MEET THE INCREDIBLE ARTISTS
Launched in 2019, the SSMC was a huge success bringing the best artists of Australia & overseas together, all under one roof.
In 2026, we bring you MORE awesome International artists, more amazing National artists, more world class Workshops, quality Performances, Salsa bands, DJ’s & parties. SSMC 2026 will again highlight Australia’s wealth of talent complimented by 9 AMAZING International artists.
We are very privileged to have so much amazing talent right here in Australia & we are excited to be able to gather them together at the amazing Roundhouse, a world-class venue in the heart of Sydney.
Enjoy a 3 day & 3 night weekend of world class workshops, amazing parties, spectacular shows, & HOURS & HOURS of social dancing. Remember this year 2 evenings will include Live Salsa Concerts from Sydney’s finest Salsa Bands with Saturday evening featuring the sensational Alfredo De La Fe. With so much quality packed in, it is simply THE weekend of the year to lock in your dance calendar!
Latin Dancers of Australia, spread the word & get ready for THE Salsa & Mambo event of the year not to be missed !
MASTER artists
RENE & BARBARA
From USA
SALSA ARTISTS | PERFORMERS | INSTRUCTORS
Rene & Barbara are an emerging and dynamic Salsa couple from the United States, known for their strong presence on the social dance floor and their ability to blend clean technique with expressive partner connection. Active within the U.S. Latin dance circuit, they have been featured at festivals and events such as the Reno Latin Dance Fest, contributing to the growing wave of modern social-performance artists.
Their style reflects a balance between traditional Salsa foundations and contemporary influences, with a focus on musicality, timing, and fluid partner work. As a couple, they emphasise connection and adaptability—qualities that translate strongly both in performances and in social dancing environments.
Rene & Barbara are particularly appreciated for their relatability within the dance community, representing the bridge between high-level social dancing and stage performance. Their content and appearances continue to resonate with dancers who value authenticity, flow, and real partner communication over purely choreographic execution.
As instructors, they focus on practical social dance skills—helping students improve lead-and-follow clarity, rhythm, and confidence on the dance floor. Their mission aligns with preserving the essence of Salsa as a social art form while still evolving with the modern global dance scene.
MARIA & VINCENZO
From GREECE
SALSA ARTISTS | INSTRUCTORS | CHOREOGRAPHERS
Maria & Vincenzo are an acclaimed dance couple in the international Salsa community, known for their dynamic fusion of body-movement technique and Afro-Cuban/Mambo rhythm. Their work blends contemporary fluidity with classic Cuban Salsa fundamentals, creating a style that is both musically expressive and visually engaging.
Maria, originally from Greece, brings a strong background in BodySkills and contemporary-influenced Salsa, with training and performances that highlight musical interpretation and movement quality. Vincenzo, hailing from Italy, complements her with deep Cuban rhythm, mambo expertise, and playful energy on the dance floor.
Together, the duo has toured internationally, leading workshops, performing at major festivals, and earning invitations to top events in Europe and beyond. Their teaching focuses on helping dancers understand the why behind movement—rhythm, connection, weight transfer, and musical phrasing—while maintaining performance quality and social dance adaptability.
Maria & Vincenzo are featured instructors and performers at prestigious events such as the Croatian Summer Salsa Festival and the Salsa Spring Festival, where they are recognized for their engaging stage presence and innovative approach to Salsa technique.
ALFREDO DE LA FE
From USA
Salsa Legend | International Guest Artist
VIOLIN VIRTUOSO | COMPOSER | SALSA PIONEER
Alfredo de la Fé is widely regarded as one of the most influential violinists in Latin music history, credited with revolutionizing the role of the violin in Salsa and Afro-Caribbean music. Born in Havana, Cuba, he demonstrated prodigious musical talent from a young age, studying classical violin before expanding into jazz and Latin genres.
