Meet the Team
Ian started dancing purely on a whim – looking for something different. That whim has changed his life. Discovering great music and fabulous moves, Ian soon had an insatiable appetite to learn more and more about Latin Dance which continues today.
“Dancing, I believe, has kept me young at heart – although some may say I was a bit immature to start with!”
When not dancing, Ian enjoys a cold beer or a glass of vino with friends, and loves to eat pasta (especially with seafood!). Ian grew up listening to Santana, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones, and now most enjoys the flavours of Hector Lavoe, Johnny Colon, Edwin Bonilla, Dave Santiago & more. His other passions have been surfing, competitive weightlifting, cycling (weightlifters don’t go over hills very well), horse riding (“think I owned the laziest horse of all time!”) and now snow skiing and sailing when he gets the chance.
“My greatest pleasure in teaching dance now is seeing the pleasure on people’s faces after a few lessons when that light comes on and things start to gel – that moment when people connect to the music and to each other.”
Ian has taught and performed at Australia’s top Latin dance events, most recently:
* 2nd Place Queensland State Salsa Cabaret Division 2011/2009
* 2nd Place Queensland State Salsa Titles Teams Division 2011/2009
* 3rd Place Australian Salsa Classic Cabaret Division 2010/2009
* 1st Place Queensland State Salsa Cabaret Division 2010
* Sydney Salsa Congress (2005, 2007, 2009 & 2011) (performer/instructor)
* Queensland State Titles, Professional Division Salsa On2 (2008) (3rd place)
* Caliente Latin Festival 2007 (performer/instructor)
* Byron Latin Fiesta 2006 (performer/instructor)
* Darling Harbour Fiesta 2006 (performer)
* Sabor Latino Byron Bay (2005) (performer/instructor)
* Australian Salsa Championships (2005) (instructor)
* Brisbane Latin Festival (2005) (performer/instructor)
* Sydney Latin Fiesta October (2004) (performer)
Helen
Ever since seeing beautiful Ballets on TV when growing up in Russia, Helen danced along and mimicked the dancers on the screen, wishing to be as graceful as the ballerinas on TV. After pursuing competitive rhythmic gymnastics, and later training in Contemporary dance (and, finally, Ballet!), Helen was introduced to a new world of Latin dance. Helen has performed and taught at International Latin dance events, including Sydney Salsa Congress, Hong Kong Salsa Festival, India International Salsa Congress. Most recently she travelled to Los Angeles to compete in the 5th Annual LA Top Female Solo Salsa competition, finishing in top 3 in Semi-Pro division. Helen has danced and taught at SLG since its beginnings, and has been designing many of Smooth Latin Groove costumes.
“At SLG I get to dance my favourite Latin dance styles (Zouk & Salsa ) with many wonderfully diverse people who are there to share themselves with others. It’s a truly rewarding experience to be able to connect with so many people on personal levels. As a teacher of different disciplines, it is something I find I can only do when teaching Latin dance.”
In her spare time Helen enjoys Russian Bard music from the 80s, playing the piano, coffee and croissants (any time!), Baci chocolates (again, any time!)!
Helen's recent accomplishments include:
* 3rd Place Semi Pro Division Los Angeles Top Female Salsa Solo Competition 2011
* 2nd Place Queensland State Salsa Cabaret Division 2011/2009
* 2nd Place Queensland State Salsa Titles Teams Division 2009
* 3rd Place Australian Salsa Classic Cabaret Division 2010/2009
* 1st Place Queensland State Salsa Cabaret Division 2010
* 1st Place Queensland State Salsa Titles Teams Division 2010
* Sydney Salsa Congress 2011/2010/2009 (performer/instructor)
* Hong Kong Salsa Festival 2009/2007 (performer/instructor)
* India International Salsa Congress 2008 (performer/instructor)
* Darling Harbour Latin Fiesta 2006 (performer)
Desley
Having grown up in a house filled with musical instruments, music became the focus of Desley’s life. She began dancing at an early age and was involved in various performances during her teens. Desley discovered Latin dance after a severe knee injury, and she’s never looked back. For the past 5 years Desley has devoted herself to Latin dance, including Salsa (Cuban, On1, On2, and Rueda), Zouk, Bolero, Tango and Samba. After performing in the Rio Carnival in 2004, she returned to Brazil to further study Latin dance in 2006.
