Performers
International Salsa Selection entrants for couples and teams will continue to be added here until March. See end of page for performers not entering selections.
Selection Entrants - Couples
Kikumi & Mustafa
Mustafa and Kikumi have been dancing Salsa together since July 2006. They were the top couple chosen by Albert Torres at last year's Congress, therefore representing New Zealand at the 3rd Annual World Salsa Championships 2007 in Orlando, Florida. Salsa is becoming part of their life as they always love finding new routines and creating their own unique movements. |
John and Kim
John and Kim teach the intemediate class for Salsa Groove in Nelson. We have a great time of the dance floor and hope to share that with you! We have performed at some local events and the 2007 South Island Street Salsa Competition. We are excited about the opportunity and challenge of performing at the New Zealand Salsa Congress 2008. |
Riki and Amelia
Riki is based in Christchurch teaching salsa/bachata. The youthful Amelia has a latin/ballroom background and together they make a great combination. They are known as "Nirico Mambo". |
Amit and Nikal
Amit and Nikal are both accomplished instructors from Christchurch, and they formed this dynamic partnership a few months ago with the NZ Pacific Salsa Congress specifically in mind. They have choreographed an exciting, energy-filled routine for the salsa on1 division, and look forward to sharing it with all the salseros out there! |
Rae and Brendan
At 70 something, Rae set herself the goal of performing Salsa On2 on stage at the 2007 NZ Salsa Congress. The performance earned her and Brendan selection to the Sydney Salsa Congress, where they performed to a standing ovation. They have a new routine to show you at this congress. |
Brendan and Jill
Brendan and Jill are part of the Mata Mambo dance team which began performing Salsa On2 in 2006. In 2007, at the NZ Salsa Congress, the team was selected to perform at the Sydney Salsa Congress in January this year. They had a fantastic experience in Sydney and look forward to performing their new routine, this time as a couple, at Easter. |
Coco and Lena
Coco and Lena have been dancing salsa together for 10 months. They performed in New Zealand and overseas. In October 2007 they won New Zealand Salsa Competition in Auckland. They have created a very exiting and energetic routine and can't wait to perform it at the Salsa Congress. |
Coco and Audrey
Jorge (Coco) and Audrey have been dancing together for 2 months. Coco has been dancing Salsa since he can remember, but Audrey just learnt Salsa 6 months ago with a bakground of hip-hop. They're also performing in the group selections. |
Selection Entrants - Teams
Latin Fire
The Latin Fire Dance Troupe is dynamic, energetic, shows a high skill level of Salsa & we have great fun doing it!! Previous teams have been selected to perform at the Sydney Salsa Congress in 2007 and 2008.
Salsa Picante
Salsa Picante (formerly known as Salsa Therapy) was formed in August 2007 by a group of Rueda dancers in Wellington. The aim of the group was to fill a void and show that Rueda can be a performance medium and not just a fun social activity. There are currently 8 active dancers in the group: Ramnish Gupta, Stacey McPhee, John Jaurigue, Angelica Tan, Thomas Roehr, Kim Morgan, Colin Ealem and Abigail Romeril.
Salsa Groove
Salsa Groove - Performance Team Nelson are Choregraphed & Directed by Stayz. They are the Current South Island Salsa Champions and have enjoyed performing locally in Nelson & Blenheim. The team has been dancing together for 10 months and has enjoyed the family feel and opportunity that salsa has given. The Salsa Groove Dance Company was founded and directed by Annie.
Soul Fuego
Soul Fuego Pacific (The Inner FIRE from the Pacific) was formed 1 year ago. The Team is Choreograohed & Directed by Stayz. The Team of Saione, Ian, Stayz, Pauline, Catherine, Ia'n, Felisse & Lera are all great friends who formed this group to be positive role models to inspire youth within NZ salsa. All members actively teach & promote salsa within schools and to the Salsa Community. Soul Fuego is also a stepping stone team for the NZ Yoth Salsa Team. With Pauline, Catherine & Ian all representing New Zealand around the world from their NZ Youth Salsa Team days.
Kiwi Salsa
Based in Wellington, and formed in the beginning of 2004, Kiwi Salsa has become one of the most successful independent amateur salsa teams in New Zealand. We have recently returned from the 3rd Annual World Salsa Championships in Orlando, Florida as one of the two NZ teams competing there. 2005 saw us as the first NZ team ever to be selected to dance at the prestigious West Coast Salsa congress in Los Angeles, above over 400 other international teams. In our first year we were invited to perform at the Sydney Latin Fiesta which was a first for New Zealand salsa. We won the team section of the New Zealand Salsa Championships in 2004 & 2005, and also numerous awards in the couples section. Kiwi Salsa is committed to raising the level of performance salsa in New Zealand, lifting our profile across the world, and injecting our unique Kiwi style along the way.
Salsa con Coco Students Team
Representing the school in South Auckland since July 2007. Being gathered together for the fun and love of Salsa they hope to share it with New Zealand and the rest of the world.
Performers not entering Selections
Reuben and Vikki
Performing the routine that won them the south island salsa comps and 2nd in the NZ salsa comps in the pro section.
Bachaotearoa
Riki and Nikal have formed possibly the 1st bachata team in New Zealand, and aim to showcase the dance at the New Zealand Pacific Salsa Congress. Their dancers are from salsa and hip hop backgrounds. They are team 'Bachaotearoa'.