ARTISTS
2024
INTERNATIONAL
PIPE & KATHE – COLOMBIA
SALSA MAMBO
Pipe Bejarano and Katherine Guerrero are passionate Colombian dancers who are making a huge impact in the world of Salsa and Bachata.
In their almost 4 years of dancing together professionally, they have competed in numerous world championships, collecting a stack of titles along the way including:
– 1st Place THE SUMMIT 2024 Salsa Couple on 1 pro
– 1st Place THE SUMMIT 2024 Salsa Couple Cabaret pro
– 1st Place THE SUMMIT 2024 Bachata Couple pro
– 1st Place Bachata Cabaret, Euroson Latino 2023
– 1st Place Salsa Cabaret, Euroson Latino 2023
– 1st Place Salsa on1, Ultimate Latin Dance Championships 2023
– 1st Place Bachata Cabaret, Ultimate Latin Dance Champs 2023
– 1st Place Pro Salsa on1, Sudamérica Latin Competition 2022
– 1st Place Bachata Cabaret, Sudamérica Latin Competition 2022
– 1st Place Professional Salsa on1, Mundial de Salsa 2022
Pipe and Katherine focus on conveying the essence of dance through emotion, creating magic with their unique on-stage connection. They strive to deliver a moving experience through their art that will leave a lasting impression. We are very excited to welcome them for their first time in New Zealand!
MARLEY & LEO – SPAIN
BACHATA SENSUAL
Originally from Venezuela and now based in Madrid, these Bachateros truly stand out. It’s not just their amazing dance skills and impressive tricks that make them special…
FELIPE – CHILE
CUBAN RYTHMS
Felipe Tapia aka “Pipon Rumbero” is the Director and choreographer of YALAMBILE company, specializing in Cuban Latin rhythms.
YALAMBILE has represented CHILE in Cuba at the PALENKE festival and was honoured guests of “Raices Profundas” company from Cuba.
Felipe has over 12 years of training in Latin dances. Most of his training has been in CUBA, studying under some of the most prominent masters in the field. He also won third place at the Fiesta del Tambor in 2018, in CUBA
He has trained in Afro-Cuban rhythms, Yoruba, Arara, and Bantu Dances, Salsa Casino, Son Cubano, among others.
RONIE & FRIDA – SWEDEN
KIZOMBA FUSION
Ronie Saleh plays guitar and has been singing/composing his own songs since childhood. It was not until 2009 he came in contact with couple dancing; Modern Foxtrot.
In 2013 he was introduced to Kizomba and fell in love immediately, a love so strong that he left his profession as a Speech & Language Pathologist to dedicate his life to couple dance. In Scandinavia he introduced the new dance style “FOXKIZ” (Foxtrot with Kizomba touch), which has expanded fast and its now very popular all over Sweden.
2021 Frida Ellinor came into the picture. They met at a bachata social and then he won her over to the Kizomba scene. Nowadays they teach everything together (Kizomba, Bachata, FOXKIZ) focusing on Variations, Creativity Tools & Musicality. Frida began her dance journey in 2008 at Lasse Kuhler’s in Stockholm. Later on she’s been dancing at several schools such as the Ballet Academy, Scandinavian dance academy, House of shapes. Frida is educated in jazz, heels, street, ballet, heels and pole dance, but in the recents years she has completely fallen in love with couple dance.
Ronie & Frida are now one of the most requested Kizomba teachers in the world and has been giving workshops & Master classes worldwide. We are excited to have Ronie back this year with Frida joining him in NZ for the very first time for 6 workshops in Auckland May 25-26 before heading to Congress for another Bootcamp and Workshops over the weekend, make the most of them!
Check them out: https://youtu.be/bFSd4MXFAEQ?si=NFSVtpqXxasULJaN
ALLAN & VICK – BRAZIL
BRAZILIAN ZOUK
Vick has been a Dancer since she was 4 years old and Allan has been a couple style dancer for 10 years.
Together they are Teachers, Dancers and choreographers of Brazilian Zouk/Lambada. Current Brazilian Champions of Zouk (2023) they travel giving classes and doing shows in several countries. They are currently part of the 3D Generation.
Check them out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqWT5AnSlbw
XANDINHO & MIRELLA
BRAZILIAN ZOUK
Dance professionals, lovers of movement and human body students, Xandinho and Mirella see consciousness and all its forms as a portal to communicate and express themselves in dance.
Fluidity, creativity, autonomy and presence are points explored both in the social dance and in the professional methodology of these teachers from the South of Brazil.
