Frank Barbagallo - Director / Events Manager / Dance Instructor Frank’s first dance steps were taken almost 30 years ago at back yard family parties. As a ten year old, Street tango and waltz weren’t exactly popular so it wasn’t long before he found himself on the professional stage performing rap, tap, jazz, contemporary and even ballet! Dance then led to acting, the following ten years of stage, touring and television took its’ toll and as with most professional dancers he had a break. Eight years later in 1999 Frank returned to dance, this time it was the Salsa dance floor where he found the ultimate dance experience. Ten years later, Salsa is his life exposing literally thousands of young adults every year to the art of Salsa. “Salsa is the “jazz” of Latin music, commercial and pop Latin will come and go but Salsa will always remain.”

Gabby Torrisi - Director / Events Manager / Dance Instructor Gabby Torrisi was exposed to the music of Latin America at a young age, her Argentinian best friend would play music at lunch time at school and they would both hum and dance to it. Gabby fell in love with Salsa in 1997 at a New Year’s Eve party at Babalu’s a well known Latin venue. This convinced her to start classes and did so at the Bullring in Melbourne. Three years later, Frank and Gabby re-opened Babalu’s on a Friday night, this was obviously a turning point and Salsa became Gabby's life! This passion for self-expression through music and dance took Gabby to Cuba and Puerto Rico to further develop her dance & music skills. Her work in organising Latin events and teaching Salsa is much more than a commercial enterprise, it's her lifestyle and Gabby wants to share her passion with others. "Salsa is a great way to meet people, it's one of only a few forms of dance that is supported by a really strong social scene…you'll find a Salsa bar in every city of the world. Where else can a guy ask a girl for a dance and she jumps at the chance?"

Jose Georges - Dance Instructor Jose Georges was introduced to Salsa in 1995 back in Madrid and moved to Melbourne in 1997. At this time the Salsa scene in Melbourne was just beginning. In the year 2000, Jose began teaching at various well recognised dance studios all around Melbourne. Jose’s first dance experience was in Flamenco and Sevillanas back in Madrid. Although passionate about Salsa, Jose’s dance experience includes other Latin American styles such as Cha Cha, Merengue, Rueda del Casino, Bachata, Rock n’ Roll, Swing, Argentine Tango and Rumba. Jose has also danced and taught in basic ballroom. Jose has an impressive international dance history where he has danced and attended workshops from all around the world including Cuba, South America, USA, Europe and Asia. “ Salsa has allowed me to make friends from all around the world. At the time of meeting them our only language was dancing salsa on the dance floor” Vivimos para la salsa

Christina Koulis - Dance Instructor Christine’s passion for dancing began at the young age of seven, where she developed an interest in Ballet. At the age of ten, she took a break from dancing and trained as a gymnast at the Philip’s Institute of Technology. However, it wasn’t long before she returned to the dance floor, training in Jazz, Tap and hip-hop. In 2003, Christine was introduced to the salsa scene and fell in love with the dance. Christine’s ability to learn salsa in a short period of time comes not only from her dance training background but from her passion for the dance. Since then, she has actively been involved in the salsa scene and has travelled as far as Spain, UK and South America to attend classes and workshops to enhance her dance knowledge.

Loraine Bessant - Administration/Dance Instructor Loraine danced Ballet until the age of 14. Later on she attended Jazz and Tap classes. Her love of Salsa began at our Essendon Salsa class on opening night on 16th of August 2006 and was immediately addicted to it. Dancing up to 7 times a week for the first 6 months! “ I still love it and just want to keep improving. I can’t help myself as soon as the music starts - I have to be out there! I also love meeting the amazing people and the social atmosphere, it keeps me inspired. See you on the dance floor!”

Emily Nisman - Dance Instructor Emily developed her 'inner Latina' and love for all things Salsa here in Melbourne from the young age of 15. She has for many years taught and performed Salsa across many venues around Melbourne and absolutely loves to share her passion for dance. During the day, Emily is a dance and drama director for a kids based arts company called 'Kinda Dance', as well as a Russian Cabaret singer and actor. "Dance is a key part of my life which I would love to share with you and be an inspitarional instructor and guide in your salsa dancing development. See you on the dance floor." x Emily

Robbie Rakosi - Dance Instructor Robbie Rakosi was born in a part of Hungary where music and dance runs through the veins of the locals...gypsy blood and salsa mixed together make one hell of a dancer. Robbie is well known for his free spirited playful dancing along with his skills in choreography ,performing and teaching. He has been specializing in LA style Salsa for the last 6-7 years. " I fell in love with salsa from the first time I laid eyes on a couple dancing, there was so much passion". Robbie can also teach the Waltz, Tango, Quik Step, Rumba, Samba, Jive , cha, aregentine Tango and Merengue. "I believe dance comes from your heart and soul".

