Where Aotearoa and the world come together for an unforgettable weekend
We are excited to be bringing these amazing instructors, performers, social dancers and beautiful humans to Aotearoa!
Brother-and-sister duo Mateo and Paula Popayán Cortes have danced together since childhood, winning world titles as juniors before rising to the top of the international Salsa circuit. Their performances and improvisation showcase sharp technique, musicality and Colombian speed.
On1 / Caleña
@mateopopayancortes @paulapopayancortesItalian siblings Jacopo and Linda Tavana have earned acclaim at festivals and congresses worldwide with their funky Mambo, Salsa and Cha Cha Cha. Beloved for their warmth and love of social dancing, they share the joy of the dance floor with everyone.
On2 / Mambo
@jacopoylindaBorn in Havana, Yasim Coronado Veranes grew up immersed in Cuban folkloric traditions and toured the world with Ballet Revolución. He has choreographed for Latin America's finest artists and performed all over the world. Now based in Brisbane at YCV Dance Studio, he teaches Timba, Afro-Cuban and Reggaeton with pure Cuban flavour.
Cuban
@yasim_ycvMariesly Paradelo is one of Cuba's most celebrated salsa dancers and founder of Latinsalseando dance studio in Havana and the Gold Coast. Known for her energetic, fun and inclusive style, she shines in Salsa, Afro, Son and Rumba.
Cuban
@mariesly_paradeloChristchurch's Natasha Frost has danced Salsa since age 11. A champion with multiple international titles from the World Salsa Solo and the Summit Championship, she is at the forefront of Aotearoa’s next generation of Salsa artists, teaching and dancing with joy, precision and passion.
On2 / Mambo
@natashafrosttSydney's Artia Zandian is the director of Alma Dance and Sydney Salsa Classes. He has trained with some of the world's best coaches, competed and performed internationally, and teaches On1, On2 and musicality with a fun and welcoming approach for dancers of every level.
On1 / On2
@artiazandianSydney's Georgina Woods brings infectious energy and elegant styling to Salsa and Bachata. A multiple World Salsa Solo champion and World Latin Dance Cup winner, she has performed and taught across Australia, Asia and the USA. She shares her passion for dance and strong fundamentals with dancers of all levels.
On1 / On2
@georgi.woodsAotearoa's Ben Hammond is a creative and performance powerhouse who has taken his distinctive Salsa and Bachata worldwide, winning international titles at the Euroson Latino World Championships. His performances are electrifying, his costumes dazzling, and his teaching fun, high-energy and inclusive.
On2 / Mambo
@benhdotcomSalsaotearoa is New Zealand's very own festival dedicated to Salsa - bring together dancers from across Aotearoa and around the world for a weekend of dancing, connection and joy.
Look forward to world-class teaching, incredible performances, irresistable social dancing, and beautiful vibes, with a uniquely Kiwi warmth running through everything we do.
Choose your stream, get to know your crew, and grow all weekend with dancers at your level.
We give our international artists a proper Kiwi welcome, so they dance, eat, and hang out with us all weekend instead of just teaching and flying home. Everyone's part of the whānau.
Late-night socials, shared meals, and dancers who'll remember your name by Sunday. Making friends across schools and cities is as much the point as the workshops.
Daytime workshops run across three streams. Here's how to pick the one that's right for you — then grab the pass below.
New or newer to salsa? Start here. Classes focus on foundations and community connection, so you'll build the essentials, meet fellow dancers and feel confident on the dance floor.
Learn shines and partnerwork combos and technique designed for social dancing. Breakdowns are nicely paced, with lots of dancing to music so you can apply what you learn and have fun.
Shines and partnerwork taught at a fast-paced, advanced level. These classes will challenge your learning, push your skills and give you a workout.
You're not locked in. With a Full Pass, you don't have to stay in one stream for the whole festival. Mix and match Social and Intense to suit your energy and interests.
Leaders and followers welcome in every stream.
A quick 15-minute drive from Wellington City, the Lower Hutt Events Centre pairs a beautifully restored 1950s Town Hall with a modern events space, set in Lower Hutt’s heritage-listed civic precinct beside the picturesque Riddiford Gardens. With its native timber floors and elegant charm, the Town Hall is the perfect breathtaking space for Salsaotearoa’s performances and parties.
Lower Hutt Events Centre — 30c Laings Road, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt 5010
View on Google Maps ↗This will be the first ever Salsaotearoa - New Zealand Festival of Salsa. With the NZ Salsa Congress taking a break in 2027, Salsa Magic, Odyssey Dance and Latin Fire joined forces to keep our Salsa community dancing, learning and celebrating together.
Salsaotearoa is organised by six directors and dance teachers from three of New Zealand's leading Salsa schools, all experienced teachers who've spent years being a part of and building the scene we love.
Jacob Rosevear and Chloe Robinson direct Salsa Magic and have been part of Aotearoa's Salsa scene for more than 15 years. They have danced and learnt Salsa and Mambo around the world, but happily call Wellington home, alongside their family and dance community. They are passionate about creating a platform for dancers to shine and share beautiful moments on and off the dance floor.
Salsa Magic
Farya Zaman and Yohei Mikawa direct Odyssey Dance Company in Auckland, specialising in On2 Salsa / Mambo. Farya and Yohei have both performed nationally and internationally, and regularly bring world-class instructors to New Zealand through their events. They are passionate about creating a supportive space where dancers can grow.
Odyssey Dance
Donna Frost and Michael Hobbs are the heart of Latin Fire Dance Studio in Christchurch, one of Aotearoa’s longest-running dance studios. Together they have helped run the South Island Latin Championship event which has been going for more than 20 years, with Donna leading the event and Michael designing and running its judging system. They love nothing more than bringing the community together to celebrate and grow Latin dancing.
Latin Fire
Together we bring decades of combined teaching, event, and community experience to making this first Salsaotearoa something special in 2027. We would love you to join us and be a part of it!
4–6 June 2027 · Wellington, New Zealand
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