Xandinho and Mirella started working together in January 2023. Before this Xandinho was already a dancer and teacher specializing in zouk, an event producer and ballroom dance student since 2014. Mirella has a degree in physiotherapy and has studied the body and development since 2014. She began her dance studies through urban dances and since 2017 she has been teaching a range of different styles. Now, with a beautiful partnership, Xandinho and Mirella are teaching ZOUK around Brazil and the world and will be with us at the NZ Salsa Congress!
Check them out here: https://youtu.be/5FcSTJEZqT4?si=2JBFZ5jbUuNeT24l
PEDRO & TIFFANY – VENEZUELA / AUSTRALIA
SALSA
Pedro and Tiffany, the sensational dance couple hailing from Australia and Venezuela, are captivating audiences worldwide with their infectious energy and unparalleled talent.
With over 20 years of experience, they are renowned for their mastery of Bachata, Salsa and Chachacha. Pedro, crowned World Champion in 2024, and together with Tiffany, runner-up in 2020, they continue to inspire with their electrifying performances and dedication to their craft. Join them in Wellington on their exhilarating journey through the vibrant world of Latin dance!
Check them out at last year’s Salsa Congress: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGXtk5RJQNM
JAIME & MARIE-GRACE – AUSTRALIA
SALSA & BACHATA
Ronie Saleh plays guitar and has been singing/composing his own songs since childhood. It was not until 2009 he came in contact with couple dancing; Modern Foxtrot.
In 2013 he was introduced to Kizomba and fell in love immediately, a love so strong that he left his profession as a Speech & Language Pathologist to dedicate his life to couple dance. In Scandinavia he introduced the new dance style “FOXKIZ” (Foxtrot with Kizomba touch), which has expanded fast and its now very popular all over Sweden.
2021 Frida Ellinor came into the picture. They met at a bachata social and then he won her over to the Kizomba scene. Nowadays they teach everything together (Kizomba, Bachata, FOXKIZ) focusing on Variations, Creativity Tools & Musicality. Frida began her dance journey in 2008 at Lasse Kuhler’s in Stockholm. Later on she’s been dancing at several schools such as the Ballet Academy, Scandinavian dance academy, House of shapes. Frida is educated in jazz, heels, street, ballet, heels and pole dance, but in the recents years she has completely fallen in love with couple dance.
Ronie & Frida are now one of the most requested Kizomba teachers in the world and has been giving workshops & Master classes worldwide. We are excited to have Ronie back this year with Frida joining him in NZ for the very first time for 6 workshops in Auckland May 25-26 before heading to Congress for another Bootcamp and Workshops over the weekend, make the most of them!
Check them out: https://youtu.be/bFSd4MXFAEQ?si=NFSVtpqXxasULJaN
MITCH & GEORGI – AUSTRALIA
BACHATA
This dynamic duo team up in 2024 with countless World and National titles between them, Mitch & Georgi are two of Sydney’s most sought after Latin dance professionals!
Known for their incredible charisma, exquisite technique and presence both on and off the stage, Mitch & Georgi have an innate ability to share their wealth of experience with dancers of all levels.
Mitch & Georgi have both worked extensively across Europe, America, Asia as artists, competitors and performers.
With over 25 years teaching experience, these accomplished dancers are ready to share their knowledge and passion with everyone!
LUKAS & KIMMY – AUSTRALIA
KIZOMBA
Lukas and Kimmy have been working together for over 3 years, joining their love of Kizomba, African and Afro-Latin dance and rhythms as well as Zumba, fitness and mindfulness skills all together under the banner Buena Onda!
Here’s a sample of the versatile styles they’ll bring to Congress!
Tarraxo
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0ghWagJjVa/…
Semba Roda
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvhKXJuhJ4X/…
Kizomba
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsQrPc1pRE5/…
Kizbeats-Afrobeats +Kiz Fusion
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqAT-IEhtAG/…
ConnectZen
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cv9jcB4Bnqt/?igsh=MXN1eW5wMHZzMTQ1YQ==
YOHEI & GEORGI – AUSTRALIA
SALSA
Yohei is a seasoned artist with over a decade of dance training under his belt. With a focus on Salsa on 2 (while also nurturing a keen interest in Bachata), he is particularly passionate about musicality and the art of
social dancing.
Yohei has taught, competed and performed across New Zealand, Australia, and Asia.
In recent years, Yohei has enriched his knowledge training extensively in Sydney alongside the renowned
Artia Zandian.
