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Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latinsouldancenz
Or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nichoandgina/
Or Website: www.latinsoul.co.nz
NICHO & GINA are the owners and directors of Latin Soul Dance, based in Queenstown. They specialise in Cuban Salsa, Rueda de Casino and Bachata.
We're excited to have their skills onboard for Salsa Tumbao 2025. We love their elegant, easy to grasp teaching style and friendly nature.
They will be bringing us a Beginners Son workshop on Saturday afternoon and a Timba workshop to wake you up on Sunday morning.
We talked to Nicho and Gina about their drive to dance.
What is your dream car - and why?
Nicholas - Not too fussed on cars, but a 4WD truck would be awesome one day!
Gina - I'm probably the same. A cool truck to go 4WDriving in would be super fun! Or just a really awesome campervan. Probably not as an everyday sort of vehicle, but would be so cool to have for some relaxing trips around NZ.
Nicho started dancing at the early age of 5 and discovered his passion for Latin dancing at the age of 15.
Originally from Chile, Nicho worked as a professional dancer for one of the country's biggest dance companies which enabled him to train in a whole variety of dance styles and travel and perform in festivals around the world.
What drives you to dance?
Nicholas - For me it's just freedom of expression and movement. I love to learn new ways to move and to create something. I've been doing it for so long that I can't even see myself without it anymore.
Gina - I love the music and the connection, especially of Cuban Salsa - so much energy and joy, super hard not wanting to move!
Nicho was part of "Latido en Clave" - where he performed and taught for multiple years.
In 2016, Nicho came to New Zealand, settled in Queenstown, and started teaching Salsa, Rueda de Casino and Cuban Salsa styles in the community not long afterwards.
What do you feel after an amazing evening of dance with great people?
Nicholas - Just happiness with a heart full of joy!
Gina - I'm not sure how to say it any better than Nicho. Just happy and buzzing! SO much energy!
Gina first met Nicho when she joined his classes - not long after he started teaching. She absolutely loved the culture, rhythm and dance. Gina became more involved in the dance scene, and started teaching Salsa about a year later.
She has since had the opportunity to travel and learn from teachers from all around the world with training and experiencing the culture and roots of Latin Dance in Cuba being the highlight.
You have five words - how do you convince someone to start dancing?
Nicholas - It's good for your body, but it's even better for your soul. I believe everybody should dance and move, whatever style it is.
Gina - You'll love it!
Nicho and Gina have been teaching alongside each other since 2019, and are continuously looking to improve their classes and systems for their students, but first of all grow the love for dance in the community.
They also perform together (as a couple and with their team) at public and private events, and have been teaching workshops together in different places in New Zealand, all the while continuing to spread their love and passion for Latin dancing.
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