“Music is my oxygen. Dancing allows me to breathe.”
Desley looooves Cadbury chocolate and all sorts of music, and enjoys walking and travel.
Desley has attended and performed at a number of top Latin dance events, most recently:
* 2nd Place Queensland State Salsa Titles Teams Division 2011/2009
* Sydney Salsa Congress 2011 (performer)
* Sydney Salsa Congress 2009 (performer)
* Caliente Latin Festival 2007(performer/instructor)
* Sydney Salsa Congress (2007) (instructor)
* Byron Latin Fiesta 2006 (performer/instructor)
* Darling Harbour Fiesta 2006 (performer)
* Los Angeles Salsa Congress 2005
Josh has always been into all sorts of sports and enjoyed music, so combining the two made sense. As he was looking for a good way to meet new people, friends suggested he should try Latin dance. Josh has been soaking up as much Latin dance as he could since then, and looking for new undertakings on the dance floor.
“Latin Dancing allows endless physical and mental challenges to always keep you interested.”
When not dancing, Josh enjoys golf, spending time in the ocean, RnB music, and eats lots of steak. He has been seen swimming with sharks and patting tigers in Thailand; he is a Brisbane Broncos fan, and enjoys Texas Holdem Poker in his spare time
* 2nd Place Queensland State Salsa Titles Teams Division 2011/2009
* Sydney Salsa Congress 2011 (performer)
* 1st Place Queensland State Salsa Titles Teams Division 2010
* Sydney Salsa Congress 2010 (performer/instructor)
Jose Luis started dancing when he was 18 when his sister suggested trying a tango class with her. From that point he wanted to dance more and more, so Jose began to learn other styles, excited by new movements, always striving to learn new things. “I’m always looking for new forms of Tango, Latin rhythms, Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Ballroom dancing, (Pasodoble, Rock, Waltz ...), and I enjoy Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop.”
Jose’s favourite dance memory will always be the first day he danced in public. “I was 18, and it was a debut of a Jazz and Tango performance. I felt a trembling that ran through my body until the moment the sound of music began; I felt a transformation.”
Jose went on to dance Tango professionally in Argentina and Spain; represented Spain in the World Championships in Argentine Tango in South Korea; and danced as a member of company Conceptango, performing with live music in theatres in Spain, until travelling to Brisbane to study English.
“My first day at SLG was the Christmas party 2010, and people were all so friendly. It felt like a celebration in Madrid; I felt at home. I like SLG for its extensive studies, its attention to detail and its beautiful studios. It's perfect. I dance here by the warmth of the people.”
Outside of dance, Jose enjoys different kinds of sport (soccer, tennis, volleyball), going to the movies, hanging out with friends and eating out. (“I have no problem with any food except raisins and vegemite sorry!..”)
Jose's past achievements/performances include:
* Member of the Company of dance and tango - Conceptango (Spain, 2009)
- Tango Festival Granada
- Theatre performances José Mª Rodero
* Representatives of Spain in the World Tango Championship in Korea (Busan Xtrex Games, 2008)
* Noche de Impacto, Hall Calipso (Madrid)
* 6 º Encuentro de Tango Argentino, Hall Calipso (Madrid)
* City council of Cedillo del Condado
* City council of Serranillos del Valle
* Hall Manhattan (Madrid)
* Hall Pasos (Madrid)
Jonathan
When he was younger, Jonathon always thought “it would be cool” to learn how to break dance. Somewhere along the line, his interest in dance landed him in the world of Latin dancing. His first experience of Latin dancing was at a social dance night while catching up with friends, where he found Salsa fun and challenging. Shortly after, Jonathon joined a social dance group at university.
Jonathon’s earliest dance memories are from primary school physical education classes, learning how to square dance, and dancing to “Greased Lightning” for the school play. Jonathon’s strangest dance gig was performing with a university dance troupe at a college party.
