Dance Teacher: Reuben

Status: Professional

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Reuben, the esteemed director/owner of 'Salsa Latina' in Christchurch.  Renowned as a New Zealand Professional Multiple Champion and Choreographer, Reuben has amassed an impressive collection of 1st place titles with his Latin dance teams. Having already attained the status of a national professional champion, he went on to achieve the international champion title in the Salsa Pro-Am Cabaret couples category in 2023 with Miléna.

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Reuben's reputation extends beyond his dancing prowess, as he is highly regarded as a judge in New Zealand and Australasia. His dance journey began in 1999, and since then, he has immersed himself in the art form, focusing mostly on Salsa & Bachata and constantly refining his skills through teaching and performing. Along his path, Reuben has had the privilege of learning from a diverse range of local and international teachers, including his travels to the Caribbean, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Australia.

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Motivated by an unwavering passion for Latin dance, Reuben tirelessly strives to improve his abilities and cultivate effective teaching methodologies. This unwavering dedication has enabled him to develop a distinctive teaching style that showcases his expertise in social dancing. Since 2003, he has shared his extensive knowledge with numerous dancers, many of whom have gone on to become teachers and performers in New Zealand and beyond.

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• Director of  Salsa Latina Dance School & Dance Centre

• Australasian & NZ Salsa & Latin Dance Judge (Certified from World Salsa Solo Brisbane 2023)

• Awarded the 'Latin Dance Industry Award', for his contribution to the Latin dance community in New Zealand

• Qualified Salsa & Latin Dance Teacher "Master Level"

• International Salsa Champion

• New Zealand Professional Salsa Champion

• Head Performance Team Leader, Founder & Choreographer >

• Pioneer for Linear Salsa in South Island, first to teach NY style On1 & On2 courses.

• Pioneer for Zouk in South Island & NZ; first to teach in the South Island & run courses.

• Pioneer for  Bachata in South Island; first school to teach these as courses.

• Pioneer for Kizomba in South Island; first school to teach these as courses.

• REPs Qualified Fitness-Personal Trainer & Gym Instructor & Group Exercise Instructor

• National Salsa / Latin DJ & dance event organiser

• Qualified Advertising Graphic Designer with many years experience in a Advertising agency.
• Martial Arts - Kung Fu

 

Latin Dance Styles

• Salsa; Street Latin Miami Salsa & Cuban Salsa & Rueda, Colombian Salsa, Puerto Rican Salsa, New York Mambo (aka Salsa On2) & LA Salsa On1, Power On1

• Bachata; Bachata Dominica, Senual, Moderna, Fusions & Bachatango

• Cha Cha & Boogaloo

• Merengue

• Brazilian Samba No Pe & Samba Axé

• Kizomba, Kizomba Fusion, Semba, Kompa & French Zouk

• Lambada,  LambaZouk, Brazilian Zouk

 

Latin Dance Teaching & Professional Training:

Reuben's journey into Latin dance commenced in 1999 when he discovered his deep passion for Salsa. Right from the start, he felt an instant connection with the dance form, leading him to embark on an uninterrupted dance journey that has spanned over two decades. He joined Street Latin and quickly caught the attention of their performance team, earning a place among them in a remarkably short period. In 2003, he began his training to become a teacher at Street Latin, specializing in Cuban/Miami Style. He further honed his skills by participating in the 'Salsa Masters Teacher Training Programme' in 2005, under the guidance of Oliver Pineda, a multiple-time world champion in NY style.

​

Reuben's pursuit of knowledge and expertise in dance led him to learn from numerous esteemed teachers and sources. Some notable figures include David & Paulina from Mexico, Jamie Jesus & Lil Liz from LDA Australia, Edwin Rivera from NY-USA/Puerto Rico, Troy from the USA, Bircan Tulga from the UK, Adolfo from Italy, Mafie Zouker, and Nelson Campos in Kizomba, among others. He has also traveled overseas, attending masters workshops in Spain. Additionally, Reuben has dedicated himself to continuous professional development by participating in professional, judging, and teaching seminars. He has had the privilege of receiving one-on-one lessons from international champions and renowned instructors.

