
ENTRY: $15
(includes one 600ml bottled water)
Plenty of Parking, Jam Packed with energy, a night you'll not forget!
Email:
latin247@gmail.com
Website:
www.latin247.weebly.com
By:
Spin City Dance, Dance Connection, Cuban Dance Academy
Review:
This Monthly event is sure to knock your socks off! This amazing venue, the Northcote Town Hall, is not only central (mins from CBD!) but features a huge dancefloor with amazing polished floorboards.
In addition, we know that dancers get thirsty, so with your entry you will receive a complimentary bottle of water! Add that to affordable drinks at the bar all night, Melbourne's top DJ's playing you an unrivalled mix of music, performances by various Melbourne dance schools every month, and you have yourself the perfect salsa night!
Sharon (Spin City Dance)
Kon & Christina (Cuban Dance Academy)
Fabio & Gilson (Dance Connection)
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Salsa Dance Party "Fiesta Candela!" @ Cafe Beelzebub Sat 24 May
A fun night in a great venue, with a cool party vibe, awesome people and plenty of dancing!
Candela Dance & Cafe Beelzebub proudly present a new and unique night for lovers of Salsa, Cuban & Latin music!
Cafe Beelzebub is a fresh, funky, urban Latin venue situated in lively Smith Street, Fitzroy.
***Featuring TWO Levels of Entertainment***
Downstairs "The Havana Lounge" - Funky Latin beats, Chill out Area, Lounge, Bar, Board games
Upstairs "The Fiesta Room" - Featuring DJ MANOLITO (with a dash of percussion!), playing a tasty mix of new & classic sizzling Salsa, sensual Bachata beats, groovy Cuban Timba, funky Reggaeton/Salsaton and the best Latino grooves!
PLUS... Special Performance by Candela Dance!
CAFE BEELZEBUB serves a fantastic range of award winning coffees, hot chocolates, organic juices, plus a fine selection of South American wines and spirits, including a delicious Fresita (strawberry champagne from Chile!), and exclusive Colombian 'Aguardiente' (literally: fire water!) Manager’s Special: $3.50 Fantastic House Red Wine -
$10 entry - includes Beginners & Intermediate Dance Classes @ 8:30pm with Candela Dance & Party Entry. $5 general entry after 9.30pm
| Start Time: | Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 8:00pm | |
| End Time: | Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 1:00am | |
| Location: | Cafe Beelzebub | |
| Street: | 353 Smith Street | |
| City/Town: | Fitzroy, Australia |
Hope to see you there!
The Candela Dance/Cafe Beelzebub Crew
http://www.CandelaDance.com.au
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
May 2-4: Salsa Mambolita Dance Party and All Day Salsa Bootcamps with Jaime Jesus & Little Liz

Synergy Salsa Presents
Salsa Mambolita Dance Party and All Day Salsa Bootcamps with Jaime Jesus & Little Liz!!!
See Sydney’s famed Jaime Jesus & Little Liz take to the stage on a sensational night of performances and social dancing at the Salsa Mambolita Dance Party, then spend a day with Jaime and Liz, learning the tricks behind their cool moves and elegant style at one of the All Day Salsa Bootcamps. This is a rare opportunity to learn from Sydney’s best, right HERE in Melbourne. Don’t miss it!!!
Introducing Jaime Jesus & Little Liz
Jaime Jesus & Little Liz of Latin Dance Australia have taken the salsa world by storm. Rated as two of the best instructors and performers in the world, they are currently Australia’s most sought after salsa dance couple, performing in over 30 cities around the world in 2007.
Jaime and Liz are famous for their LDA Style salsa, world-class teaching, sizzling performances and for training over 70% of Sydney’s leading instructors. Jaime also plays a key role in organizing the Sydney Salsa Congress on behalf of LDA.
See Jaime and Liz dance at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHabdrU9XNU
On May 2nd, Jaime and Liz will be performing live at the:
SALSA MAMBOLITA DANCE PARTY – FRIDAY 2ND MAY
The last party has everybody raving, so come May 2nd grab your friends and get down to the most happening salsa party in town for a sensational night of shows and social dancing.
8:30 – 9:30 Zouk Class
9:30pm – 1:00am Dance Party
Spencers Live – 419 Spencer Street, Melbourne
Tickets $15 at the door
Featuring
- Showcase performances by JAIME JESUS & LITTLE LIZ (Latin Dance Australia, Sydney) and the Melbourne Latin Dance Student Reggaeton Team, plus a hot blend of salsa and mambo to keep you burning up the dance floor all night long.
- FREE* Zouk beginners workshop with Jaime Jesus & Little Liz. Learn the basics of this sexy
Brazilian dance style that is all the craze in Sydney and Brisbane at a free* workshop from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. *Included in the price of entry to Spencers Live. Limited number of places available. First in, best dressed.
- Great prize giveaway! Win a full pass to the 2009 Sydney Salsa Congress, worth $295!!!
Then, spend a day with Jaime and Liz and learn the techniques that rank them among the best in the world.
ALL DAY SALSA BOOTCAMPS – SATURDAY 3RD MAY AND SUNDAY 4TH MAY
Firstly, what is a salsa bootcamp? A salsa bootcamp is an intensive day of instruction designed to produce a recognizable difference in the way you dance. It is NOT a series of workshops! It is an integrated full day course.
In these bootcamps, Jaime & Liz will give detailed instruction in the areas of salsa dancing where Melbourne dancers tend to lack most: elegant arm styling, body movement, musicality, and so on. The aim is not to teach you more turn patterns and shines; it is to add flair and grace to your dancing, so that you dance to the music and execute the turn patterns and shines you know much, much better! This kind of opportunity to learn straight from the masters of style without even leaving Melbourne doesn’t happen often. Moreover, each bootcamp will be limited to a small group of just 30 people (preferably 15 men and 15 ladies), so that you get maximum benefit. Don’t wait. Email synergysalsa@gmail.com and book now to reserve your place!
Improver/Intermediate Bootcamp – Saturday 3rd May, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Rhythm & Timing/Musicality
Do you know exactly what to listen to when finding the beat in salsa music? Can you hear and understand the main instruments that make up salsa? Do you know what parts of the music you actually dance to when dancing On1 or On2? This is something every salsero will benefit from. Learn all about salsa music and how to use it to really “Dance to the music.” This will change the way you listen to salsa music forever…
Body Movement
Ever wondered how to add that flowing body movement into your dancing and how to control it? Learn the techniques used to give you those swinging hips, rolling shoulders and that rubber like body movement…This will certainly change your dance style and help you take it up to the next level….
Connection/Lead and follow
Want to be very popular on the social dance floor? Want to look effortless as you lead or follow your partners? Well then, this is for you! The best dancers are not those who can do one million moves, but rather those who can lead and follow effortlessly and make it a pleasure for others to dance with them….
Spinning and turn techniques
Every salsa dancer needs to learn how to spin. Male and female spinning has become one of the trademarks of top salsa dancing and an essential tool to master in becoming the best dancer you can be. This will teach you not only how to practice your spins but how to lead and follow them as well!
Partner Styling
Ever wondered what it is that makes your favourite dancers really stand out from the rest? 99% of the time it’s their styling! Learn what styling is, how to use it, when to use it and how to create your own style….
Upper Intermediate/Advanced Bootcamp – Sunday 4th May, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Body Movement (with Afro Cuban Rumba)
The basics of rumba, where it comes from and what it means is a must know for all salsa dancers. This will help improve your body movement and help you gain an even better understanding of salsa music…
Elegant Arms (for the Ladies)
Arms are the tools that make ladies look sexy and elegant when dancing salsa. Learn exactly why Little Liz is considered one of the most elegant salsa dancers in the world.
Men’s Styling (for the Men)
Styling is not just for women – men need styling too! Jaime will show you all the tricks to make you look funky, cool and most of all manly as a salsa dancer. Remember, women love men with style!!!
Musicality
Learn how to listen and dance to the music, add those breaks, slow down, speed up and dance the way the music asks you to dance. This will help not just to improve your social dancing, but help you enjoy your dancing a whole lot more….
Partner Styling
Learn how to use styling effectively when dancing with your partner. How and when to use it is the secret and that’s what this part of the bootcamp is all about.
Choreography and Performance
Thinking of performing or maybe even competing? Learn why Jaime and Liz are world famous for the performances and their secrets on how to create world class choreographies….
Cost: Each bootcamp is $150 per person and includes five hours of instruction and an instructional DVD by Jaime & Liz to take home. That works out to less than $25 per hour for Australia’s best!!
Plus, book before April 21st and receive free entry to the Salsa Mambolita Party on May 2nd!
Venue: Sway Dance Studio, 480c Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick
Bookings: Book early to reserve your place as numbers are limited. To book or make inquiries, email synergysalsa@gmail.com or call Kim on 0438-558-666 or Natalie on 0413-503-262.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
A new Saturday salsa venue is born in Richmond
If you ever wondered where to go on a Saturday night with your friends and family for a big dose of salsa, then look no further.
The floor is any dancer's dream. I promise you'll love it.
Every Saturday nights 9pm start. (FREE ENTRY)
Venue: The Town Hall Hotel (right Opp The Town Hall)
288, Bridge Rd, Richmond
DJ RAFAEL will mix some hot and Spicy Hits
Check out www.spargoscafe.com.au and go to Entertainment or simply come in.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD LIKE BUTTER TO ALL THE SALSA LOVERS AROUND.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Vibes on the Vineyard: Salsa Beats - Sat, May 31, 2008
Salseros, mark this date in your calendars: Saturday, 31st of May 2008
Salsa Beats is hot and sultry with sexy salsa held on a winter's night in the Yarra Valley .
Set in a rustic barn on the hill side vineyard the open fires burn, marshmallows toast, the spit roast turns and the hot mulled wine is served.The event is held indoors with dinner in the vineyard restaurant and dancing in the adjacent barn. We have a 6 piece Salsa band "Salsonando" playing live on the main stage, complimented with Salsa Dance lessons with Gabby & Frank from Melbourne Salsa and mixed up with funky vinyl remix D.Js
This is a great night out in the quiet of winter. Unlike our other massive events Salsa Beats is capped at smaller numbers, enough to create an unforgettable party yet one where everyone can dance indoors, keep warm and explore the winery cellars.
