Brush up on salsa before big Fiesta Latina night

Percussionist Nego Beto and DJ Mara from Brazilbeat Sound System will be bringing the Latin rhythms to Fiesta Latina. Picture supplied

The Fiesta Latina is back so dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to salsa the night away.

If you don’t know the steps, it’s never too late to learn with two guest dance teachers travelling from Napier to host dance workshops aimed at beginners.

“I am so happy to be able to offer these classes so people can learn the basics ahead of the event,” says organiser and well-known Latin dance enthusiast Elena Serena.

Sara Crespo from Latin Roots Hawke’s Bay will teach a class in Rueda de Casino — Cuban Salsa. Originally from Caracas in Venezuela, Sara has more than 14 years of experience in the salsa casino world. She is passionate about promoting the Latin American culture and teaches salsa with a spicy Venezuelan flavour.

Tango lessons will also be on offer ahead of this year’s Latin Fiesta taught by Joe Taylor. He has been teaching and performing Argentinian tango for more than 20 years and will take a workshop at Mangapapa School on the afternoon of the fiesta.

“Fiesta Latina will kick off at 7.30pm with a warm-up led by Gisborne Latin dance teacher Sheryl May which will get people to relax and learn all they need to have a blast,” Elena says.

Brazilbeat Sound System — made up of Brazilian percussionist Nego Beto and American DJ Mara — will be playing the hottest Latin tracks at the Dome Bar. Bringing together their love of bass music and live percussion, expect a selection of salsa, merengue, samba, forro, funk, cumbia, reggaeton, bachata and afro beats fusion tracks.

There will also be spot performances of Argentinian tango and Rueda de Casino from the guest teachers. This annual event usually sells out so get in early.

Contact Elena Serena on 021 991 867 to register for the dance workshops at Mangapapa School hall.

Rueda (Cuban salsa) with Sara: 2pm

Tango with Joe: 3pm

■ Fiesta Latina Latin Party, Saturday, November 4, 7.30pm, Dome Bar