Meet Georgina, the undefeated 2x Australian Professional Female Salsa Soloist champion! Known for her
contagious energy and graceful style, Georgina is leading the charge for the next wave of Australian talent.
With a background in classical ballet and contemporary dance from top schools in Australia, Georgina has
won multiple World and National Championship titles, including the professional overall World Salsa Solo title
in 2022. Her performances and workshops have taken her across Australia, Asia, and the United States.
Showcasing her expertise in signature ladies styling and solid technique, Georgina delights in sharing her
knowledge with dancers of all levels. Get ready to be inspired by Georgina’s love for dance and her
dedication to helping ladies find their own style!
NEW ZEALAND
EMILY & AUGUSTO – DUNEDIN
BRAZILIAN ZOUK
Emily started dancing at a very young age, training and competing in Ballet and Jazz for many years.
She started dancing Salsa and Bachata about 14 years ago, and over time trained in a wide variety of other styles including zouk and kizomba. For 8 years, Emily taught many of these styles at her dance school, Salsa Club Dunedin. She also owned and ran a dance school for children.
Augusto is from Brazil, has been social dancing for 12 years, and has been teaching a wide range of dance styles for 6 years now. He has attended congresses and festivals all over Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia.
He now lives in Dunedin where he owns and runs his own dance school, Dança Latina Dunedin.
Emily and Augusto have been dance partners for more than 4 years and their favorite dance styles are Zouk and Kizomba. They have taught both these styles all around New Zealand and in Australia. They also have competed together in many styles and are the current NZ Latin Choreo champions (2022 and 2023), NZ Kizomba champions (2022) and NZ Zouk champions (2023)
CHLOE & NATASHA – WELLINGTON/CHRISTCHURCH
MAMBO
TRAJANO & GWEN – AUCKLAND
BRAZILIAN ZOUK
Trajano from Argentina has a strong background in acting, martial arts and trained in Capoeira for 4 years.
Prior to moving to New Zealand he danced Cuban Salsa and Ballroom and he has since trained in contemporary, circus, acro, animal movement yet his main focus for the past 11 years has been in the
Brazilian dances Brazilian Zouk and Samba de Gafieira
Originally from France, Gwen has a strong presence in the NZ Brazilian Zouk scene. With a diverse background encompassing Kizomba, Salsa, Bachata, and gymnastics, Gwen’s Brazilian Zouk Journey started 8 years ago. Over the past 5+ years, she’s refined her skills as an instructor at ZoukArt, led by the
renowned Shannon and Trajano. Gwen’s dynamic presence has earned her recognition both locally and internationally, making a notable contribution to the growth of the Zouk community
BEN – AUCKLAND
LATIN FUSION
Ben Hammond, the reigning 17-time New Zealand Street Latin and Salsa Dancing Champion, who has taken the international stage by storm.
With two world titles under his belt, Ben made history as the first male dancer to compete against his peers in heels, showcasing his unparalleled talent and breaking barriers in the world of dance.
VUELTA DANCE TEACHING TEAM – DUNEDIN
SALSA
The Vuelta Dance teaching team is comprised of Rebecca, Ingrid, Vicky (based in Ōtepoti), and Lucy (based in Ōtautahi).
Since inception in 2012, the Vuelta Dance team has earned numerous national and international awards, mentored and taught many well-known NZ salseros, choreographed award-winning routines, and have been invited to judge at competitions in NZ and Australia. These days the teaching team continues to make their presence felt in equal measures on the performance and social floor: bringing a unique flavour to their performances by combining the different strengths of each teacher, and bringing infectious enthusiasm and joy to any social dance floor. The Vuelta Dance teaching team are passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where dancers of all backgrounds, ages and skill levels are encouraged to explore movement. They aim to equip dancers with the tools to move with confidence in a manner that suits their body type, firmly believing that “every body is a dancing body”. Vuelta Dance are a friendly, energetic, passionate and down-to-earth teaching team, who bring a wealth of experience, technique and enthusiasm to their classes.
KATE – TAURANGA
SON CUBANO
Kate, the main instructor and Director of Salsa ¡Agua!, has been dancing Latin dance for more than 20 years.
She has been teaching Cuban dance and Salsa since 2008. Her patient, fun, energetic teaching style is contagious and she will have you dancing and having a great time before you know it.
Kate is a trustee and chairperson of the NZ Cuban Festival Trust which runs the Annual National Cuban Festival, and is also part of the organising committee for the annual Bay Salsa Festival since 2014. Kate has
been an invited instructor at numerous national festivals and events. Keep an eye out for her classes at NZ Salsa Congress, Bay Salsa Festival, Aotearoa Cuban Festival and Salsa Tumbao.