Mushroom heaters fill the dance hall, red lights paint the walls and wine barrels with a warm light and the floodlight vineyards unveil a spectacular misty view from the vineyard restaurant.
Salsa Beats was a massive success last year and we are all looking forward to some more exciting tales once again this coming winter .
Tickets:
$88.50 Wine Quest
Ticket includes bus transfers from Melbourne...
- Salsa Beats entry ticket.
- 1x B.B.Q dinner & 1x wine and vineyard entertainment.
- Coach Transfers to Rochford Winery, Yarra Valley
For departure times and venues please check the bus button above.
Buses depart at 5pm and return at 2am
$48.50 Winery Ticket - make your own way there...
- Salsa Beats entry ticket.
- 1x B.B.Q dinner & 1x wine and vineyard entertainment.
(Tickets to this event are limited. Any spare tickets will be available on the day of the event at the Winery entrance for $50.)
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Monthly Sunday venue @ the Docklands
Our friends at Dance 101 pointed out a glaring omission from this listing. Once a month, on Sundays they run a salsa party at the Docklands.Mark your diary for the last Sunday of the month! Don't miss out, this fabulous location has a wonderful vibe and great people! Mark these dates in your diary
- 30th March
- 27th April
- 25th May
- 29th June
- 27th July
- 31st August (Pauls Birthday)
- 28th September
- 26th October
- 30th November
- 20th December
Yarra's Edge Bar & Cafe, Yarra's Edge. Located right off Lorimer St, Docklands. It's just a drop off the freeway, loads of parking and you don't have to go winding your way into the city to get there.
This section of the Docklands is great as it's protected from the wind and gets all the afternoon sunshine so it's a fantastic location for Dancing and socialising
DANCE101 supplies sensuous Latin rhythms every Sunday afternoon from 5pm, make sure you get there early to grab a seat in the sun. If you're a Salsa dancer and wondering about the surface you will be dancing on, it's paved concrete, so please street shoes only, your dance shoes will get torn to shreds if you wear them on this surface.
Don't know how to dance? Relax with a fun and friendly dance lesson every Sunday at 5pm. This single class will get your moves happening and wake up your body to your latin groove.
| Where | Yarra's Edge Bar / Cafe, Yarra's Edge, Docklands (Lorimer St Fwy Exit) |
| When | Sundays from December 2nd till Feb 24 (then the last Sunday of the month) |
| Time | 5pm Dance class, 6pm dancing |
| Cost | FREE! It's our treat! |
Bring your family, friends, kids, dogs! Everyone is welcome, this is a FREE community event
PBS 106.7 FM Salsa at the Edge - April 2008
Saturday April 19th PBS 106.7FM presents the latest SALSA AT THE EDGE.Featuring the best of Salsa Dura with Groupo Bahia and the Son & Timba - Sazon.
On the night you can take in some dance classes from Melbourne Salsa and Dance Connection or just sit back and marvel at Melbourne's best dance performers Spin City Dance, Showy Salsa, Melbourne Salsa and Dance Connection.
All this for only $15 general admission or $10 for members of PBS FM.
Salsa at The Edge. April 19 at Federation Square's BMW Edge.
Doors open at 7pm.
Priority entrance to all pre-sale ticket holders.
Purchase tickets at http://www.webtickets.com.au
Copacabana Autumn Amateur Salsa Competition 2008
Now SALSA ONLY!
Dance for approximately 4 mins with a maximum of 5 couples on the dance floor at any one time – all music to be provided by Copacabana. Final 3 couples will be selected from each level (irrespective of total no. competing). These 3 couples will dance a second time (as per program) at which time final selection of winner, second and third place will be judged.
PRIZES
ADVANCED
1st Prize $1000 Cash and Trophies
Named on Copacabana’s Perpetual Trophy
2nd Prize Trophies & Prize to the value of $600
3rd Prize Prize to the value of $400
INTERMEDIATE
1st Prize $600 cash and Trophies
2nd Prize Certificates & Prize to the value of $300
3rd Prize Gold Class tickets & Drink Package
BEGINNERS
1st Prize $400 Cash and Medallions
2rd Prize 2 Gold Class Tickets and Drink Package
3rd Prize Dinner and Entertainment voucher for 2 at Copacabana International and Drink Package.
ENTRY FEES:
BEGINNERS $15 EACH
INTERMEDIATE $20 EACH
ADVANCED $30 EACH
These fees apply to entries received strictly no later than 17th April 5pm
ENTRIES ON THE NIGHT: are available at an additional $5.00 per competitor
(PLEASE NOTE: NEW ENTRANTS registration at 7.00pm 18th April)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Victorian Salsa State Titles 2008
Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your seats for this exciting announcement.Thanks to the collaborative efforts of some of the top Latin organisations in June 2008 Melbourne will host the largest Salsa Competition in Victoria, Australian Salsa Classic - Victorian Salsa State Titles, judged by international judges, with top calibre performances by Melbourne Salsa dancers, all at your doorstep!
The 2008 Melbourne Salsa Classic is to be held on Saturday June 14 2008. The event weekend will have a pre party on Friday June 13. The weekend event will be held at the Northcote Town Hall – High St., Northcote. The event is designed to provide dancers with the opportunity to compete for the National Salsa Classic held in Sydney in August 2008. The Australian Salsa Classic will be the only and official Australian qualifier for the biggest and most broadcast ESPN Annual World Salsa Championships run by the Salsa Seven Organisation led by Mr. Albert Torres.
The event will take place over two evenings and one day with the competition running on the Saturday evening. The event aims to provide:
- A high quality event.
- Networking opportunities to increase awareness of Salsa Dance in Melbourne Opportunities for dance schools to promote their classes and services
- Opportunity for businesses to sell dance wears and apparel directly to the dance target market by way of exhibitors.
- Provide an opportunity for event partners to engage with the dance community.
- Increase the profile of your brand, product and service.
- Develop a long-term event.
- Provide the dance community with a reputable salsa competition.
- "On 1" Division
- "On 2" Division
- Cabaret Division: Any Move In Which Any Part Of Either Dancer Is Above The Shoulders Of Their Partner. (Includes Lifts, Cartwheels Or Any Similar Lift Or Tricks
- Team Division: Need To Have 3 Couples Or More
Sharon Pakir, Director, SpinCity Dance, and 2005 Australian Salsa Champion, 2007 Asian Salsa Champion.
Masters of Business and IT, currently an IT Systems Trainer.
Natalie Montano, Melbourne’s premier promoter for Latin events and dancer, a high calibre Business Analyst.
Professionals from Spin City and Natalie and Sharon themselves have competed and represented Australia at many World Salsa Congresses and Competitions placing Australia firmly on the World Salsa Map.
Natalie and Sharon are responsible for numerous successful events have lifted Australia’s profile in the international Salsa community and are responsible for the overwhelming progress made within the local Salsa community today.
Natalie and Sharon have both competed and represented Australia internationally at numerous World Salsa Congresses and Competitions, placing Australia firmly on the World Salsa Map.
Natalie and Sharon share the vision of increasing the awareness of salsa in the Melbourne community through successful events, such as the Melbourne Salsa Classic which will assist in increasing Australia's profile in the international Salsa community. Their combined business acumen from their successful day careers, event organising experience as well as background and involvement in the Australian Salsa Scene will bring together an event that is successful and a boost to the Melbourne Arts Scene.
They are honoured to be working along side Internationally renown organisers and promoters such as Oliver Pineda and Luda Kroitor, 5 times world salsa champions and Albert Torres, the world's best Salsa promoter.
New Monthly Salsa Venue: LATIN 24/7

Introducing LATIN 24/7, Melbourne's hottest new monthly venue for Salsa dancers to strut their stuff at!
An event for dancers, with amazing tunes of salsa, cha cha, bachata and more, a HUGE dancefloor with gorgeous wooden polished floor! Cheap entry, which includes FREE WATER! How could you ask of more?
LATIN 24/7... Introducing you to what a great dancing night should be all about.
Opening night: 26th April, Saturday
With performances by Spin City Dance, Cuban Dance Academy and Dance Connection! Super hot combination of DJ's, a huge dance floor and a free dance class. You have to see it to believe it!
Entry: $15, includes a bottled water FREE.
8.45-9.45pm: FREE beginner/intermediate Salsa Class
9.45pm – to late: Latin tunes all night long
Venue: Northcote Town Hall
189 High St, Northcote
This event is scheduled to be a monthly one, for the next 3 months we have:
26th April, May 17th, June 7th. Mark them in your calendars now!
Salsa and Street Latin Schools, Instructors, Event Organisers & Bands
Schools and Instructors (in alphabetical order):
- Arthur Murray Dance Studio
- Bailando la Salsa
- Brooklyn Dance School
- Candela Latin Dance
- Cuban Dance Academy
- Dance 101
- DanceCity Productions
- Dance Connection
- Dance Dynamics
- DNA Salsa
- Ela Rose Latin Dance Academy
- Forever Dance - Forever Salsa
- Fusion Dance & Lifestyle Studio
- Illadvanced Urban Arts Collective
- Katumba Dance
- Melbourne Salsa
- Melbourne Latin Dance
- Ooh-La-La Dance Studio
- Salsa Addiction
- Salsa Australia
- Salsa Fun! (Robert Stephan)
- Salsa in Motion
- Salsation
- Showy Salsa
- Spin City Dance
- Star Studios
- Street Side Salsa
- Sway Dance Studio
- The Space Dance and Arts Studio
- Viva Cabaret
- Zouk Nation
- Alumbra
- Copacabana International
- Dance 101
- Gardenias
- Lotus Bar
- Melbourne Salsa
- Synergy Salsa
- The Spanish Club
- Viva Cabaret
- Azucar
- Bahia
- Cacique
- Carlito's Way
- Combo la Revelacion
- Furia
- Kenny LĂłpez and Havana Connection
- Labjacd
- La Gran Banda (LGB)
- La Mezcla
- Los Cabrones
- Mumbo-Jumbo
- Melbourne Salsa Orchestra?
- Peligro
- Rumberos
- Salsonando
- San Lazaro
- Sazon
- Son by 6
- Vatos Locos
Free salsa event at the St Kilda Town Hall on Sat, March 29

Melbourne Salsa have proudly been asked to bring back the tradition of the Big Dance Night to the St Kilda Town Hall. In conjunction with Port Phillip Council Melbourne Salsa bring you an event not to be missed! After two years of construction and renovation the Town Hall is bigger and better than ever!