​

Reuben's expertise extends beyond his personal training and experiences. He has actively implemented and developed various dance systems into the current syllabi for Salsa On1, Salsa On2, Cha Cha, Casino Salsa, Zouk, Bachata, and Kizomba at Salsa Latina. His focus lies in strengthening core fundamentals, shines, and turn patterns, constantly updating, perfecting, and evolving these systems over the course of his extensive two-decade career.

 

Judging

Judging Certified by Billy Fajardo 2023 (The Summit World Salsa Competition)
• Australian World Salsa Solo Competition 2015 & 2023
• New Zealand Latin Dance Competition 2018, 2019, 2022

• New Zealand Salsa Open 2016 & 2017

• New Zealand Salsa Solo 2015 & 2016

• New Zealand National Salsa Competition Auckland 2009 & 2010

• New Zealand Salsa Competition Auckland 2005.

 

Choreographer & Team Training

Reuben is the lead choreographer and teacher for Salsa, KIzomba, Bachata & Mambo couples teams these are Salsa Latina dance teams which their students & teachers at Salsa Latina compete & peform, you can see some of our incredible results from our team including a few teachers & performers out there today who are currently doing really well.

 

Dance Training:

Training & Teachers listed  below are a mixture of long time training through classes, plus courses, workshops, private lessons, teacher training, syllabus training.. not including online help & training etc.
 

Salsa, Mambo, Casino & Cha Dance Training... since 1999

Dance Instructors learnt from;

- Yamulee Dance Company (New York)

- Leon Rose (France)

- Jhesus Aponte (Peurto Rico)

- Bircan Tulga - Latin Soul Dancer (UK)

- Juan Matos & Amneriz Martinez (NY & Puerto Rico)

- Adrián & Anita (Uruguay - Brazil)

- Marco (Italy) & Natalia (Mexico)

- Karen & Ricardo (Chile/Argentina)

- Fabián & Esther (Spain),

- Favio Vasquez & Renata Castillo (Chile)

- Zaragoza & Zarautz

- Ye Mambo (Spain)

- Zulmara & Paco (USA/Mex)

- Fernando Sosa & Tropical Gem Crew (Italy),

- Sergio & Gaby - Alma Latina (USA)

- Jorge & Maria (Mexico)

- Jose & Nerea (Netherlands /Italy)

- David & Paulina (Mexico)

- Liz Lira (USA)

- Gabriel & Latisha (Argentina)

- Serena Cuevas (USA)

- Ana & Joel (Boston, USA)

- Reda Dance (France)

- Carlos Redondo (Spain)

- Edwin Rivera (USA-NY/Puerto Rico)

- Alex & Chi (USA)

- Simone & Serena (Italy)

- Johnny Vasquez & Lilliana (LA,USA)

- Adolfo & Carla (USA-NY/Italy)

- Adolfos Latin Soul Dancers (USA-NY/Italy)

- Oliver Pineda & Luda (Aust, Latin Motion)

- Magna Gopal (USA)

- Troy & Jorjet (USA)

- Chiquito & Alice (Dominican Republic/Italy)

- Vito & Stephania (Italy)

- Mouaze & Fanny (France)

- Jamie Jesus & Mary (Aust)

- Lil Liz (Aust)

- Amy & Allan (Aust, LDA)

- Super Mario (UK) 

- Susanna Montero (UK)

- Junior & Emily (USA)

- David Paris (USA)

- Edie “The Salsa Freak” (USA)

- Al “Liquidsilver” Espinoza (USA)

- Mariano (USA)

- Victor & Burju (USA)

- Joel & Betsy (Peru)

- Natalie Zellar & Nathan (Aust)

- Zee (Singapore)

- Sharon Pakir (Aust/Singapore)