Eva Kalbstein - Administration / Dance Instructor Eva walked into her first street latin class in 1999 and was completely mesmerised by the dance and music. Eva had discovered a passion that, to this day brings so much vibrancy to her life. She still dances socially most weeks, and loves being part of the Melbourne Salsa Team. Her favorite styles of dance include Salsa, Cha Cha, Merangue, Lambada and Bachata. ...."the most amazing thing for me, is that I get to be part of the transition that first time dancers make as they progress to higher levels. Salsa has completely enriched my life, and I thoroughly encourage all to give it a go."

Laura Anderson - Dance Instructor Laura is an accomplished, Ballet, Jazz and Contemporay dancer. After performing in many stage shows and musicals she discovered the slick sexy actions of Latin and the sweeping gracefulness of Ballroom. Training with top international instructors Laura competed across the world at some of the worlds top events, including Blackpool. During her journey across the world Laura came across salsa and instantly fell in love with this sexy style of dance. With her Latin training behind her she was able to quickly pick up and add her own flare to salsa. “ Dancing has made me what I am today, I live and breath it!”

Nick O'Meara - Dance Instructor Nick has danced for many years in Ballroom studios across Melbourne teaching Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, Paso Doble, Waltz, Quickstep and Foxtrot, just to name a few. Dancing has taken him across Europe, allowing him to experience many different dance cultures including Flamenco in Spain. His expertise is musical interpretation, improvisation and connecting with your partner. "The beauty of dancing is in its ability to allow you to freely express yourself.”

David Da Eira - Dance Instructor David Da Eira Since an early age David has gained valuable performance experience by learning and performing many different dance styles, starting with Folk dance and rock n roll. In 1998 David progressed to hip hop and commercial dance troops. After growing up around Latin music and exploring different dance styles over the years, the one that most struck a strong chord was Salsa. Over the past four years David has shared his passion for salsa by running events, teaching and competing around Australia. In 2009, David placed 3rd nationally in the male division of the Australian Salsa Solo Competition. He also placed nationally 6th at the Australian Salsa Classic with his partner Anika. His credits also include first place wins at the Tropicana Salsa Competition (SA), and wins at the Copacabana Salsa Competition (VIC), which he now judges. David is also a trained sound engineer and DJ. David is dedicated to teaching and performing in Melbourne and travelling internationally to compete and DJ at Latin events.

Anika Xenides - Administration / Dance Instructor Since graduating the Flinders Drama Centre in 2004, Anika has been working as an actor and dancer in Melbourne. Anika has trained with some of the world ' s best Flamenco and Salsa instructors including Flamenco Dance Areti and Elvira Andres Ballet Nacional de Espana. Anika has also been an examiner for the Spanish Dance exam at the world famous Australian Ballet School. Anika’s love for Latin music eventually lead her to salsa. In May 2009, Anika won the Australian Salsa Solo Competition in Sydney, making her the first female Salsa Solo Champion in Australia. She also placed 6th in Australia at the Australian Salsa Classic with her partner David ( highest placing from Victoria) in 2009. Her credits also include first place wins at the Tropicana Salsa Competition (SA), and wins at the Copacabana Salsa Competition (VIC). Anika ‘s desire to develop as a salsa dancer led her to Los Angeles where she trained with her salsa idol, World ESPN 3 x On1 Salsa champion Zulmara Torres. Anika’s passion is ladies salsa styling and shines and she continues to teach, perform and compete nationally.

Johnny Greco – Dance Instructor From the moment Johnny Greco took his first dance steps at the Grosvenor in early 2007, he was mesmerized by the dizzyingly energetic and eclectic dance style that is Salsa. Johnny new that Salsa would become his life. Johnny brings an extensive 25 years of kinesthetic, fitness, teaching & dancing skills to the Salsa Experience. He is a certified Personal Trainer , Fitness Instructor, Aerobic and Tai Bo Instructor, and in 2009 Zumba Dance Instructor. For Johnny, Salsa encompasses an entire lifestyle and an energetic and positive approach to living. ‘Salsa is a fun and fantastic way to keep fit, make great friends and enjoy life!!! When you dance Salsa, you live ‘La Buena Vida’ – the Good Life!

Gysvier Aldana Noriega - Dance Instructor Born in South America, Gysvier has been exposed to the latin music since he was born. His parents, both profesional musicians, showed him the beauty within the melody in all its forms but dancing was his materialization. He was always the popular guy dancing in the parties to the Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Tambor. But it wasnt until 2003 when Gys traveled to Indonesia and went out to a Cuban bar where he first saw a Casino Rueda, after this, he automatically falled in love with this cuban genre. Back to his country, he accomplished all levels of salsa casino and in 2006 was invited to join the famous Venezuelan dance academy "Caribe y Punto" as a profesional dancer, a position that he kept for four years participating in national congresses, competitions and performing dozens of coreographies including a presentation in the oppening of the Miss Venezuela 2006. "The music is inside all of us, we just have to let it flow through our body and we´ll become one with the music"