SATURDAY 29th March 7.30pm til 1am
Featuring Salsa Big Band Grupo Bahia & DJ Cheb Ali, Floor shows from Spin City, Dance classes @ 8:30pm, Latin food, drinks and more dancing than you've got toes for!
THIS IS A FREE COMMUNITY EVENT Invite everybody you know and arrive early to secure your table.
St Kilda Town Hall Open day - Sat 29 March 10.30am to 5.00pm
On Stage and on the town hall lawns: Food, East Timorese coffee,face painting, Brass band, choirs, singers, dancers, Swing dancing, line dancing, break dancing, Roving entertainers, Michael Crane and Trish Anderson, Town Hall tours,new art gallery and much much more!
St Kilda Town Hall Corner Brighton Rd & Carlisle St, St Kilda (Melways 58 C11)
You dont need a car to get to the St Kilda Town Hall
1. Tram direct to the town hall Nos 3, 16, 67, 78/79
2. Light rail No. 96 to St Kilda Beach, then walk 10 minutes east
3. Sandringham Line Train to Balaclava Station, then walk 5 minutes west
ENQUIRES & INFORMATION
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/town_hall_open.html Or telephone ASSIST on 9209 6777
www.melbournesalsa.com.au Or telephone 0414 446794 / 0413541207
Synergy Salsa Events: Salsa Mambolita Dance Party and Workshops with Salsa Suave from Sydney
Synergy Salsa Presents
Salsa Mambolita Dance Party and Workshops with Salsa Suave from Sydney!!!

Known for their passion, elegance and flair, the Directors of Salsa Suave, Fernando Providel and Becky Lee are respected as world class professionals. Their vibrant energy and genuine warmth inspire audiences and students alike. Fernando and Becky have taught and performed all over the world, representing Australia in; LA, New York, Miami, Puerto Rico, London, Spain and French Polynesia. They are both regional and national Champions and were the first Australians to make the finals and the World Championships in California.
See Fernando & Becky dance at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j64iiZFpgVM
On April 4, Fernando and Becky will be performing live at the:
SALSA MAMBOLITA DANCE PARTY – FRIDAY 4th APRIL
GUEST DJ FROM SYDNEY AND LIVE PERFORMANCE BY SALSA SUAVE!!
Friday, April 4, 2008
8:30pm – 1:00am
Spencers Live (formerly Ossobo) – 419 Spencer Street, Melbourne (with FIXED air-conditioning!)
Tickets $15 at the door
Contact Kim at Synergy Salsa on 0438-558-666 or email synergysalsa@gmail.com
Get your dancing shoes on and get down to the most happening salsa party in town, bringing you a fresh new mambo flavour. Also featuring:
- * FREE* On2 New York-style Salsa class for beginners with Graeme Haney (8:30pm to 9:30pm). Limited number of places available. First in, best dressed.
- Showcase performances by top Melbourne dancers and great prizes to be won!
More about Graeme Haney, aka Mambo-G
Previously from the UK, Graeme has rapidly gained a reputation for being one of Australia’s top Salsa DJ’s, entertaining crowds at the 2007 & 2008 Sydney Salsa Congress and at many successful establishments such as V- Bar and Mambo Nights. He considers himself to be a ‘dancers DJ’ and uses his musical flexibility to keep dance floors busy, playing a wide variety of both new and classic Salsa, but has earned the nickname ‘Mambo-G’ for his personal preference for the jazzier end of the Salsa genre.
As well as being a DJ, Graeme has instructed salsa for over twelve years. He was the first person to bring LA Style Salsa and ‘Shines’ to Australia and has taught many workshops while on holidays from the UK. These days, Graeme specializes in On2 Salsa and can be found teaching Beginners through to Advanced level in Sydney at over 14 classes per week!
Come along to his class before the Salsa Mambolita Dance Party and learn the basics of On2 Salsa from a master!
WORKSHOPS WITH SALSA SUAVE – SATURDAY APRIL 5TH
This is your chance to learn the secrets of cool men’s styling from Fernando and elegant ladies styling from Becky, unquestionably one of the most beautiful female dancers in Australia, at their first ever Melbourne workshops.
Don’t wait. Call 0438-558-666 and book early to avoid disappointment.
- Improver/Intermediate Partner Work 12:30 – 1:30pm
- Bachata Cool Moves (Open level) 1:45 – 2:45pm
- Men’s Styling (Open level) 3:30 – 4:30pm
- Ladies Styling (Open level) 3:30 – 4:30pm
- Intermediate/Advanced Partner Styling 4:45 – 5:45pm
Where: illadvanced urban dance studio, Rear Entrance, 458-460 Lygon St, Brunswick East
(enter via the rear of the building, the red door on Eddy Street)
Price: 1 x $30, 2 x $50, 3 x $70 or 4 for just $80
Private lessons available
Bookings: Call Kim at Synergy Salsa on 0438-558-666 or email synergysalsa@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
March-April salsa update from Lawrence NG

March and April are going to be loaded with salsa events, here is a list of it:
March
Friday 28th – Park Hyatt
Sat 29th – Salsa @ St. Kilda Town Hall (Free event from the Port Phillip Council and Melbourne Salsa)
April
Fri 4th – a Salsa Mambolita Dance Party @ Ossobo featuring the well known Sydney instructors Fernando Providel & Becky Lee (great LA teachers) and FREE New York style on2 class. Wow got to love that!
Sun 6th – a new venue called Tzar Bar @ St. Kilda
Sat 12th – Ormond Hall
Fri 25th – Park Hyatt
Sat 26th – Latin 24/7: a new Sat night venue at the Northcote Town Hall promising to keep the Latin groove going late. Not sure who is organizing it but SpinCity, CDA and Dance Connection (Copa) will be performing.
In addition,
Weekly Tues: Grosvenor / Exchange
Weekly Wed: Lotus / Alumbra
Weekly Thurs: NightCat / The Spot / Spanish Club
Weekly Fri: Palace / Laundry / Viva
Weekly Sat: Spanish Club
Weekly Sun: Seabaths (till change of weather) / NightCat
Note* The weekly events are purely my personal opinion, and are chosen in the context of places for social dancing, not for dance lessons.
In no way am I promoting/endorsing/discre
Law
Friday, March 07, 2008
New Sunday venue: TZAR Bar - The Sexy Latino Nights
So with the professional team we bring to you the heart and soul of the latin experience in the one night...
The Sexy Latino Nights and dance lessons at the one and only exclusive venue TZAR bar
Starting SUNDAY THE 6TH OF APRIL and EVERY SECOND SUNDAY AFTER
from 7pm till 1am.
7pm till 8pm $15 salsa class
after 8pm $15 entry
and $10 on guestlist
(for guestlist contact 0411 257 834 or 0421 443 145 or message Svetlana)
Contact Info
Email: sveta09@hotmail.com
Street: 362 St Kilda Rd, St Kilda (between Inkerman St and Carlisle St)
City/Town: Melbourne, Australia
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Zouk workshops with Minerva Draeger

The Brazilian dance taking the world by storm...
Zouk is an elegant & energetic Brazilian dance style, danced to the intoxicating French Caribbean rhythm called Zouk. Words synonymous with Zouk are beautiful, flowing, graceful, smooth, sophisticated & stunning. In Creole, Zouk means PARTY. Zouk, the dance, is an evolution from Lambada: a dance craze that sent the world into a sexy spin in the 1980s. When the Lambada music stopped in Brazil, dancers started using their wave-like movements to the Zouk music. A sophisticated dance style emerged, characterised by smooth & elongated movements & striking hair movements of the lady.
We at Melbourne Salsa are proud to bring you a specialised workshop to give you a taste of this beautiful Brazilian dance... In future we hope to dedicate weekly classes with this style.
Instructor: Minerva Draeger
Australian born Minerva Draeger came across Latin and Brazilian dance styles while studying Classical ballet and Contemporary at University. Falling in love with the music and dance straight away, it quickly became a major part of her life and has been ever since.
Her dance studies, teaching and performing have taken to her such places as Italy, Germany, Austria, Africa and Australia and has danced on various arenas including film, television and festivals in both Australia and Europe.
Minerva has been working in Latin/Brazilian floor shows since 2003, dancing styles such as samba, salsa, axe, zouk lambada and latin hip hop. Zouk lambada quickly became one of her biggest passions and was taught by Futa Ofamooni, a student of London based Zoukeiro Barry Lasoju.
Dance is a universal language that has no barriers. It can be understood and enjoyed by anyone around the world. I hope to share this with others, celebrating life and culture and the global community we live in. Minerva Draeger.
The Zouk Workshop will be held on:
Sunday 9th of March
2 Beginner sessions available from
10.30am - 12pm
&
12.00pm - 1.30pm
These workshops will be covering the basic steps, rhythm and movements of Zouk Lambada, including partner work, to give you a good understanding of the steps and style ensuring plenty of dancing pleasure out on the Zouk dance floor!
Cost is $25 for each session.
Maximum of 30 students per session.
Workshop will be held at the UNITED STYLES DANCE STUDIO, on Chapel street near the corner of Brighton Rd. (Studio next to church).
For more information and bookings call Frank on 0414446794.
Zouk workshops with Brazil's finest Kadu and Larissa
Check out the YouTube video clip below for one of their fantastic routines, and book yourself into these workshops to get a piece of this action.
WHEN: Sunday 2 March 2008
TIME: Zouk Fundamentals (Open all levels) 1pm –2:30 pm
Zouk Improvers (Intermediate – Advanced) 3pm –4:30 pm
HOW MUCH: $30 for 1 workshop or $50 for 2 (What a bargain!!)
BOOKINGS: Please phone Ooh La La on 9662 4339 or Alex Bryant on 0402 578 568 and leave your name, phone number and email address to register
Time and Place
Date: Sunday, March 2, 2008
Time: 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Location: Ooh La La Dance Studio
Level 1 198 Latrobe Street
Melbourne, Australia
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Bailar Casino: Amazing Demonstration
I'm back from a break from this site and will update the class and events listing in the next few days.
