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Our Instructors
Alfonso Ríos
Qualifications: 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 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, 2008, and in 2009 , 2010 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 South Island Salsa Comps 2010 - Christchurch NZ Kiwi Classic Dance Competition 2011 - Auckland NZ Hanmer Winter Salsa Festival 2011 - Hanmer Springs NZ And many more...... Read more
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Kate Ríos
Hi! My name is Kate, and I'm based in Dunedin New Zealand. I have danced Ballroom and Latin since I was 5 years old. In recent years I have developed a passion for Salsa and Latino music. That's how I discovered the Fun-tastic Zumba fitness programme - and I love it! The reason is simple: Every class is a fiesta! It's easy - no previous dance experience is needed, and it is so much fun! Come join me at Salsa Moves NZ Studio and you'll see what I mean! Let's ditch the workout and join the party! Check the calendar for class days and times I look forward to meeting you! Qualifications: What people say about Kate Thanks Kate...another great class. This girl is an amazing package of energy.... Rochelle Creed So much energy, so much fun!!! You don't have to be a dancer... You just have to love it!!! Kate you are an amazing instructor... such a great choreography at our Zumba class tonight! Great dynamic workut, nice job! Sweatin' bucketful... the room was on fire... Odette Hidalgo Mathieson Thanks so much for an awesome workout Kate! You guys rock, cant wait for another session :) Lisa Baker Read more
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Rebecca Burnip
Rebecca was initially introduced to Salsa in 2001 in Tokyo, immediately falling in love with both the music and dance. She received formal training from the internationally recognised performers and instructors Alberto Romay (Cuba), Mika Takenaga (Japan) and Mitsue Kikuta (Japan). She immersed herself in the world of Latin Music by working at Salsa Sudada, one of Tokyo’s most popular Salsa venues. This experience gave her the opportunity to dance with people from Cuba, L.A, New York, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, Peru, Columbia and Japan, giving her a first-hand appreciation of the different styles of Salsa music and dancing, and the chance to view Salsa not just as a dance, but as a way of life and a means of expression. Rebecca’s enthusiasm and enjoyment of Salsa have made her a popular social partner on dance floors throughout NZ and Sydney. Rebecca’s teaching experience has included all levels of partner Salsa, with her true passion being teaching Ladies Styling. She has taught Ladies Styling in Dunedin and as a guest teacher for Salsa Latina in Chch. Rebecca’s classes have been described as informative, lively and well structured. Her aim when teaching Ladies Styling is to provide the tools and techniques to allow ladies to find their own unique style, and the confidence to express this on the dance floor. Her original influences in Ladies Styling were Josie Neglia (L.A), Susana Montero (U.K, Spain), Burju (Boston), Edie the Salsa Freak (L.A) and Sharon Pakir (Australia/Singapore). Rebecca and partner placed second in the Salsa Performers category in the South Island Salsa Competition in 2008. Together they then gained first place in the South Island Competition in 2009, and then went on to place second at the New Zealand Salsa Nationals in 2009. What people say about Rebecca Ladies styling with Rebecca last night can be summed up to 3 words: Insightful, Inspiring, Invigorating. Can't wait till next week :-) Bronwyn North Read more
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