In 2021 at the NZ Salsa Congress, Kate was awarded the NZ Latin Dance Industry award in recognition of her service and contribution to the life of the New Zealand Latin Dance community.
Kate is captivated by the fun, authenticity and depth of Cuban dance and wants you to discover the joy of Cuban dance too.
AUBREY & BECKY – HAMILTON/TAURANGA
URBAN KIZ
Since the age of 4 years old Becky has had a love for dance enjoying a range of styles from rhythmic gymnastics, jazz ballet, pole fitness, contemporary, hip hop and zumba instructing, though later discovered a real passion for partner dancing. This led to her love affair with Kizomba.
Becky’s passion for learning more about Kizomba grew even stronger as she immersed herself into this beautiful African dance style by attending many workshops and festivals around New Zealand, Australia, France, Spain, Albania, Netherlands and Portugal. At these events she made the most of the true kizomba experiences in social dancing along with private lessons with amazing artists from around the globe.
Becky’s focus is on developing the love of dance within the community in Tauranga has expanded over the years into planning regular events and festivals throughout the year in both Kizomba & Bachata. She has a
great support behind her with her team at The House of Dance, Te Whare kani kani, and the community she has built.
Aubrey had his first taste of kizomba in 2017 falling in love with the music and the urban style of dance. He has been obsessing over fusion and urban styles ever since. He has experience as a fitness trainer and a physical education teacher and applies knowledge of kinesiology, physiology, and skill acquisition into teaching kizomba. “Being able to dance Kizomba has brought me a lot of joy, growth and connection as a person which I want
all our students to experience in their dance journeys”.
LILIA & JONO – WELLINGTON
CUBAN SALSA
Lily and Jono have been working together for the past two years. They love playing with musicality incorporating Casino Style and Timba.
Their style draws from Casino, Timba, Son and a touch of Cali Salsa.
The key lessons they want their students to take away are connection to your partner using the correct techniques and listening to the music.
Lilia De Castro a.k.a. Lily
Lilia is the Director and founder of Salsa Therapy Dance School Wellington. Originally from Bulgaria she has been involved in dancing since the age of 8. Her training includes Jazz, Ball Room, and Bulgarian Folklore.
At the age of 18 she fell in love with CUBAN Salsa and since then Latin Dancing has become part of her life and therapy for her soul. Her vast knowledge includes Cuban Salsa, Bachata Traditional and Sensual style,
Brazilian Zouk. Lilia moved to Wellington in 2005 and started teaching with Roy-Rogelio for two years. In 2007 Lilia and her dance partner at the time Ramnish founded Salsa Therapy Dance School. Salsa Therapy has become the first school in Wellington to offer all 3 main Latin dance styles Salsa, Bachata and Brazilian Zouk. Lilia has performed locally and internationally on many occasions, taught workshops, and choreographed many performances for Salsa Therapy’s performance teams and Las Bachateras. Lilia has
collaborated with Daniel and Desiree and Sara Panero leading and training performance teams for Bailando Sensual Festival in the past 5 years. Her mission is to help people understand how beneficial dancing can be
for their physical and mental health and spread the love for Latin culture.
Jonathan Power a.k.a. Jono
Jono has been dedicated to the performing arts his whole life in varying capacities: In 2008 he trained as an Actor at Hagley Theatre Company and Toi Whakaari (NZ Drama School). He has learnt partner dancing from Salsa Therapy. His speciality is Cuban Salsa and Dominican Bachata. Being a musician himself, he has a special interest in musicality.
JORGE & SARA – NAPIER
CUBAN SALSA
Jorge and Sara are the founders and directors of Latin Roots Hawkes Bay Salsa Casino Academy, which has been operative since 2016.
Originally, from Caracas-Venezuela, this couple with more than 14 years of experience in the Salsa Casino world began their apprenticeship being part of several salsa academies in their hometown. In order to keep themselves closer to their Caribbean culture and home country activities, they decided to open Latin Roots Hawkes Bay Salsa Casino Academy in Napier.
Along with the main course – Rueda de Casino with a touch of spicy Venezuelan flavor – Jorge and Sara teach different rhythms such as Bachata, Cha-Cha, and Venezuelan drums.
In the past few years, they have been part of several different Salsa events in New Zealand like the Bay Salsa Festival (Tauranga) and recently the Aotearoa Cuban Festival (Rotorua).