For now, check out this amazing casino demonstration by Variedad who are regarded as one of Cuba's top younger dance couples. This video is from a DVD called Bailar Casino which is allegedly distributed freely (with no copyright attached) by the Cuban government to promote Cuban dance. I've been trying to search for a source of those DVDs, but so far unsuccessfully. If anybody knows where I can get it, please let me know, and I'll post the information here.
My top video Bailar Casino
Add to My Profile | More Videos
Friday, December 21, 2007
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2008!
Dear friends and fellow salseros! I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
May your dreams come true and joy and happiness abound!
I'm sorry I haven't been updating the site regularly during the last month - I've been in Thailand. I hope you haven't missed the salsa cruise and the other bunch of salsa Christmas parties.
Remember to attend the salsa party at the Fed Square on the New Year's Eve. Check out www.melbournesalsa.com.au for details.
Also, coming up is the Sydney Salsa Congress performances preview night at Spencer Live (formerly Ossobo) on Jan 11. I'll post an expanded invitation later on.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
SPIN CITY DANCE @ WORLD SALSA CHAMPIONSHIPS ‘07
This just in from Spin City Dance:(from Serge:) Unfortunately, I don't have the actual footage of their performance in Singapore, but I found another video of them dancing together at Spin City Dance Melbourne studio. Check them out.
Salsa Cruise 07 - Saturday 15th December
Melbourne Salsa's ever popular Salsa Cruise is on again... this is truly an awesome Salsa experience on board the multi-level Victorian Star, sailing through Port Phillip Bay to Brighton and back. Two levels of entertainment featuring with Live 10 piece Salsa band 'BAHIA', Salsa DJ's and Latin Funk/House DJ's.
This year's theme 'Aloha' Hawaiian Beach Party.
Boarding 12.30pm / Departs 1.00pm sharp / Returns 4.30pm
Tickets: $48 includes finger food (drinks at bar prices)
Dress Code: 'Aloha' Hawaiian Beach Party wear
Dock 9 - Central Pier, Victoria Harbour, Docklands, Mel Ref 2E F5.
Best dressed Comp - Door prizes - Limbo Comp
For tickets call 0414446794
Salsa Cruise after party @ Alumbra from 4.30pm onwards - Shed 9 Central Pier
Sunday Salsa classes at the NIGHTCAT...
Melbourne Salsa are proud to announce that they are now teaching on Sunday evenings at one of Melbourne's best Salsa institutions...the NIGHTCAT...a much loved icon of Fitzroy has been entertaining crowds for over 13 years. From Hip Hop latin reggae to funk, salsa, swing or kitsch, there is always an interesting, fun, live music scene entertaining those who love to DANCE!
Offering 2 levels of Salsa: First Timer/Beginner and Intermediate both at 8.30pm. Following Salsa DJ Mick Williams and Live Latin bands Los Cabrones and Rumberos playing til late.
The Night Cat, 141 Johnston St, Fitzroy.
Johnston Street Festival - Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th of November
Johnston Street Fiesta officially opens at noon on both Saturday and Sunday with stalls offering craft, music, unique products and delicious food. Be at the main stage on the corner of Nicholson Street for this great line up of entertainment.The famous Street Performers Parade will have Melbourne's Spanish and Latin American communities on show with their colourful costumes, traditional instruments, inspiring music and rhythms to have audiences captivated!
Melbourne Salsa will be teaching on the main stage on Saturday at 4.45pm. Come along and join in the fun dance classes from 3:30 - 6:15pm.
For more info: www.hispanicfiesta.com.au
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Spin City Dance: The Social - October 19, 2007
showcase by Travis and Alisons, Spin City's own instructors, who placed
2nd at the Australian Salsa Championships held in Sydney this year!
Address: 14 Batman St, City (Off King St)
19th October 07, Friday
9pm to Midnight
$8 entry
Cheap water/soft drinks; plenty of parking; DJ Rafael!
Monday, October 15, 2007
'Salsa in the City' @ the Park Hyatt radii bar
Welcome to the most Lavish Salsa venue in Australia! Now on the last friday of every month. The Park Hyatt Radii bar transforms into a Latin extravaganza. Beautiful Art Deco room with a large wooden dance floor. You'll be blown away by our resident bands and seduced by Melbourne's sexiest dancers. Featuring Melbourne's premier Salsa band 'Bahia' and supported by El Senor de la Salsa DJ Rafael. Entry fee $20 (includes a $7 DRINK CARD) 10pm - 2am / Dress - Sexy & Sharp / Park Hyatt - 1 Parliament Square Melb. MEL REF 2G A2 *Ample FREE street parking For more information or Party bookings call 0414 446794 or 0413 541207. Dinner bookings at the radii restaurant ph:92241211
Vibes on the Vineyard - Cuban Jazz
Sunday 28th October 2007
View: Promotional Release
View: Brochure
Rochford Wines along with partner Wine Quest present the fourth annual Vibes on the Vineyard – Cuban Jazz on Sunday, 28th October at Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley.
Vibes on the Vineyard is a sultry day of funky beats that includes everything from a 15-piece Cuban jazz band, Salsa dance lessons, DJs, and vinyl spinning in the Remix Tent.
Expect to hear the primal beats of the Bongos and the saucy siren of trumpets across the expansive lawn at Rochford Wines.
Cuban music of all styles has been enjoyed and widely praised all around the world.
Having contributed not only to jazz, it has also influenced the likes of the Argentinean Tango and Salsa music; Vibes on the Vineyard – Cuban Jazz is sure to be fun and flirty.
Cuban Jazz at Rochford Wines will get underway at 11.00 AM and wrap up at 5.30 PM.
Permitted on-site will be sealed bottled water, food, rugs, and chairs.
After Party anyone? Check out Wine Quest online at www.winequest.com.au to find out more about The Wine Quest Ticket which includes bus transfers from Melbourne and an After Party.
Ticket Prices:
Winery Ticket :
$45.00 + Booking Fee
This ticket includes 1 x BBQ lunch, 1 glass wine, vineyard entertainment
Wine Quest Ticket:
$85.00 + Booking Fee
This package includes 1 x BBQ lunch, 1 glass wine, vineyard entertainment, bus tranfers from Melbourne and after party.
Available through Wine Quest only.
Booking Fee is $3.50 per ticket
View: Wine Quest website
View: Purchase Tickets
For any further queries please contact Rochford Wines:
Reception
03 5962 2119
reception@rochfordwines.com.au
Sunday, October 14, 2007
St Kilda Sea Baths Comes Back for Summer
The most famous summer open air salsa venue in Melbourne is back! Dance your Sunday afternoons away to the sexy tunes of street Latin salsa!
Salsa Fever @ Amello (St Kilda Sea Baths, Jacka Blvd, St Kilda) is re-starting on Sunday, October 28, when the daylight saving starts! Remember, it's on every Sunday (weather permitting) until the daylight savings stop, so come and dance - it's a free event (not including classes)!
The Cuban Dance Academy is going to teach beginners' classes there. Come along to learn hot Latin rhythms such as Timba, Reggaeton, Salsa, Rueda and the sexy Bachata from the best of CDA's team including special guests from Cuba......... every Sunday afternoon, and dance to sunset to Melbourne's best latin DJs Nas & Co.!ONLY $10 during October (normal price $15!!!)
3.30pm-4.15pm Timba, Reggaeton, Bachata, Merengue on rotation
4.30pm-5.15pm Salsa/ Rueda for the Salsaholics!!
5.15pm-10pm Social dancing to DJ Nas & Co.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Salsa Workshop with Adamo & Emily - Sunday, 21 October 2007

Melbourne Salsa Presents:
Held at the United Styles Dance Studio,
cnr Chapel St & Brighton Rd, East St Kilda
To improve your dance ability basic technique is required. This workshop will teach you the skills required to take your dance to a new level. Balance, weight transfer, isolations, turns, leading, following, resistance and much, much more will be broken down in a manner that you will understand and remember.

Adamo Bonacci - Instructor
Adamo has come to Melbourne Salsa with 3 years of Salsa dance experience. Having taught workshops at the Australian Salsa Championships in 2006, and making the final in the performance section, he is fresh with the latest techniques, teaching and performance methods. His dazzling performances have proven to show his virtuosic skill and self-presence as a performer.
Emily Nisman - Instructor
Emily developed her 'inner Latina' and all things Salsa here in Melbourne from the young age of 15. She has for many years taught and performed salsa at many venues around Melbourne and absolutely loves to share her passion for dance.Workshop Content:
Beginner 1 & Beginner 2
10am - 11am Salsa Timing, Body Isolations, Afro Cuban
11am - 12pm Turn pattern, Fundamentals, Technique
12pm - 1pm Shines and Dance Style (Ladies' tango flares)
1:30pm - 2:15pm Music Appreciation with renowned percussionist Michael Carmona
Intermediate / Advanced
1:30pm - 2:15pm Music Appreciation with renowned percussionist Michael Carmona
2:15pm - 3:15pm Isolations, Advanced movement, Cuban rumba
3:15pm - 4:30pm Turn pattern, Fundamentals, Technique
4:30 pm - 5:15pm Shines & Dance Style (Ladies' tango flares)
Workshop fees: $30 per class or $80 for all four classes
Class sizes are limited to 20 men and 20 ladies.
Contact Frank on 0414 446794 to book your place.
Bring dance shoes, water bottle and a video camera.
Updates: No more Viper Room and CDA @ the Night Cat
Also, there are no classes at the Night Cat this week, as they are changing instructors. The Cuban Dance Academy moved its Thursday class to the Spanish Club, and the venue for their Sunday classes is TBA. Check back in a little while for an update.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Another Friday night venue: Equinox Bar in the City
Salseros, rejoice! Another venue has been added to a growing list of Latin entertainment in Melbourne.
It's Equinox Bar on the corner of Elizabeth and Lt Lonsdale Streets in the City.
Brooke and Sepehr from Brooklyn Dance School will be teaching classes there on Friday nights.
Beginners' class starts at 6:30pm,
Intermediate - at 7:30pm.
After the classes you can shake it to the sounds of the LATIN NIGHT.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
New Classes and Events Added
Amongst the new entries are:
- Barwon Heads Community Centre
- The Secret Garden of Dance
- Dance 101
- Fusion Dance & Lifestyle Studio
- Salsation @ Candy Bar
- Crooners
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Salsa wants YOU! If he can dance, so can you!