- Kevin & Chelsea (Aust)

- Jennifer (USA)

- Oren (Aust)

- Pascale (Aust),

- Fernando & Becky (Aust),

- Elli & Carlos (Aust),

- Nestor (Aust),

- Mary & Neil (Aust),

- Gino (Peru),

- Csaba & Vali (Aust, Latin Motion)

- Nestor & Josie (Aust),

- Giancarlo (NZ/Aust)

- Marsha (NZ/Aust)

- Roberto & Jenna (Aust),

- Artia Zandian (Aust)

- Alameda & Richie (Chile & Argentina)

- Federico & Paola (italy Peru) 
- Vivio (Cuba/NZ)

- Greydis (Cuba/NZ)

- Ricardo & Viviana (Colombia)

- Orod & Dessie (UK)

- Andrew Robertson (NZ/Aust)

- Performers/teachers from 'Lady Salsa Show Cuba' in 2002

+ Angela & Dave, Zane Powel (Street Latin NZ) & many more.

 

Bachata Dance Training: since 2006

- Carlos Cinta (USA),

- Harold & Regan (Canada),

- Ataca & La Alemana (USA/Puerto Rico),

- Gabriel & Latisha (Argentina),

- Juan and Samantha (NSW),

- Mitch & Ellicia (Aust),

- Tony Lara (UK),

- Nestor (Aust),

- Giancarlo & Marsha (NZ/Aust),

- Jamie Jesus, Lil Liz,

- Carlos Redondo (Spain),

- Amy (Aust, LDA)

- Csaba & Vali (Aust, Latin Motion),

- Moro & Alegria (Aust),

- Oren & Pascale (Aust),

​

Reuben's journey into Latin dance commenced in 1999 when he discovered his deep passion for Salsa. Right from the start, he felt an instant connection with the dance form, leading him to embark on an uninterrupted dance journey that has spanned over two decades. He joined Street Latin and quickly caught the attention of their performance team, earning a place among them in a remarkably short period. In 2003, he began his training to become a teacher at Street Latin, specializing in Cuban/Miami Style. He further honed his skills by participating in the 'Salsa Masters Teacher Training Programme' in 2005, under the guidance of Oliver Pineda, a multiple-time world champion in NY style. This training forms the foundation of the current syllabus at Salsa Latina.

Reuben's pursuit of knowledge and expertise in dance led him to learn from numerous esteemed teachers and sources. Some notable figures include David & Paulina from Mexico, Jamie Jesus & Lil Liz from LDA Australia, Edwin Rivera from NY-USA/Puerto Rico, Troy from the USA, Bircan Tulga from the UK, Adolfo from Italy, Mafie Zouker, and Nelson Campos in Kizomba, among others. He has also traveled overseas, attending masters workshops in Spain. Additionally, Reuben has dedicated himself to continuous professional development by participating in professional, judging, and teaching seminars. He has had the privilege of receiving one-on-one lessons from international champions and renowned instructors.

Reuben's expertise extends beyond his personal training and experiences. He has actively implemented and developed various dance systems into the current syllabi for Salsa On1, Salsa On2, Cha Cha, Casino Salsa, Zouk, Bachata, and Kizomba at Salsa Latina. His focus lies in strengthening core fundamentals, shines, and turn patterns, constantly updating, perfecting, and evolving these systems over the course of his extensive two-decade career.

- Gino (Peru), & many more.

