PANEL OF judges

We have put together six amazing dancers and some of the most respectful

dance instructors to be the judges of this Championship

JUAN RUIZ – Juan  is known as the “Father of Bachata” in Australia and is a renown Bachata promoter in the world. He has taught and performed all over Australia and the world.
Juan is the is the pioneer of the  style “Bachata Moderna”  which is  the melting pot of the flavours of Zouk, Kizomba, Tango, Hip Hop and R&B. He has an incredible talent for fusing his passion for those dance styles and yet remains true to the Bachata form, maintaining the feeling and emotional elements that characterises the Bachata .

Juan came with the idea to create a community website for all the bachateros and Latin dancers in Australia, idea which was taken gratefully by the community. The website  has become a worldwide brand in the Latin industry, where various artists have shared their music and many dancers can share their passion with articles and stories. Juan is also one of the directors of the Sydney International  Bachata Festival.
Check: www.bachateros.com.au

MARCIA PINHEIRO PERCIVAL – Marcia passion led her to establish Latin Dance Australia - one of Australia’s most successful dance schools and entertainment companies.

She has taught thousands of Australians to Salsa, Samba, Zouk/ Lambada, Bachata, etc...and has been invited to perform, teach, judge and MC at dance events all over Australia.  She has also presented at Professional Development Seminars for the dance industry on marketing and how to run a successful dance business. She is well known for her vast knowledge in different dance styles and techniques.

Marcia’s strength is her vision for dance in Australia and her unerring faith that she can achieve whatever she sets her mind to. It was her idea and her daring which led to the establishment of the Sydney Salsa Congress (now considered one of the best in the world), the Latin Dance Australia Ball which has gone from strength to strength and the latest event is the Australian Dance Festival a very exciting event that put all dance styles from all over the world together in one weekend.
Check: www.latindance.com.au

CARLOS GALIANO – Carlos  has represented Brisbane and Australia as an instructor & performer nationally and internationally in cities such as Puerto Rico, Madrid, Los Angeles, Barcelona, New Zealand, India and Hong Kong. With an all-round knowledge of various Latin dance styles, Salsa and Bachata are Carlos’ forte, depicted by a strong masculine style. With his partner Elli, Carlos is the pioneer of acrobatic/cabaret style Salsa & Bachata in Australia, exhibiting amazing lifts, tricks and aerials in their routines.

Carlos’ unique style of Bachata is based on exposure to different styles of Bachata while living in Spain and travelling the World. Carlos was also the choreographer for international landmark video clip and worldwide famous Grupo Aventura World number one Bachata hit single ‘Obsession’.  Carlos is currently recognised as one of the leading names in the Bachata scene, with invitations to teach and perform at national events and international Bachata festivals.

Carlos is the founder of Brisbane’s premier Salsa academy, Latin Steps Dance Company. Carlos is currently Queensland and Australian Salsa Champions 2008 and 2009 (Professional Cabaret division)
Check: www.latinsteps.com

JULIA GONZALEZ – Julia is one of Australia's most talented and sought-after dancers. She has worked as principal performer, instructor and choreographer in Sydney with Club Salsa and Salsa Vibes Dance Company and has also collaborated with Mambo Lounge, Strictly Salsa and Mister Salsa. She is currently Co- Director of Latino Grooves in Adelaide, South Australia. 

Demand for Julia's abilities has seen her teach and perform at many major events such as the Sydney Salsa Congress, Sydney Latin Fiesta, Latino Bacardi Festival, Darling Harbour Fiesta and Brisbane Latin Festival to name a few. Julia has also featured in several instructional DVD’s including “Intermediate Salsa” and “Ladies Styling” with Strictly Salsa as well as “Salsa with the Stars” which includes the best Salsa dancers and performers from all corners of the globe.

 She is a versatile dancer and instructor, teaching both on '1' and '2', as well as enjoying many other styles such as Merengue, Cha Cha Cha, Bachata and Rumba. Renown for her sensual style and charisma, Julia brings an unmatched authentic Latino flavour and charisma to the dance floor!
Check: www.latinogrooves.com

DOMINGA MESON DE TEAL – Dominga was born in Barahona, in the southwest of the Dominican Republic, and moved to the capital Santo Domingo in her youth. Like all Dominicans, she grew up listening and dancing to Merengue and Bachata.

Merengue and Bachata are originally from the Dominican Republic. The  music and dance genres  have become popular internationally with artists like Juan Luis Guerra, Aventura, and Anthony Santos.

Dominga is a member of the small Dominican Diaspora in Sydney, and occasionally when her busy schelude allows her she teach classes in Dominican dances.

Dominga as many Dominican do, besides dancing she plays the Tambora, the Guira, and Congas.

OREN SHOSHAN – Oren is the creative director of Salsa Vibes Latin Dance Company, which teaches classes in Salsa and Bachata in the City. Oren has been teaching dance for 11 years, and has won numerous competitions such as the Australian Salsa Championships in 2006.

With teaching experience in every major city in Australia, as well as numerous international locations, Oren has also produced instructional DVDs including a Bachata DVD called “Bachata Downunder”

Check:  www.salsavibes.com.au