Friday, September 07, 2007
So You Think You Can Dance: Heidi and Benji
I often search YouTube for inspiring salsa video clips. I recently came across this neat routine choreographed by Alex Da Silva and beautifully performed on So You Think You Can Dance by cousins Heidi Groskreutz and Benji Schwimmer to a great song "Black Mambo" by Angel & The Mambokats, and I'd like to share it with my fellow salseros.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Intermediate Salsa Workshop with Brooklyn Dance School and John Gray
Here's a workshop announcement from my friends atBrooklyn Dance School in conjunction with John Gray are running an Intermediate Salsa Workshop on Sunday, the 23rd of September from 12- 4.30pm.
It is 4.5 hour workshop, during which we will provide you with lunch and light refreshments, and you will learn Performance/Social style lifts, shines and partner work.
A DVD will also be provided with the days lessons and bonus steps.
The Fee for this awesome workshop is $130 per person with a class limit of 20 guys and girls, so book NOW.
Bookings require a $50 deposit or full payment and can be made via Brooke at Lotus Bar on Wednesday nights at 172 Toorak Road, Sth Yarra, John Gray contactable on 0424 180 569 or the Space Dance Studio upstairs, 318 Chapel Street, Prahran.
A 3% surcharge will apply for payment made by cards at the Space.
For any other information please contact Brooke Gittings on 0433 680 980 or email her at brooklyndance@hotmail.com.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
No salsa at Lotus this Wednesday, August 29
The lessons will resume on the following Wednesday.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
New Latin Night: The Laundry on Fridays
Featuring DJ's Nas Marz & Flavio playing latin, reggaeton, funk, RnB
and Carlito's Way playing Cuban salsa.
The Laundry
50 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Fridays, 9pm, free entry.
The dancers' program on Melbourne radio
Presented by Mick Williams on Saturdays, 7-8pm.
Playing all the best Salsa, Cha Cha, Merengue, Hip Hop, Cumbia, Bachata and Reggaeton.
Interviews with the world's leading dancers, bands, teachers and promoters.
Spin City: The Social - 17 August
Come join us for a fantastic partay at Lucy Guerin Inc, 14 Batman St., Melbourne. DJ playing sexy salsa tracks. Gorgeous wooden floors. Great ventilation. Cheap water/soft drinks. A class to get you warmed up. A brand new student performance. Never seen before in Melbourne: Sharon Pakir & Zee tear it up on the dance floor with a special showcase. What are you waiting for??
Date: 17 August, Friday
9pm - 9:30pm: Beginners Bachata Class
9:30pm - midnight: Hot Salsa Tracks
Sharon Pakir in DJ booth
Team Salsa Performance
Zee & Sharon Showcase
$8 entry (includes class)
$2 water, $3 soft drinks
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Fed Square: PBS FM Salsa 3 at the Edge
BMW Edge Federation Square, Melbourne
7pm - midnight / $15 or $10 PBS Card
All door proceeds from this event support PBS 106.7 FM
Pre-sale tickets for priority entrance at www.pbsfm.org.au
The program includes:
- Free dance classes from Melbourne Salsa
- Dance performance by Katumba
- Bands: Carlito's Way and Bahlia
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Latin Funk comes to the St Kilda Sea Baths on Sunday July 29th
comes to the St Kilda Sea Baths
on Sunday July 29th
A showcase of some of Melbourne's best Latin and Funk Talent including Live Bands, Dancers and Dj's together under the one roof
You'll forget its winter as you groove away by the beachside under a Marquee
to the sounds of Rumberos (12piece Afro cuban), Labjacd (Latino Funk/Hip-Hop!) and The Bamboos (old skool funk!).
Dj's Anjo, Kano, Ennio Styles and Mark John. Adding to the mix Katumba Dance Show and Reggaeton performers will ensure this unique event is a non stop party.
Commencing at 1pm - 8.30pm with after party at venues:
- Veludo Bar Restaurant - 175 Acland St, St Kilda
- First Floor 393 - Lvl 1/ 393 Brunswick St, Fitzroy…. Buses provided to get you there
Ticket Info
Tickets are $35 pre-sold
$40 tickets at the door
and can be purchased at:
Revolver Drums - 229 Chapel St Prahran p: 9521 4644
HE Man Productions - Helen 0424 323 361
Cuban Dance Academy - Richmond 9429 8852
Mighty Music Machine - 497 Chapel Street, South Yarra 9827 4753
New Thursday venue for Melbourne Salsa
Here's their blurb:
Not since the "Next Blue" has Melbourne experienced a Sexy Salsa Thursday... the wait is over! Get set for the return of Thursday night salsa @ the Fix Jamm Room, Docklands. Commencing 19th July. Dance Classes by Melbourne Salsa, Awesome Cuban Band (Carlito's Way) and various Salsa DJ's.
7:30 - 9:30 Dance Class
10:00 - 12:00 Band & DJ's
12:00 - Late Funky House
Address:
Level 1, 119/439 Docklands Drive,
Waterfront City, Docklands
Dancing in the Philippines
Friday, July 13, 2007
No Salsita until summer! :-(
Also, Cuban Dance Academy cancelled their Monday night classes that were held at the Espy until a better venue is decided.
That reduces the number of Monday, Thursday and Sunday night classes in Melbourne during winter.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Wednesdays @ Alumbra
After a long wait, Wednesday night dance classes at ALUMBRA has finally returned, bigger, better and sexier than ever.
Come early, join us for a drink and a bite to eat from our new bar menu available.
Class times 7.30 – 8.30: Level 1 & Level 3
8.30 – 9.30: Level 2 & Level 4
9.30 – Late: Social dancing
Should you have any questions please call Kon on 0419 351 751
The address is:
Alumbra
Shed 9 Central Pier
Friday, June 01, 2007
Salsa Competitions @ Copacabana International
Well, Copacabana International hosts competition about every three months or so. Here is some information about the next two:
Open Latin Cabaret Championship
Friday, July 6
Single to group entries
$2000 worth of prizes
Live band and floorshow.
Spring Amateur Salsa Competition
Friday, September 14
Watch our own "Dancing Stars"
Fantastic night of entertainment with live band and Copacabana floorshow.
For all details or interested competitors call (03) 9417 7099 or visit www.copacabanaint.com.au (or so they say)
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Salsa Competition @ Lotus - Sunday, May 20, 2007
On their website they also promise a 12-piece Latin band for the future Ragazzi nights (every Sunday). So there you go guys, as dancing at the Sea Baths is cooling down until the next spring, a new salsa venue on Sundays is vying to carry the baton.
Admission is $13 at the door (or $10 if you're on the guest list). Dress code: Dress to impress.
Lotus Bar is located at 172 Toorak Rd, Sth Yarra.
Latin American Carnival 2007 @ Kingston City Hall
What to expect!
Five Great Melbourne's Latin Bands, featuring live Hot Tango & Salsa floorshow, Brazilian Floorshow, Salsa Competion, Great Latin American Food, Childrens Entertainment and much more.
So be sure to wear your favourite Carnival Outfit!
When and where?
Date: Saturday, 10th June 2006. 7pm till late.
Kingston City Hall
985 Nepean Hwy (cnr South Rd),
Moorabbin 3189
Melways Ref: 77 D5
Tickets
Admission (Inc. GST)
Friday, May 04, 2007
No more Ossobo!
I've updated my listing to remove all Ossobo classes and the Saturday night.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Street Fighter II Salsa Routine :-)
Here's a cute salsa routine by Korean competition dancers. It's fashioned after the famous Street Fighter II arcade game.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Salsa at the Espy!
Finally, Cuban Dance Academy found a new venue for their Monday night classes.
Casual Classes
7:00 PM - Late
The Espy
11 The Esplanade St Kilda
7.30-8.30pm Classes Level 2 & 4
8.30-9.30pm Classes Level 3 & 1
9.30-11.30pm Social Dancing to live Latin Band
Monday, January 29, 2007
New Salsa Class in Maribyrnong
Anglers Tavern,
2 Raleigh Rd,
Maribyrnong
Tuesdays 8-9pm
Thanks Charlie!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Melbourne Salsa Spectacular!
Spectacular
featuring Melbourne's finest Latin bands,
supported by Cheb Ali, free Beginner & Intermediate Cuban salsa classes
(Rueda) & the largest salsa dance floor in Melbourne.
Staged on the 2nd Saturday of every month
(Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14 etc)
Dance Classes 8-9pm
Ormond Hall, 557 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
(adjacent Belgium Beer Cafe, enter via Moubray St)
Doors 8pm - 1am. Entry $20 (includes one
standard drink)
Monday, January 22, 2007
More Salsa News
I'm sure most of you are aware of the Sydney Salsa Congress that is happening this Australia Day weekend in Homebush, the home of the Sydney Olympic Games. It may be too late to book your airline tickets, but it's certainly not too late to get your congress passes.
If you've been dancing salsa for a while and the challenge has gone out of it for you, you may want to learn some Zouk/Lambada. Lovely Minerva from Katumba Dance is going to teach the only Lambada class in Melbourne. Incidentally, there is going to be a session on it at the Sydney Salsa Congress.
More salsa classes: Airstream in Glen Waverley
Airstream Cafe,
Century City Walk,
285-287 Springvale Rd,
Glen Waverley
Tuesdays - Beginners (7:30pm), Intermediate / Advanced (8:30pm)
I've updated my listing of Melbourne salsa venues and classes.
Thanks to an anonymous visitor from Google for pointing me to this venue.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
(Not only) Salsa Travels
Oleg and Nadia took me out to their local salsa venue, Petershaw RSL club in Newtown on a Friday night. Both of them started learning salsa recently and this is the venue where they practise their skills. There were a few skilled salsa dancers there, although the rest seemed to be just dancing freestyle. One dancer that caught my attention was a petite Mexican (from what I could tell) stunner who looked like a miniature Shakira. She certainly had moves. Her family members were sitting at one of the tables near the stage and nodded at her approvingly time to time. I was told that she's a regular.
I came back home in time for the last Christmas parties and was later joined by Oleg and Nadia who came down from Sydney and stayed until the early January.
Finally, I spent the last week in Singapore where I was for work meetings. On the weekend, I paid a short visit to one of the salsa venues there, Xen Bar in Pagoda St in China Town. The skill of the dancers who we were watching mesmerised my colleagues and one of them wants to take up salsa now (given that she used to be a dancer some years ago). Unfortunately, we didn't stay long enough for me to find a partner of about my skill level.