 

Kizomba Dance Training: since 2009

- Nelson Campos (Portugal/GB),

- Jeremy Lao & Savanah (New Caledonia),

- Chris PY & Sara (Brisbane / France),

- Ramnish (Germany),

- Lukas & Rene (Aust)

- Ivo & Shani (USA),

- Helio Santos (Portugal) ,

- Chris (UK) 2013

- Clement Maura (France),

- Chloe Loh (Aust), 

- Tamas (Hungary/NZ)

- Badi Bayly (Aust),  

+ Sabine (NZ/Germany), Nikal in 2009,

& many more

 

Brazilian Zouk & Lambada Dance Training: since 2008

- Renata Pecanha & Jeorge Peres (Brazil),

- Jamie Jesus, Lil Liz,

- Amy (Aust, LDA),

- Csaba & Vali (Aust)

- Badi Bayly (Perth),

- Mafie Zouker & Yasmin (Brazil),

- Andrew Robertson (NZ/Aust),

- Paul & Lynda (Latin Fever NZ),

- Amit & Emily (Aust),

- Zane & Angela (NZ)  

& many more.

 

Samba No Pe & Samba Axé Dance training: Since 2001

- Albena (Brazil),

- Claudrado (Brazil/NZ),

- Amy (Aust, LDA)

- Andrew Robertson (NZ/Aust),

- Paul & Lynda (Latin Fever NZ)
- Zane & Angela  (NZ)

& many more.

 

Plus other styles learnt on the side inc;

Latin Ballroom, Latin Hustle & Argentine Tango.

 

 

Major Events & Schools Taught at:

• NZ Salsa Congress 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 (Wellington)

• Bay Salsa Festival 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2022, 2023 (Tauranga)

• Lincoln University Salsa Courses from 2009 - 2011 (Lincoln CHCH)

• The Body Dance Festival 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 (CHCH)

• Hanmer Salsa Fest 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2020 & 2022 (Hanmer)

• Tercer Tiempo 2011 @ Dome Hagley Park (CHCH)

• Speed Dancing 2010 & 2011 in Hagley Park (CHCH)

• Love in the Lanes Valentines Event 2010 (CHCH)

• Patio Latino Latin dance Event 2010 (CHCH)

• Salsa Showcase in Blenheim 2008 & 2009

• Latin Dance Festival 2009

• Mashina Lounge - Christchurch Casino 2013 & 2014 (CHCH)

• Christchurch Casino Daimond Bar 2008 & 2009 (CHCH)

• Salsa Latina 2009-present (CHCH)

• Danza Latina 2004-2009 (CHCH)

• Street Latin 2002-2004 (CHCH)

• Wanganui Latin Explosion Event 2005 (Wanganui)

• Salsa Groove NY Event 2005 (Nelson & Blenhiem)

• Club Latin Dance Event 2007 (Auckland)

... plus countless more

 

Latin Dance Competition Experience:

 

Brisbane World Salsa Solo Competition 2023

• 1st - Reuben W & Milena H - Salsa Pro-Am Cabaret Couples
• 2nd - Reuben W & Milena H - Salsa Pro-Am Freestyle
• 2nd - Reuben W & Milena H - Bachata Pro-Am Freestyle

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South Island Latin Competition 2023

• 1st - SLA Salsa Team - Salsa Couples Teams (Choreographer/trainer)

• 1st - SLA Bachata Team - Bachata Couples Teams

• 1st - Reuben W & Milena H - Salsa Open Freestyle 

• 2nd - Reuben W (Pro) & Jessica P (Am) - Salsa Pro-Am Freestyle

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NZ Latin Dance Championships 2022

• 1st - SLA Salsa Team - Salsa Teams 

• 2nd - SLA Bachata Team (Best NZ Bachata Team) - Latin Teams
• 1st Reuben & Miléna - Salsa Pro-Am Freestyle 

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South Island Latin Competition 2022

• 1st - SLA Mambo Team - Salsa Teams

• 1st – SLA Bachata Team  - Latin Showcase Teams 

• 1st - Reuben Watkins & Milena Hubert - Open Salsa Freestyle

• 3rd - Tayla Malyon (Am) & Reuben - Pro-Am Salsa Freestyle

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South Island Latin Competition 2021

• 1st - SLA Mambo Team - Salsa Teams

• 1st – SLA Bachata Team  - Latin Showcase Teams 

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South Island Competition 2019
• 1st - SLA Salsa Team - Salsa Teams 