When not dancing, Jonathon likes playing a social game of poker. (“It doesn’t have to be for money, the bragging rights are more than enough motivation.”) He enjoys going to the beach to swim, surf and relax, playing strategic board games such as chess and go, or an odd video game once in a blue moon.
“I love to eat. Whether it be breakfast, second breakfast, morning tea, brunch, lunch, second lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, after dinner chocolate, after after dinner chocolate cake or supper. I just love eating.”
Jonathon likes hip hop and pop music; some of his favourite artists are Justin Timberland and T. I. Since he started dancing Jonathon has also particularly taken a liking to DJ Mafie Zouker music.
* Sydney Salsa Congress 2011 (performer)
* 1st Place Queensland State Salsa Titles Teams Division 2010
Fabienne started out infatuated with a Celia Cruz song before she knew any salsa steps. She requested the song seven years ago at a wedding and befriended a dance teacher who pointed her in the direction of a Latin dance school.
“Over the years I have likened dancing to cooking – once you know the key ingredients, you can play around to develop your unique flavour - I’m still working on perfecting mine. :)
Fabienne's earliest memory of dance was when she was with a group of six other 9 year old ‘M.J.’ groupies at a family get together, choreographing a short routine, but just before showtime the cassette tape broke in the machine! To their relief, their family of fans sang along to ‘Rock My World’ whilst the kids danced their little hearts out. Since then she had been pulled on stage a few times for an impromptu dance performance in various clubs by the local Djs.
In her spare time, Fabienne enjoys art (painting and sculpting), listens to Latin music, Jazz & Classical on rainy days, and eats the fruit of the Gods – MANGO!
“Give it go, you only live once!”
“I remember my mother forcing me to go do ballroom dancing when I was about 7 years old. I got a sash, just a participation sash, but I felt I had achieved something none the less.”
Simon's Latin dance journey began when one of his house mates brought a Smooth Latin Groove 'Come & Try' dance session brochure and they decided to give it a go for a bit of a laugh. None of them had any dance experience and they wanted to try something out of their comfort zone. To Simon's surprise they enjoyed the session so much that they all signed up for the Latin Beginners course as soon as the session was over, Now Simon is hooked on Latin dance, and particularly loves the entrancing melodic sounds of Zouk.
“One of my best experiences at SLG has been getting asked to start teaching and knowing how far I have developed as dancer from a two-left-feet guy.
Outside of dancing simon is very much into his fitness with mountain bike riding, running, rock clinbing, skiing and every now and then getting on the wake board. He also loves to experiment in the kitchen and has been known to whip up a culinary delight or two. (“It doesn't always work out but it's fun having a go at cooking different foods.”) Dessert is his favourite food, in particular Chocolate Souffle and Pistacio and Rose Water Panna Cotta. And, of course, nothing beats a decent fillet mignon!
Sarah started dancing at the age of 5 and has been addicted ever since! (“I remember getting ready for my first ballet concert in the middle of summer dressed from head to toe in a huge, white, puffy snow man costume with my head poking out over the top. Hair spray, tutus, sequins, make-up...”) Trained as a Ballet dancer originally and having performed as part of contemporary dance productions, Sarah enjoys doing different types of dance classes in her spare time. She was inspired to take up Latin dancing after seeing a Carnival Samba rehearsal in Brazil, amazed by the percussion rhythms and the vibrant atmosphere.
Sarah has always enjoyed the sense of freedom associated with dancing, the beautiful costumes and the adrenaline rush of performing on stage. She loves the speed and technicality of Salsa and the trance-like, flowing nature of Zouk, and she is always eager to challenge herself.
“At SLG I always learn something new in a supportive, friendly atmosphere, whether in a choreography class or on the social dance floor. Every time I dance at the Saturday night party, I meet many people and always learn a new move or two! I love teaching and getting to know the students, and find it rewarding seeing them improve and enjoy the dancing.”
When not dancing Sarah likes travelling, backpacking and learning other languages, exercising, bike riding, going to the beach in summer, hanging out with friends and a good game of scrabble. She has a weakness for Italian food, and likes listening to Michael Jackson, R&B and Reggaeton.