I'm back in Melbourne now, and will start my salsaing again tomorrow night.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Where To Salsa In Melbourne - 2008
Since the original listing got pushed right to the bottom of the page, I decided to update the list in a new posting. Below is an almost complete list of nights and salsa events in Melbourne (it's getting longer every month - this listing was last updated on October 15, 2008). Warning: Please follow the links to dance schools' and venues' websites to confirm that the classes or events of your choice are on before making plans to attend:
Monday:
- Brooklyn Dance School (Broken Mirror, 2C Staley Street Brunswick near (corner Sydney Rd and Blyth Street) ): Salsa Beginners (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Intermediate (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
- Candela Latin Dance (Century City Walk, 285 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley): Beginners (Salsa, Street Latin) (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm), Intermediate A (Salsa, Rueda de Casino, Street Latin) (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Intermediate B (Cuban Salsa, Son & Rueda de Casino) (8:35 pm - 9:30 pm), Social Dancing & Drinks (9:30 pm - late)
- Dance 101 (St Kilda RSL, Acland Street, St Kilda (opposite Vineyard, near McDonalds): Intermediate Salsa (Cuban & L.A. Style) (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Beginner Salsa (Levels 1 & 2) (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm), Social Dancing FREE Entry (9:30 pm - late)
- DanceCity Productions (3 Aberdeen Street , Geelong): Beginner Salsa (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Intermediate / Advanced (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- Dance Dynamics (Level 1, 493 Church Street , Richmond): Salsa Solo (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm), Salsa Combo (9:30 pm - 10:30 pm)
- Dance Dynamics (953A, Station St., Boxhill Nth): Salsa Solo (12:30 pm - 13:30 pm), Salsa Solo (9:30 pm - 10:30 pm)
- Ela Rose Latin Dance Academy ( 205-211 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill): FREE Class (Salsa for Beginners) (6:30 pm - 7:00 pm), Beginner Salsa (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Salsa Level 2 (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
- Forever Dance - Forever Salsa (Studio 2, Level 1, 432 Church Street, Richmond): First timers starter class (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm), Beginner Salsa (6:45 pm - 7:45 pm), Practice (7:45 pm - 8:00 pm), Advanced Salsa (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Intermediate Salsa (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Performance class (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- Melbourne Latin Dance ( Level 1, 147 Swan St,Richmond): Beginner salsa (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- Salsa in Motion (16 Union Street, Brunswick): Beginners (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
- Salsa in Motion (Werribee Plaza Shopping centre(Coner Heaths & Derrimut Roads, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee): Energy SALSA (12:15 pm - 12:45 pm), Salsa-Cuban Beginner (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
- Spin City Dance (1 CARLTON PLACE,Prahran, Melbourne): Beginners 1 ( 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Beginners 2 (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
- Sway Dance Studio (480c Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick): Beginners/Intermediate Salsa (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Advanced Salsa (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm).
- Sway Dance Studio ( Rich River Golf Club,
24 Lane Rd Moama, Echuca): Beginners Street Latin (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Intermediate Street Latin (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm) - The Space Dance and Arts Studio (The Space,Upstairs, 318 Chapel St , Prahran ): Reggaeton Beginners (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm), Reggaeton Intermediate (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Tuesday:
- Bailando La Salsa (Plan B Lounge – 274 Bridge Road, Richmond): Salsa Beginners ( 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Intermediate (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
- Cuban Dance Academy ( Corner King St, Lt Collins St, Melbourne City ): Cuban SalsaLevel 4 (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Cuban SalsaLevel 5 (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- Dance 101 (Corner Clow Street and Stud Road, Dandenong): Intermediate Salsa (7:00 pm -8:00 pm), Beginner Salsa (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Social Dancing, FREE Entry (10:00 pm - late). Please note : No classes on the 1st Tuesday of every month.
- Dance 101 (Coner Bay and New Streets, Brighton): Intermediate Salsa (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), First Timer Salsa (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Beginner Salsa (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm), FREE Social dancing (9:30 pm - late)
- Dance 101 (163 Carinish Road, Clayton): Intermediate & First Timer Salsa (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Beginner 1 Salsa & Beginner 2 Salsa (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Social Dancing, FREE Entry (9:00 pm - late)
- DanceCity Production ( 43-49 Lygon Street,Crooners Restaurant, Brunswick): Beginner Salsa Mix (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Internadiate/Advanced Salsa Mix (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- Dance Dynamics ( Level 1, 142 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern): Salsa Solo (9:30 am - 10:30 am), Salsa Xtreme (10:00 am - 11:00 am)
- Dance Dynamics (953A, Station St., Boxhill Nth): Salsa Xtreme (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Salsa Combo (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm), Salsa TP (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- Fusion Dance & Lifestyle Studio ( 478 Smith Street, Fitzroy): Salsa (7.00 pm - 8.00 pm)
- Melbourne Latin Dance (Level 1, 147 Swan St,Richmond ): Free Beginners Salsa class (6.30 pm - 7.30 pm), Beginners Salsa (7.30 pm - 8.30 pm), Intermediate Salsa (8.30 pm - 9.30 pm)
- Melbourne Salsa(Corner Chapel St and Brighton Rd East, St Kilda): Intermediate & Advanced ( 9.00 pm - 10.00 pm)
- Melbourne Salsa(Grosvenor Hotel 10 Brighton Rd, St Kilda): First Timers (7.30 pm - 8.30 pm), Beginners 1 (8.35 pm - 9.30 pm), Beginners 2 (8.35 pm - 9.30 pm), Intermediates (7.30 pm - 8.30 pm)
- Salsa In Motion (16 Union Street, Brunswick): Beginner Salsa (6.30 pm - 7.00 pm), Beginner Salsa (7.00 pm - 8.00 pm), Bachata All Levels (8.00 pm - 9.00 pm), Body Movement All Levels (9.00 pm - 10.00 pm)
- Showy Salsa (353 Smith, Fitzroy): Salsa Los Angeles Style All levels (7.00 pm - 8.00 pm)
- Spin City Dance (14 Batman St,West Melbourne): Salsa Beginners 1 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm), Salsa Beginners 2 (8.30 pm - 10.00 pm), Salsa Improves (7.00 pm - 8.30 pm), Salsa Intermediate (8.30 pm - 10.00 pm)
- Star Studios (Level One, 325 Centre Road,Bentleigh) Social Dance ( 9:30 pm )
- Sway Dance Studio (480c Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick): Beginners Salsa ( 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
- The Space Dance and Arts Studio(The Space
Upstairs, 318 Chapel St (enter via Carlton St), Prahran ): Bignners Salsa ( 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm), Cuban Dance (mix of Afro contemporary, salsa, rumba, mambo) - Advanced (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm), Street Latin (Salsa & Merengue) - Beginners (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm) - Viva Cabaret ( Level 1, 231 Smith Street, Fitzroy ): Beginner Salsa Level 2 (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Beginner Salsa Level 1 (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Intermediate Salsa (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm), FREE Social Dancing (10:00 pm - late)
Wednesday:
- Candela Latin Dance (353 Smith Street, Fitzroy): Intermediate B (Cuban Salsa, Son & Rueda de Casino) (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Beginners (Salsa, Street Latin) (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm), Intermediate A (Salsa, Rueda de Casino, Street Latin) (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm), Social Dancing & Drinks (9:30 pm - late)
- Dance 101 ( Lauderdale Road, Club 1422, Narre Warren): Intermediate Salsa (7:00 pm -8:00 pm), Beginner Salsa (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), FREE Social Dancing (9:00 pm - late)
- Dance 101 ( Atomic Bar and Cafe, 185 Nelson Place, Williamstown): Intermediate Salsa (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Beginner Salsa (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm), Social Dancing FREE Entry (9:30 pm - late)
- Dance 101 ( Mynt Lounge - 185 Watton St, Werribee): Intermediate Salsa (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Beginner 1 & 2 Salsa (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm), FREE Social Dancing (9:30 pm - late). Classes diverted to Atomic Bar, Williamstown until October 15th.
