THE NEW ZEALAND SALSA CONGRESS
NZ’S PREMIER SALSA & BACHATA DANCE EVENT
WORLD CLASS INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL INSTRUCTORS | 2 DAYS OF WORKSHOPS | SHOWCASE
3 NIGHTS OF PARTIES | SALSA + BACHATA PARTY ROOMS | BOOTCAMPS I MASTERCLASSES
The NZ Salsa Congress is the biggest Latin Dance weekend event specially for Bachata and Salsa dance lovers in New Zealand. 2026 will be the 19th year of this popular annual industry gathering of all levels, bringing together some of the best Latin dance instructors, dancers and performers from around the world and New Zealand! Join us again in Wellington with your friends for a fabulous weekend of exciting parties, inspiring workshops and thrilling world class shows, all welcome!
VENUES
Te Whaea – National Dance and Drama Centre is the home to Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and the New Zealand School of Dance. This ‘centre of excellence’ is set on Wellington’s nature reserve in Newtown, five minutes drive from the heart of the city, with ample parking and a great view.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday night parties will be held here along with Saturday and Sunday Workshops and Masterclasses.
INDUSTRY AWARDS
THE NZ LATIN DANCE INDUSTRY AWARDS recognises individuals and groups that have made a significant contribution to the life of the dance community either locally or nationally over a period of time, and have helped to develop and shape the scene for the benefit and enjoyment of all.
The names are open for nomination each year and voted upon by leaders in the NZ Latin Dance industry and presented at the NZ Salsa Congress each year. Past recipients in alphabetical order:
1. Adrian Leineweber
2. Albert Torres
3. Alfonso Rios
4. Annie Giles – Salsa Groove, Hanmer Winter Salsa Festival
5. Chloe Robinson – Salsa Magic
6. Chris Foreman
7. Coco Jorge Sequeiros – Salsa Con Coco
8. Dean Christie & Karen Saunders – Bay Salsa Festival
9. Donna & Warren – Latin Fire / South Island Latin Dance Championships
10. Emily Glubb – E Dance Productions
11. Greydis Montero
12. Heidi Hughes – Jambalaya / NZ Pacific Salsa Congress
13. Irina Kapeli – Dance Whanganui
14. Jackie Cooke – Salsa Magic
15. Jacob Rosevear – Salsa Magic
16. Jaime Jesus – Latin Dance Australia
17. Kantuta / NZ Salsa Latin Dance Competition (’92 – 2007)
18. Kate Maguire – Salsa Agua
19. Latin Fever
20. Lilia De Castro – Salsa Therapy
21. Michael Hobbs – Latin Fire
22. Murray Caves – Salsa Club
23. Nestor Manuelian – Latin Dance Australia
24. Olivia Sumich – Jambalaya
25. Rae Foster (Salsa Rae) – Lifetime Award 2015
26. Raine Symons – Suavesitas
27. Rafael Ferrer Noel & Rosina Van Der Aa – Cuban Fusion
28. Reuben Watkins – Salsa Latina
29. Rebecca Connaughton – Vuelta Dance
30. Grant Major
31. Rogelio Carles-Rosas – Salsa Magic
32. Saione Greer – Viva Dance / NZ Salsa Congress / NZ Latin Dance Championships
33. Vivio Ramos – Cuban Groove
