Established in February 2000, Melbourne Salsa are the founders of the modern Melbourne Salsa dancing scene.
Melbourne Salsa is the only school and promoter that offer dancers and non-dancers the full Latin dancing experience from beginner Latin dance classes through to the ultimate live Latin big band experience.
We have a team of diverse, experienced dancers from around the globe ready to assist you on your dancing journey.
Meet Our Team
FRANKIE FRANK | CO-FOUNDER / DANCE INSTRUCTOR
"My passion is to extract the dance out of anyone."
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 breaking and popping during the 80’s dance wave. He has performed professionally for over twenty years both on stage and television.
In the year 2000 Frank co-founded Melbourne Salsa. After many years of promoting Latin dance and music to literally thousands of adults every year, he still thrives on being able to extract the dance out of anyone.
GABRIELLA TORRISI | CO-FOUNDER / Manager
"When people ask me what I do? My response, " I make people make people happy for a living"
Gabriella was introduced to Latin music at a young age, she fell in love with Salsa in 1997, three years later co-founded Melbourne Salsa. This passion for self-expression through music and dance took Gabby to Cuba and Puerto Rico to further develop her dance & music skills.
Inspired by the events she experienced in her travels Gabriella ran similar events here in Melbourne and the rest is history.
Melbourne Salsa is much more than a commercial enterprise, it’s her lifestyle and she wants to share her passion with others.
"Latin Dancing 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 in the world and immediately make friends"
Kiki Lopez-Espinal | DANCE INSTRUCTOR
"A dance with Kiki is like dancing with Miami."
Kiki was born in Miami, the unofficial capital of Latin America, where Salsa Music and Dance is a part of life. “Dance what you feel” is what her mother always said, so with her mothers words and her fathers musical skills Kiki tore up the local Salsa clubs from a young age.
It wasn’t until her 20s when one night she was inspired to take dance classes, She went and joined Miami’s world famous Salsa Lovers Dance School. Kiki teaches Casino (Cuban Style), Bachata amd more recently Salsa Moderna (LA Style).
ABDO DALLOUL | DANCE INSTRUCTOR
“If you can walk, you can dance” and I can prove it!
Abdo fell in love with Latin dance from the first step back in 2003 where he joined intensive Latin courses in the Russian Cultural Institute in Damascus. In 2005, he competed professionally for the first time and won the Syrian professional Latin and Ballroom Championship. Then, he won the International Dance Organization Salsa competition in Lebanon and became a certified judge in IDO since 2008 and head of the open division of the artistic department in the Lebanese Dance Federation until 2018.
In 2013, his love for performing led him to become a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars ME winning the first season and reaching the finals in 3 other seasons.
JULIAN BELTRAN | DANCE INSTRUCTOR
“I want you to find your own flavour, grove and style, to be the best version of you!”.
Born in Colombia and raised in Canada, Julian was exposed to the best of both worlds. From a young age, Julian was always dancing thanks to his parents, he would dance whenever he had an opportunity like family gatherings or any school performances.
He then joined dance teams to perform many of the Colombian folklore dances. In Canada, Julian wanted to share the Latin culture with others, so he continued with his passion for dance. Performing and choreographing at the school’s talent show or teaching friends some basic steps, were ways he shared the Latin culture with everyone.
Julian then joined the Araguacu Latin Dance Company in Toronto, where he met Kim and Geo. They introduced him to different dance styles, but the style that stole his heart was Bachata Tradicional.
Katherine Guerrero | DANCE INSTRUCTOR / RECEPTION
Kathy was born and raised in Colombia, where she started dancing to Latin rhythms as soon as she was able to walk. It was in Cali, the Salsa capital of Colombia, where she fell in love with salsa dancing.
In 2016 she started taking classes and discovered her true passions: Cuban salsa and the Rueda de casino. Since then, she has not stopped dancing and learning. She was a part of different performance groups in Colombia before moving to Australia in 2022, when she joined the Melbourne Salsa team.
"When I dance I forget about everything... it is my happy place"
JAMANA AESSICA – DANCE INSTRUCTOR / RECEPTION
Embark on a rhythmic adventure with Jamana, your guide to the vibrant world of Latin dance!