- DanceCity Productions ( 29 Sydney Road (Coner Brunswick Road) , Brunswick): Beginner Salsa (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Intermadiate/Advanced (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
- Dance Dynamics (Level 1, 493 Church St, Richmond ): Salsa Solo (12:15 pm - 13:15 pm), Salsa Solo (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Salsa Combo (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Salsa TP (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- Dance Dynamics (Level 1, 142 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern): Salsa Solo (7:00 am - 8:00 am), Salsa Xtreme (7:30 am - 8:30 am), Salsa Solo (10:00 am - 11:00 am), Salsa Solo (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm), Salsa Combo (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
- Dance Dynamics (953A, Station St., Boxhill Nth): Salsa Solo (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- Illadvanced Urban Arts Collective (458-460 Lygon Street, Brunswick East): Beginner Salsa Class (6:15 pm - 7:00 pm), Urban Salsa Intermediate/Advanced (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Urban Salsa Performance Team (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- Melbourne Salsa(Il Portobello 859 Mount Alexander Rd, Essendon): First timers (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Beginners 1 (8:35 pm - 9:30 pm), Beginners 2 (8:35 pm - 9:30 pm), Intermediates (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
- Ooh-La-La Dance Studio (Level 1, 198 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria): Beginner Salsa (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm), Performance/Intermediate (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
- Salsa Addiction (
BARCODE Melbourne Central,
Kingpin Entertainment Complex, Level 3 Melbourne Central, 211 Latrobe Street, Melbourne City 3000): Absolute Beginners (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm), Beginners (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Intermediate class (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), FREE Social dancing (9:00 pm - late) - Salsa Fun! (3 Station Pier, Port Melbourne): Beginners/Intermediate Classes (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
- Salsa in Motion (84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale ): Cha-Cha-Cha All Levels (7:10 pm - 8:10 pm), Salsa Improve (8:15 pm - 9:15 pm)
- Salsa in Motion (Werribee Plaza Shopping centre, Corner Heaths & Derrimut Roads, Hoppers Crossing): Energy Salsa (6:00 pm - 6:30 pm)
- Salsita (177 Foote St, (Cnr. Glendale Av & Foote St), Templestowe, Victoria): Beginners and Intermediate Classes ( 7:00 Pm - 8:00 Pm)
- Section 8 (27 Tattersals Lane, Melbourne City): James Hudson, Beginners (6:00 pm -)
- Showy Salsa (440 Cheltenhan Rd, Keysborough): Beginners ( 7:00 Pm - 8:00 Pm), Intermediate class (8:15 pm - 9:15 pm)
- Street Side Salsa (Lounge Bar in Highpoint Shopping Centre, 120-200 Rosamond Rd, Maribyrnong): Introduction to Salsa (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Intermediate class (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Beginner 1 (8:40 pm - 9:40 pm), Beginner 2 (8:40 pm - 9:40 pm), Social Dancing (9:40 pm - late)
- Sway Dance Studio (480c Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick): Intermediate Salsa (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Performance Troupe (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
- Sway Dance Studio ("The Old Fire Station",
View Street, Bendigo): Beg/Intermediate Street Latin (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Advanced Street Latin (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
Thursday:
- Cuban Dance Academy (Level 1/269, Johnston St Abbotsford (corner Park St), St Abbotsford): Traditional Cuban Rhythms (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Salsa/Rueda
Level 4 (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Salsa/Rueda Level 2 (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Salsa/Rueda Level 3 (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm), Salsa/Rueda Level 1 (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm) - Dance 101 (No. 4 Thames Promenade, Chelsea): Advanced Salsa (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Intermediate Salsa (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm), Beginner Salsa (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm), FREE Social Dancing (9:30 pm - late)
- Dance 101 (Westernport Hotel, San Remo (just before the Phillip Island bridge), Phillip Island): Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 Salsa (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), FREE Social Dancing (9:00 pm - late)
- DanceCity Productions(393 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy): Beginner Salsa Mix (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Rueda de Casino Intermadiate (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- Dance Connection(139 Smith Street, Copacabana, Fitzroy): Advanced (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Beginners (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Beginners Level 2 & Intermadiates (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- Dance Dynamics(953A Station St, Boxhill Nth): Salsa Solo (10:00 am - 11:00 am)
- Dance Dynamics(Level 1, 142 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern): Salsa Solo (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Salsa Combo (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Salsa TP (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- Ela Rose Latin Dance Academy(1 Matisi Street, Thornbury): Salsa Level 2 (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
- Fusion Dance & Lifestyle Studio (478 Smith St, Fitzroy): Salsa (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm), Salsa (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Salsa (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- Katumba Dance (66 Woodland St, Strathmore): salsa - beginners (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), salsa - intermediate / advance (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- Melbourne Latin Dance(Level 1, 147 Swan St, Richmond ): Beginners Salsa (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm), Ladies Salsa Styling (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Intermediate Salsa (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- Melbourne Salsa (The Stamford Hotel Corner of Stud Rd Wellington Rd, Rowville): First Timers (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Beginner 1 (8:35 pm - 9:30 pm), Beginners 2 (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm), Intermediate (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
- Melbourne Salsa (The Night Cat - 141 Johnston St, Fitzroy): First Timers (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Beginners 1 (8:35 pm - 9:30 pm), Beginners 2 (8:35 pm - 9:30 pm), Intermediate (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
- Salsa Fun!( Level 1, 401 Swanston Street Melbourne CBD (Opp. RMIT next to Melbourne Central)): Performance Salsa Classes (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Beginners (8:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- Salsa in Motion(Werribee Plaza Shopping centre(Cnr Heaths & Derrimut Roads, Hoppers Crossing): Salsa Beginner (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm), Bachata All Levels (7:00 pm - 7:40 pm), Salsa - LA Beginner (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
- Spin City Dance(14 Batman St, Melbourne): Advanced Salsa (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Workshop hour (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Workshop hour (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- The Space Dance and Arts Centre (The Space
Upstairs, 318 Chapel St (enter via Carlton St),
Prahran) - Street Latin (salsa & merengue) - Beginner (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
- Star Studios (Level One, 325 Centre Road, Bentleigh): Social Dance( 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- The Space Dance and Arts Studio(The Space
Upstairs, 318 Chapel St (enter via Carlton St),
Prahran ): Salsa Beginner (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm), Salsa Intermediate (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm) - Viva Cabaret (Level 1, 231 Smith Street, Fitzroy): Special Class "Rueda Casino" (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Advanced Salsa (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm), Beginner Salsa (Level 1 & 2) (9:00 pm - 10:00 pm), FREE Social Dancing (10:00 pm - late)
Saturday:
- Dance Dynamics (Level 1, 142 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern): Salsa Solo (11:00 am - 12:00 pm), Salsa Xtreme (11:45 am - 12:45 pm)
- Dance Dynamics (Level 1, 493 Church St, Richmond): Salsa Solo (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm)
- Sway Dance Studio (480c Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick): Street Latin - beginners (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
- Cuban Dance Academy (St Kilda Sea Baths, Jacka Bvld, St Kilda): Salsa/ Rueda (5:00 pm - 6:00 pm)
- Dance Connection ( 139 Smith Street, Copacabana,
Fitzroy): Advanced (5:30 pm - 6:30 pm), Beginners (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm), Intermadiate (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm) - Dance Dynamics (953A Station St, Boxhill Nth): Salsa Solo (12:00 pm - 13:00 pm), Salsa Combo (12:45 pm - 13:45 pm)
- Melbourne Salsa (The Night Cat, 141 Johnston St., Fitzroy): First Timers (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm), Beginners 1 (8:35 pm - 9:30 pm), Beginners 2 (8:35 pm - 9:30 pm), Intermediates (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
- Sway Dance Studio (480c Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick): Beginners LA Salsa (3:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
A company called Fast Impressions is offering Salsa Speed Dating. Melbourne Salsa puts on three regular social salsa events:
- annual Salsa Cruise in December. This year the theme is 'Aloha' and the date is December 15, 2007
- monthly 'Salsa in the City' @ Park Hyatt radii bar on the last Friday of every month
- monthly 'Salsa Spectacular' @ Ormond Hall, 557 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne on the 2nd Saturday of every month
Havana Nights conducts regular salsa tours. If you know of any other salsa gigs, events, classes and venues in Melbourne, please let me know and I'll post them here. My email address can be assembled by adding stokaji, @, and hotmail.com together (that is also my MSN address). stokaji is also my user ID on Yahoo Messenger and Skype.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Another Salsa Christmas Party: Felix Bar in St Kilda
Another salsa class in Melbourne discovered: Templestowe
I've also been told about salsa classes at Melbourne University and La Trobe University. If anyone has more information about those, please leave me a comment.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Foot styling #1 (taught to me by Sepehr)
I will start with an easy but stylish men's foot styling sequence that Sepehr from Brooklyn Dance School taught me after the class on Friday.
Counts:
1. Tap with the front of the left foot in front and a little to the right of the centre of your body.
2. Tap with the heel of the left foot.
3. Step back to the beginning position.
4. A quick tap with the right foot (front or heel).
5, 6, 7 - A normal step back with the right foot.
My Hectic Salsa Schedule
Over the last week and a half I had something to do with salsa almost every night - is that a sign of extreme dedication or a crazed obsession? Normally, it's 3-4 nights a week. I don't think I will be doing it this much in the future, but it was good to do a "salsa immersion".
Last week:- Monday - Private lesson with Brooke Gittings from Brooklyn Dance School.
- Tuesday - After my Toastmasters' meeting I stopped by Grosvenor in St Kilda to see if anyone I knew was at the Melbourne Salsa class
- Wednesday - Beginner and Intermediate classes at Lotus (Brooklyn Dance School). I stayed on to practise during the salsa dura they have afterwards. I like the atmosphere, the people at the class and of course the teachers.
- Thursday - Intermediate and Beginner classes at Felix in St Kilda. Cynon (Cy) of Salsita is a great teacher (and a very flirty show-off that is great to watch and take tips from when he's dancing) and his classes were my first. Since I started going to this class four months ago, I got to know my fellow students in this intimate class a lot better.
- Friday - Salsa for Oxfam organised by Brooklyn Dance School and Sassy Young Professionals (specifically a slim and good looking girl Lucy who is a fellow vegetarian)
- Saturday - Copacabana International.
- Sunday - St Kilda Sea Baths. Contrary to my expectations, despite the chilly wind and low temperatures, it was packed with dancers and onlookers.
This week so far:
- Monday - Private lesson with Brooke
- Tuesday - My puppy was in an accident and left his body (anybody who wants an explanation of what I mean by that can contact me on my Yahoo messenger ID listed on the left in my profile).
- Wednesday - Classes and social dancing at Lotus. I really needed to get out of my place and take my mind off the sad thoughts. Ally, a feminine New Zealander, who I met at Copacabana on Friday last week and invited to the class, also turned up and enjoyed it. I had to skip a half of the beginner's class to have my hand re-bandaged with Marie's kind help at the nearby pharmacy.
- Thursday - Classes at Felix with Cy. We are going over the routine he's been teaching us for a couple of months now.
- Friday - Salsa for Oxfam - I danced with Dani who just couldn't stop laughing for some reason. I suspect it had something to do with the James Bond looks I was giving her. Then most of the students, including me, went to the Christmas Salsa Party at Ossobo. Fun was had by all. I met another fellow Toastmaster (I had no idea she did salsa) and danced with her, as well as with Brooke and Samatha (who also goes to Brooke's classes). There were a few floor shows again.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
A Tribute To Stridy, My Beautiful Puppy Dog Who Passed Away This Morning

My beautiful dog, Strider, got hit by a car last night at 9:15pm on Beaconsfield Pde in St Kilda and passed away this morning at 2:20am at the Veterinary Emergency Centre in Mount Waverley.I think his mission here on Earth was to give people joy and to make them smile.
My ex-wife Lara and I had him for almost five years. He was supposed to move to America where she lives now, in two weeks.




Sunday, December 03, 2006
Melbourne salsa nights review from a beginner's perspective
Wednesday night @ Lotus: This bar is usually full of mostly young, vivacious people. Most people from the beginners' and intermediate salsa classes that Brooklyn Dance School puts on there, stay on to practise their craft for a bit. They only make up a small percentage of all the dancers there, as many come just for the dancing part. For me as a beginner, the intimidation factor was about 4 out of 10. There are some really skilled dancers, but there are also newbies who are happy to dance with you even if you're not very experienced. One thing I hate about this and other indoor venues is the tobacco stench that lingers on my clothes when I come home. I can't wait for the smoking ban to take effect in pubs and clubs in 2007!