They are passionate about promoting the Latin American culture in New Zealand and within the Hawke’s Bay community with love, commitment, patience, and responsibility. Their classes are filled with fun, charisma, and dedication.
JESSIE & STEVEN – AUCKLAND
DOMINICAN BACHATA
Jessie and Steven are thrilled to share Dominican Bachata with you! During the week they can be found teaching at VIVA Dance, Auckland, where they have been working together since 2023.
Steven’s
experience in the Caribbean has led him to teach and share Cuban salsa and Dominican Bachata in a way that prioritizes musicality, social connection and genuine enjoyment in Latin social dancing. Jessie brings a diverse range of knowledge and professional experience to her teaching including many styles of dance and performance theatre as well as therapeutic approaches to movement. Jessie connects with traditional Dominican bachata style because it motivates her to continue expanding her expression of musicality and allows the Follower a lot of agency within the dance! In contrast to a lot of concert dance, Dominican bachata truly values the felt personal experience over outer appearance. These two are passionate about bringing the fun and playfulness of Dominican bachata to the social floor.
DJs
DJ MATIAS
Queenstown based Matias Berardi, originally from Uruguay, started dancing 12 years ago. His enormous love for Salsa music naturally lead him to DJing.
Green AF, with no English, he started attending the local classes with the vision of becoming part of the scene. Quietly confident, he seized the opportunity to run the weekly socials and has been the resident DJ for more than 5 years.
To date the dream has come true.
He runs PASION SALSA QT, being the lead teacher of the school.
He’s one of the organisers of the QUEENSTOWN SALSA FESTIVAL.
Most recently he assisted at the bay salsa festival, organising sound and DJs for the parties.
He has DJ’ed at numerous well known festivals in New Zealand and also at the Perth summer sensual festival in Australia.
This full blown salsero promises to set the dance floor on fire
Sin salsa no hay paraíso!!
DJ DAISY
Daisy started learning Salsa and Bachata dance in 2012, and she fell in love with the warm atmosphere and the friendliness of the dance community…
…which led her to run Latin social parties from 2014. Daisy’s interest in dancing Bachata and Kizomba motivated her to learn how to DJ for social events, and she has been invited to DJ at regular social parties and national Latin events since 2016, including Viva Sunday Social, Latin Fiesta, New Zealand Salsa Congress, Latin Fiesta and other local dance events.
DJ WALKER
I am Walker Chavez from Lima, Peru. I started dancing salsa 8 years ago.
I arrived in New Zealand 7 years ago. My first home was in Wellington then I moved to Queenstown looking for new challenges and opportunities, now living in Invercargill I started teaching some basic salsa and bachata steps and created latin dance venues.
I love Latin music, specifically Salsa and Bachata songs. I started playing music in Queenstown at Pasíon Salsa events 5 years ago and for Latin Soul Dance more recently.
I do live DJ in Otago (Queenstown, Cromwell & Dunedin) and Southland (Invercargill). I created an online radio channel on ZenoFM. @Sbradioinnz if you want to follow me on Instagram. I’m looking forward to sharing my tunes with everyone at the 2023 Salsa Congress. See ya there!!
Chau for now!
DJ NEAT
DJ Neat (also known as Shan Patel) is originally from London, UK and his passion for dancing started in New Zealand nearly 9 years ago.
Since then he has found a love for DJing and is continuously discovering new Afro Latin music to add to his collection. He is also an avid dancer in Cuban Salsa and Kizomba. You will find DJ Neat at local Salsa and Kizomba socials in Auckland as well as travelling around the country to DJ at festivals. He has DJ’d at NZ Salsa Congress, Aotearoa Cuban Festival, Salsa Tumbao, Spring Weekend Kizomba Festival, Bay Salsa Festival and the Queenstown Salsa Festival. This will be DJ Neat’s 4th appearance at the New Zealand Salsa Congress. You will find him in the Kizomba room.
DJ TWENTYDOSS
Originally from France he discovered Kizomba 4 and 1/2 years ago in Wellington with the Danca crew. Since then he has danced around NZ, Australia, and Europe to pursue his passion.
He now teaches Kizomba classes in Christchurch with Anette, his dance partner in crime! He also runs a weekly 100% Kizomba Social on Thursdays at Chic Bar in collaboration with the Kizomba Conexao team to facilitate some well-deserved weekly hugs within the Christchurch community! He cannot wait to share his Kizomba addiction with you!
New Zealand Salsa Congress 31 May – 2nd June 2024
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