Since her initiation into the Latin dance scene in 2017, Jamana has cultivated a profound love for salsa, bachata, and kizomba. Infused with a childhood foundation in tap, jazz, and ballet, and enriched by her participation in sports like netball, basketball, and lacrosse, Jamana brings a dynamic blend of grace and athleticism to her classes.
Beyond teaching dance steps, she exudes a contagious energy, committed to fostering an inclusive community and ensuring a lively and enjoyable learning atmosphere for all. Join Jamana on a journey of rhythm, connection, and self-expression, turning each step into a celebration in the passionate world of dance!
Carly Ericksen – Dance Instructor / Reception
"Behind every great dancer is an open heart."
When Latin dance was introduced to Carly, it become a beautiful calling to a; deeper, more connected celebration of dance. Social dancing brought a value of connecting with others; through the artful mix of music, culture and an overflow of joy.
Over the years Carly has taught, kids, teens and adults. Professionally performed and choreographed for festivals, theatre productions and eisteddfods. Currently, she is working and developing herself as a performing artist. Both individually and with various performance teams.
Sharing through dance is a absolute passion for Carly. Deepening with devotion to inspire; musicality, proper execution, body awareness and mobility. To build individual creative development and expression, in the art that is movement. Carly currently offers guidance through private lessons & group class assisting. She is also a receptionist at many Melbourne Salsa events.
SALVATORE FUCCIO – Dance Instructor
Salvatore, a captivating Salsa dancer from Sicily, embarked on his salsa odyssey at the tender age of 15. Fully immersed in the world of salsa, he tirelessly honed his craft through dedicated practice, attending countless classes, and captivating audiences with his performances. Driven by an insatiable hunger for knowledge, Salvatore ventured to Northern Italy at 18, eager to explore diverse salsa styles. There, he flourished under the tutelage of renowned instructors like Jonatha Casarin (New York-style) and Cuban maestros, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of Cuban salsa and folklore.
Salvatore was fortunate to learn from and be inspired by legendary figures like Jorge Santana, the Puerto Rican dancer and choreographer who worked on the iconic Dirty Dancing 2 movie, defining his love for Puerto Rican Salsa style. These encounters solidified Salvatore's belief that salsa is more than just steps; it's a transformative journey that empowers individuals to discover their unique voice and artistic identity through a fusion of technique and "sabor" (flavor).
Salvatore's passion for salsa is infectious, and his classes are designed to ignite a love for dance in students of all levels. He fosters a supportive and encouraging environment where students can explore their creativity, refine their technique, and gain the confidence to express themselves on the dance floor. Whether your salsa aspirations are social or professional, Salvatore's expert guidance will equip you with the skills and knowledge to navigate your salsa journey with passion and grace.
KHALIA Lickiewicz - RECEPTION
Born in Melbourne, Kahlia has been dancing since she was 2 years old - starting with ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre. At 15 years old Kahlia performed in 'Back to Bacchus' the musical touring Australia, Singapore, France, Italy and the UK.
Although her passion for dance really lit on fire when she was introduced to Latin dancing in 2014 whilst living in the UK. During her time in the UK, she assisted teaching salsa on-1 and salsa on-2 in both London and Newcastle, and performed twice at the famous Blackpool Tower - the UK's most spectacular ballroom.
Kahlia loves greeting dancers with a big smile, making them feel welcomed, inspired and most importantly creating an inclusive environment where dancers want to return again and again.
"Latin dancing is so inclusive - for all shapes, sizes, ages, genders and abilities!"
TRINITY OSORIO SCHWARZ – Dance Instructor
“ Salsa is freedom, it is where I can be my most authentic self and to share this passion is a blessing”
Growing up in a lively multicultural home Trinity became fully immersed with Latin music and dance from birth. Trinity has exercised her love for dance since the tender age of 3 beginning in classes such as tap and ballet to then progressing in her training to become a classical ballerina, as well as competing in alternative styles such as jazz, hip hop and contemporary.
Trinity began furthering her knowledge for salsa in 2021 where her passion for the dance and music grew to now being fully immersed in her learning of both lead and follow in many styles including Cuban salsa, Rueda de Casino and Salsa Moderna. As part of the Melbourne Salsa team Trinity offers her experience through assisting group classes and private lessons.
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