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- Qualifications:
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Dance, culture and music – the three base elements of Salsa. These interconnected components are why salsa is so addictive and popular around the world. Together they give Salsa its contemporary heartbeat; echo its profound history; and provide that infectious energy. There are few Salsa teachers worldwide who are able to share Alfonso with you their knowledge, understanding and respect of the dance, culture and music of Salsa, better than Alfonso Rios.
Born in Lima, Peru, Alfonso trained at the Conservatory of Music before having the great fortune to study under some of Peru’s best musicians in Afro Latin-American Music. He has had many years of international experience as a professional Latin Percussionist, most recently with New Zealand’s popular Batucada Sound Machine. This is only one side of the man though. Alfonso is the director of Salsa Moves NZ dance studio and the pioneer for Salsa in the Otago area. Alfonso, also known as Mr Musicality, is without a doubt one of New Zealand’s finest Salsa dancers; his smooth, playful style coupled with strong masculinity is his trademark.
 With his many years of experience as a Salsa Instructor, natural musicality, originality, passion and a desire to continually expand his knowledge, it is no wonder why Alfonso has quickly become such a highly sought-after Salsa Instructor and Judge throughout New Zealand.
Alfonso is currently based in Dunedin, and is the driving force behind any Salsa event in the area. His students reflect his love and inspiration for the dance, culture and music of Salsa. Alfonso’s classes at Salsa Moves NZ will provide you with the opportunity to deepen your appreciation, passion and enjoyment for Salsa and anything Latino. Whether you are new to Salsa, or have years of experience, Alfonso will open your eyes, ears and soul to that essence of Salsa which you might have been missing.
Alfonso has taught Latin Percussion at the University of Otago, Auckland University and has been invited several times to festivals around New Zealand to lead dance and percussion workshops.
Alfonso has judged the South Island Salsa Competitions in 2007 and 2008, and in 2009 was asked to be head judge. He has also been an adjudicator at the New Zealand Salsa Nationals in 2007 and 2009 - the latter as head judge.
Some groups he has performed with:
- Afrocubanos - Japan
- Dunedin School of Flamenco - NZ
- Songbong, African drumming - NZ
- Son Boricua - Japan
- La Giraldilla - Japan
- Orquesta Yare - Peru
- Orquesta de Jazz Conservatorio Josafat Roel Pineda - Peru
- Cambio - NZ
- Clave Latina - NZ
- Matecito Latin Band - NZ
- Banda Latina - NZ
- Combo Creacion - Japan
- Club Nuyorican - Japan
- Batucada Sound Machine - NZ
- Son Clave - NZ
- And many more...
Some festivals at which he has taught, performed or somehow made a contribution with his talent:
- Japan Percussion Centre - Tokyo Japan
- Jambalaya 2004 - Rotorua NZ
- Taranaki Festival of the Arts 2004 - New Plymouth NZ
- Otago Festival of the Arts 2004 - Dunedin NZ
- Jambalaya 2005 - Rotorua NZ
- Queenstown International Jazz festival 2005 - Queenstown NZ
- Jambalaya 2006 - Rotorua NZ
- Queenstown International Jazz festival 2006 - Queenstown NZ
- WOMAD Rivermead 2006 - Reading England
- Neighbourhood, Ladbroke Grove - London England
- Gilded Balloon 2006 - Edinburg Scotland
- Spiegeltent 2006 - Edinburg Scotland
- Llangollen Fringe 2006 - Llangollen Wales
- Woodford Folk Festival 2006 - Queensland, Australia
- Rhythm and Vines 2006 - Gisborne NZ
- Auckland Festival 2007 - Auckland NZ
- Cuban St Carnival 2007 - Wellington NZ
- Taranaki International Festival of the Arts 2007 - New Plymouth NZ
- Sound Splash 2007 - Raglan NZ
- Sydney Festival 2007 - Sydney Australia
- Parihaka International Peace Festival 2007 - Taranaki NZ
- South Island Salsa competition 2007 - Christchurch NZ
- NZ Salsa Latin Dance Competition 2007 - Auckland NZ
- NZ Pacific Salsa Congress 2007 - Wellington NZ
- South Island Salsa Comps 2008 - Christchurch NZ
- NZ Pacific Salsa Congress 2008 - Wellington NZ
- NZ Pacific Salsa Congress 2009 - Wellington NZ
- Salsa Extravaganza 2009 - Chrisctchurch NZ
- Bay Salsa Festival 2009 - Tauranga NZ
- South Island Salsa Comps 2009 - Christchurch NZ
- NZ Salsa Nationals 2009 - Auckland NZ
- Salsa Divas Ladies Stylz 2010- Wellington NZ
- NZ Pacific Salsa Congress 2010 - Wellington NZ
- Star Dance Academy Showcase 2010 - Blenheim NZ
- And many more......
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