• 2nd SLA Bachata Team - Latin Teams

• 1st - Reuben & Izadora - Salsa Open Freestyle Couples

• 1st - Grace (Am) & Reuben - Pro-Am Salsa Freestyle Couples

New Zealand Latin Dance Championships 2018

• 1st - Salsa On1 Team - Amateur Salsa Teams
• 1st - Salsa On2 Team - Open Salsa Teams
• 2nd - Bachata Kizomba Team - Open Showcase Teams

• 2nd - Robyn (Am) & Reuben (Pro) - Salsa Pro/Am Freestyle

 

South Island Competition 2018

• 1st - Bachata/Kizomba Team - Showcase Teams (Choreographer & Performer)

• 1st - Salsa On1 Team - Salsa Teams (Choreographer & Performer)

• 1st - Izadora Campos (Am) & Reuben Watkins - Pro-Am Salsa Couples

South Island Salsa Competition 2017

* 1st in Salsa Couples Teams Category (Choreographer & Performer)

NZ World Latin Dance Cup 2017

* 1st in Salsa Teams (Non-Cabaret Category) - Team Mambo Sabroso (Choreographer & Performer)

* 1st in Salsa Teams (Cabaret Category) - Team Salsa Sabrosa (Choreographer)

NZ Salsa Open 2016

* 2nd in Salsa Couples Teams Category - Team Mambo Sabroso (Choreographer & Performer)

* 3rd in Salsa Couples Teams Category - Team Salsa Sabrosa (Choreographer)

South Island Salsa Competition 2016

* 1st in Salsa Couples Teams Category (Choreographer & Performer)

* 1st - Mia & Reuben - Pro/am Freestyle partnered Salsa

Salsa Solo Competition NZ 2016

* 2nd in Salsa Open Teams Category (Choreographer & Performer)

* 1st - Mia & Reuben - Pro/am Freestyle partnered Salsa

* 2nd - Izadora & Reuben - Pro/am - Freestyle partnered Salsa

World Salsa Solo Competition Australia 2015

* 1st in Salsa Am Teams Category (Choreographer)

South Island Salsa Competition 2015

* 1st in Salsa Teams Category (Choreographer)

* 1st in Pro/Am Category with Mia (Reuben - Pro assist)

South Island Salsa Competition 2014

* 2nd in Salsa Teams Category (Choreographer)

New Zealand Salsa Championships 2013

* 1st in Salsa Teams Category (Choreographer)

South Island Salsa Competition 2013

* 1st in Salsa Teams Category 2012 (Choreographer)

New Zealand Salsa Championships in Auckland

* 1st in Profressional Section 2012 w/Marcela (Choreographer)

* 2nd in Salsa Teams Category (Choreographer)

South Island Salsa Competition 2012 (Choreographer)

* 1st in Salsa Teams Category

New Zealand Salsa Championships in Auckland...

* 2nd in Professional Section 2011 w/Marcela

South Island Salsa Comps 2011

* 1st in professional section 2011 w/ Marcela

SI Salsa Competition 2nd Salsa team section 2011

NZ Pacific Salsa Congress 2009 Team Salsa Sabrosa

* Selected to Represent New Zealand in Sydney Congress

SI Salsa Competition

2nd South Island team section 2008

NZ National Salsa Comps Auckland

* 2nd in Professional Section 2007 w/ Vikki

South Island Salsa Comps

* 1st in professional section 2007 w/ Vikki

 

Latin Dance Performance & Show Experience:

• Sydney Latin Dance Festival 2015 (Australia)

• Bay Salsa Festival 2015 (Tauranga)

• TV3: Guest on the 4pm Show teaching hosts Salsa

• Bay Salsa Festival 2008-2011 (Tauranga)

• New Zealand Salsa Congress, 2011-2014 & 2022 (Wellington)