Friday night @ Copacabana: This is not a salsa night as such, but the band plays salsa music amongst other things and I spotted a few salsa dancers whom I've seen at other venues. The crowd varies quite greatly because Copa is a Brazilian restaurant that has a few hen's nights and other parties taking place there every Friday and Saturday. There are some people who obviously have various degrees of skill in salsa and I danced with a few. As I discovered, there are even some girls who have never done salsa before and are willing to learn some steps and have a good time while at it. Intimidation factor for me was about 2 out of 10. It was easy to spot and approach other beginners, and there was almost no pressure to show a lot of skill.
Saturday night @ Ossobo: This seems to be the night when mostly advanced salsa dancers come out to strut their stuff (does that expression apply to dancing?) Last night the place was not very packed because it was cold and the band was not playing. There was plenty of floor space for dancing - enough not to bump into other dancers all the time, like at most other venues. There were more men than women, so girls had plenty of choice. There was a stage show in which a couple of very advanced, Congress-going dancers performed a very complex routine. The intimidation factor for me as a beginner was about 10 out of 10. It looked like there were no beginners dancing there at all. I don't think I will be going to Ossobo for at least a few more months until I get some skill. West Melbourne is not my favourite part of town anyway. It's full of industrial buildings, and I don't like the energy there.
Sunday night @ the St Kilda Sea Baths: This is my favourite salsa night. Plenty of fresh air, the starry sky, you can actually hear people if you're having a conversation, and there is a good mix in the crowd. Dancers range from beginners to advanced. My intimidation factor there is usually about 4 out of 10. If there are girls from my class, I find it easy to practise with them. I haven't danced with any female dancers that I haven't met before. However, I've met and had conversations with both men and women. It's a good night for making friends, in my opinion.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Where to salsa in Melbourne?
I love salsa dancing. I think I may be developing a severe addiction. Of course, after four months I'm still only a beginner, a bumbling and scruffy ugly duckling waiting to turn into a beautiful, gracious and elegant swan, but I'm gradually starting to become more confident. I think I'm on the verge of it all loudly and victoriously clicking into place. One of my teachers, charismatic Sepehr from Brooklyn Dance School told me that usually after six to twelve months of dancing you suddenly "get it". I sure hope this is the case, because I really want to become a good dancer very very soon!
Now, to the main topic. Where can you learn how to dance salsa, get coached in its sexy moves and where can you practise and show off your smooth salsa skills afterwards? Below is an almost complete list of nights and salsa events in Melbourne:
Monday:
- Veludo (Acland St, St Kilda): Cuban Dance Academy, Afro-Cuban style
- The Bay (Beach Rd, Mordialloc): Melbourne Salsa, beginners and intermediate
- Dance Dynamics (Richmond / South Yarra): Street Latin
- Isla de la Rumba (Swan St, Richmond): Cuban Dance Academy, 5-week beginners course & level 2-3 bridging salsa course
- Forever Dance Studios (Level 1, 432 Church St, Richmond): Casa Della Salsa, beginners & intermediate, followed by social practice
- Ooh-La-La Dance Studio (La Trobe St, Melbourne): beginners street Latin
- DanceCity (3 Aberdeen St, Geelong): beginners (7:30-8:30pm) & Intermediate / Advanced (8:30-9:30pm), followed by social dancing
- Viva Cabaret (Smith St, Fitzroy): performance salsa (7:30pm)
- Camberwell Community Centre: Just4Singles, for 20s-30s, salsa, cha cha, merengue (8pm)
- Mojito (169 Commercial Rd, South Yarra) - Instructor: Roman, Intermediate (7pm) & Beginners (8pm)
Tuesday:
- Grosvenor Hotel (Dandenong Rd, St Kilda): Melbourne Salsa classes
- Prince of Wales (St Kilda?): Brooklyn Dance School, block course for beginners and intermediate
- Viva Cabaret (Smith St, Fitzroy): beginners and intermediate, followed by social practice
- The Exchange Hotel (cnr King & Lt Collins Sts, Melbourne): Cuban Dance Academy, Afro-Cuban style
- Dance Dynamics (Box Hill / Doncaster): Street Latin
- Arthur Murray Dance Studio (Bourke St, Melbourne): Salsa & Meriangue
- Latinissimo (Swan St, Richmond): FREE beginners class, beginners & advanced
- Airstream Café (Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley): Candela Latin Dance, beginners & intermediate
- The Chelsea RSL (4 Thames Promenade, Chelsea): Salsa Australia, "Rueda salsa" beginners (7-8pm), Beginner 1 (8-9pm), Beginner 2 (9-10pm)
- Crooners Restaurant (43-49 Lygon St, Brunswick): DanceCity, salsa mix - beginner (7:30-8:30pm) & intermediate / advanced (8:30-9:30pm)
- Ossobo Bar ( 419 Spencer St, West Melbourne): street Latin - salsa, merengue, cha cha (7:00pm)
Wednesday:
- Lotus (Toorak Rd, South Yarra): Brooklyn Dance School, beginners (7:30pm) and intermediate (8:30pm), followed by Latin night.
- L'otel (Fitzroy St, St Kilda): beginners
- Il Portobello (Mt Alexander Rd, Essendon): Melbourne Salsa, Beginners and Intermediate
- Alumbra (Spencer St, West Melbourne): Cuban Dance Academy, Afro-Cuban style classes followed by live Latin band
- Geelong Hotel (cnr Moorabool & Myers Streets, Geelong): Cuban Dance Academy, Afro-Cuban style classes
- Dance Dynamics (Richmond / South Yarra): Salsa (on 1) - Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced
- Arthur Murray Dance Studio (Mountain Hwy, Knox): Bronze I & II (SALSA & FOXTROT) (block course)
- Ooh-La-La Dance Studio (La Trobe St, Melbourne): beginners street Latin
- Dancing Dog Cafe (Cnr Albert & Raleigh Street, Footscray): Salsa De La Luna, beginners & intermediate, followed by social dancing
- CZECH House (Queensberry St, North Melbourne): Candela Latin Dance, beginners & intermediate
- Bridie O'Reilly's (29 Sydney Rd, Brunswick): DanceCity, salsa - beginners (7-8pm) & intermediate (8-9pm), followed by social dancing
- Camberwell Community Centre: Just4Singles, for 40s, salsa, cha cha, merengue (8pm)
Thursday:
- Felix Bar (43 Fitzroy St, St Kilda): Salsita, LA style salsa, Intermediate 1 (7:30pm-8:30pm) and Beginners 2 (8:30pm-9:30pm)
- Copacabana International (Smith St, Fitzroy): Dance Connection, beginners and intermediate
- The Golden Gate Hotel (Clarendon St, South Melbourne): Melbourne Salsa, Beginners and Intermediate
- Night Cat (Johnston St, Fitzroy): Cuban Dance Academy, Afro-Cuban style classes
- Dance Dynamics (Malvern): Street Latin Beginners and Intermediate
- Latinissimo (Swan St, Richmond): beginner & intermediate + ladies' styling and technique
- Cousin Joe's Cafe (Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds): Candella Latin Dance, beginners
- Salsa Revolution (Platform one, Vault 8, Banana Alley, Flinders St, Melbourne): social dancing
- The Spot (Sydney Rd, cnr Union St, Brunswick): social dancing with Rumberos
- First Floor (393 Brunswick St, Fitzroy): DanceCity, salsa mix - beginners (7:30-8:30pm), Rueda de Casino - intermediate (8:30-9:30pm)
- Manningham Arts Centre (Foote St, Templestowe): Salsita, LA Style, Beginners (7:30-8:30pm)
Friday:
- Hip-to-hip Belly Dancing (Bridge Rd, Richmond): Brooklyn Dance School and Sassy Young Professionals present salsa for charity (Oxfam) @ 7pm. Contact Lucy on 0413 417 627 or Brooke on 0433 680 980.
- Viva Cabaret (Smith St, Fitzroy): beginners / intermediate and advanced, followed by CLUB LATINO
- Arthur Murray Dance Studio (Bourke St, Melbourne): Bronze Variety - Merengue, Salsa, Hustle Argentine, Lindy Hop etc
- Ooh-La-La Dance Studio (La Trobe St, Melbourne): intermediate street Latin
Saturday:
- Ossobo Bar ( 419 Spencer St, West Melbourne): Dance Rhythm Studio, social dancing (no longer open)
- Dance Dynamics (Richmond / South Yarra): Salsa advanced, ladies styling, beginners
- Isla de la Rumba (Swan St, Richmond): Cuban Dance Academy, Salsa 4 Teens (11-16 yo) + Master Class Boot Camp
- Gardenia (Johnston St & Rathdown St, Carlton): Street Latin social dancing
Sunday:
- Copacabana International (Smith St, Fitzroy): Dance Connection, classes and social dancing
- Felix Bar (43 Fitzroy St, St Kilda): Salsita, LA style, Intermediate 2 (5:30pm-6:30pm) and Beginners 1 (6:30pm-7:30pm), followed by social dancing
- Amello (St Kilda Sea Baths, Jacka Blvd, St Kilda): beginners classes followed by FREE Salsa Sunday (summer months [Nov-Mar], 5pm - 11:30pm)
- Night Cat (Johnston st, Fitzroy): social dancing with a 14 piece salsa orchestra, Rumberos.
A company called Fast Impressions is offering Salsa Speed Dating at Alumbra on the banks of the Yarra river in South Bank.
Melbourne Salsa puts on two regular social salsa events:
- The annual Salsa Cruise - this year it's on Sunday, the 17th of December.
- And the monthly 'Salsa in the City' @ Park Hyatt radii bar on the last Friday of every month.
Melbourne Dance Rhythm invites you to their first Christmas Party @ Ossobo (419 Spencer St, West Melbourne) on the 8th of December, 9pm-3am. It's $25 which includes supper.
I also heard about the upcoming Tropical Salsa night in February, but I haven't got any details for that yet.Havana Nights conducts regular salsa tours.
The Latin Lover website has a great listing of salsa events and gigs (although it's definitely not complete).
If you know of any other salsa gigs, events, classes and venues in Melbourne, please let me know and I'll post them here.