• Sydney Salsa Congress 2010

• Christmas Salsa Balls 2010-2018

• Salsa Showcase in Blenheim 2009

• Various Salsa Night Fever performances 2007-present

• Latin Dance Festival Christchurch 2009

• NZ Pacific Salsa Congress 2008 (Wtgn)

• CTV Good Living Programme 2008

• Latin Dance Festival Christchurch 2008

• Latin Dance Corporate Events

• Salsa Showcase in Blenheim Aug 2007

• Christchurch Casino, top100 2006

• Jambalaya & South Islands Comps (Salsa SOS Crew) 2006

• Mexican Cafe 2005-2007

• Wanganui Latin Explosion (Salsa) w/ Fei 2005

• Festival of Flowers CHCH SQ 2005

• Havelock Festival (Axe & Salsa) 2005 Solo

• Tall Blacks games, Westpac Centre (Axé) 2004

• Womens Expo's (Salsa & Axé) 2001-2004 Solo & w/ Jodie

• The Loaded Hog - Regularly, Solo (Samba, Axe & Salsa) 2001-2005

• Warners, Baileys w/ Jodie 2002-2004

• Christchurch Christmas Parade 2001-04

• Various Wedding performances

• Jose Feliciano concert (Christchurch Town Hall) 2003

• Civic Theatre Latin Show (Salsa) 2001

• Numerous Corporate, Expo's, Fashion Shows & Wedding functions, to many to list

 

Event Organisation & Deejaying

• Salsa Nights @ Casa Publica 2017-2021
• Hanmer Salsa Winter Festival 2005 annually till present
• Salsa Night Fever with performances 2008-present
• Thursday Salsa Nights @ Iconic Bar 2016-2017
• Thursday Salsa Nights @ Mish Mash 2016

• Friday Salsa Nights with Matecito Live Salsa Band @ Mashina Lounge 2015-2016

• Thursay Salsa Nights @ Morrel & Co 2015

• Thursday Salsa Nights @ Corrianders 2014-2015

• Thursday Salsa Nights @ Mashina Lounge 2013-2014

• Salsa On Thursdays @ Revival Bar 2013

• Salsa On Thursdays @ Salsa Latina 2010-2013

• Christmas Salsa Ball 2008 to present (CHCH)

• Mexican Cafe Salsa Spectacular 2004-2007 Every Month (CHCH)

• Loaded Hog / Next Door 2003-2009 Every Thursday (CHCH)

• Christchurch Casino on Wednesdays 2008 & 2009 (Chch)

• Twisted Hop Salsa Nights during 2010 (CHCH)

• Sunday Zymergy Bar 2007-2010 (CHCH)
• Created Salsa Timing Music CD 2007

• Lyme Bar 2007 (CHCH)

• The Garage Bar 2008-9 (CHCH)

and many more...
 

Latin/Salsa Deejaying at other Large Events

• NZ Pacific Salsa Congress 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, (Wtgn)

• Tercer Tiempo 2011 @ Dome Hagley Park (CHCH)

• LA Salsa Unplugged 2011 (CHCH)

• Viva Christmas Party 2010 (AK)

• Salsa Showcase in Blenheim 2008 & 2009

• Bay Salsa Festival 2008-2016 & 2022 annually (Tauranga)

• Safari Lounge Salsa Night with Latinissimo May & Aug 2008 (AK)

• Wanganui Latin Explosion 2005 (Wanganui)

• Club Latin Parties 2006 & 2007 (AK)

• Dance Scene Salsa Parties 2005-2006 (Chch)

• Oliver Pineda Tour - Salsa Party 2005 (Chch)

• Kantuta Latin Band Salsa Event 2004 (Chch)

and many more...

 

 

 

Fitness Training

(REP's - Registered Excercise Professional)

• REP's Qualified Personal Fitness Trainer 2010

• REP's Qualified Gym Trainer 2010

• First Aid Certificate 2010

- Group Exercise

- Personal Training Certified

- Nutrition

- Injury Management

- Programming for Special Populations

- Sports Training