After relocating to the United States, Alfredo became a key figure in the evolution of Salsa during its golden era. He is best known for his groundbreaking work with the iconic Fania All-Stars, where he introduced the violin as a lead instrument in a genre traditionally dominated by brass and piano. His electrifying performances and improvisational style helped redefine the sonic identity of Salsa music.
Throughout his career, Alfredo de la Fé has collaborated with some of the most legendary names in Latin music, including Celia Cruz, Héctor Lavoe, and Willie Colón. His ability to fuse classical technique with Afro-Cuban rhythm has made him a unique and enduring force in the industry.
As a solo artist and bandleader, Alfredo has released numerous albums that showcase his signature blend of virtuosity, passion, and rhythmic innovation. His music bridges classical precision with the raw energy of Salsa, earning him global recognition across jazz festivals, concert halls, and Latin music stages.
Beyond performance, Alfredo de la Fé’s legacy lies in his innovation—he opened the door for non-traditional instruments in Salsa and inspired generations of musicians to push creative boundaries while staying rooted in cultural authenticity.
EDWIN RIVERA
From USA
International Guest Artist
DANCER | DJ | PRODUCER | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Edwin Rivera is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in the global Salsa and Latin dance industry. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, of Puerto Rican heritage, he has built a career that spans performance, DJing, music production, and large-scale event direction across more than two decades.
Renowned for his musicality and deep connection to Salsa culture, Edwin’s approach to dance is rooted in rhythm, interpretation, and authenticity. He is known for “dancing the music,” emphasising breaks, lyrics, and instrumentation—treating movement as an extension of the orchestra itself.
Beyond performing, Edwin Rivera has played a major leadership role in shaping the international Latin dance scene. He has served as artistic director, producer, and organizer for some of the world’s most prominent events, including the New York International Salsa Congress, Los Angeles Salsa Festival, and the World Latin Dance Cup.
As a DJ and music producer, Edwin is globally recognised for his signature experience, “The Musical Journey,” blending Salsa/Mambo with electronic and Latin fusion genres. His sets have taken him to festivals across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, making him one of the most internationally active Latin DJs in the scene.
He has also collaborated with iconic institutions such as Fania Records, contributing to instructional dance content and continuing to bridge the gap between classic Salsa music and modern dance education.
With a career defined by innovation, leadership, and authenticity, Edwin Rivera continues to influence generations of dancers—not only through performance, but by shaping the global Salsa ecosystem from the inside out.
FRáYLIN OLIVARES
From USA
International Guest Artist
DANCER | INSTRUCTOR | PERFORMER
Straight from Empire Studios in New York City, we are beyond thrilled to welcome the incredible Fráylin Olivares to our lineup! Fráylin is a professional Salsa & Bachata dancer, currently teaching at Empire Dance Studio and performing with Latin Soul Dancers under the legendary Adolfo Indacochea.
Known for his electrifying stage presence and passionate teaching style, Fráylin has been inspiring dancers across New York and beyond.
At our event, he will be:
Teaching Salsa & Mambo workshops & running a Bachata Bootcamp
Sharing his artistry, energy, and New York flavor with our Social Dance community!
Catch a glimpse of his work @fray809 Get ready, because this SURPRISE addition is about to make our Congress even more unforgettable!
RICKY CAMPANELLI
From CANADA
International Guest DJ
Grammy Award nominee DJ, Ricky Campanelli is from Montreal, Canada, a city rich in arts, culture & musical diversity. Born into a musical family, his passion for creative expression through sound was encouraged by his parents, long-time musicians themselves.
Growing into his talent thorough years of DJing at Club 649, Montreal’s first latin nightclub, established by his parents. There he met Jesus “El Nino” Alejandro, a talented singer, musician, & composer, who believed in Ricky’s talent & took him under his wing, where Rick’s desire to create & explore music prompted him to go further.
For more information, see https://salsamambo.com.au/bands-djs/
KATHLEEN & EDWARD
From UK & Venezuela
Technical Precision meets Cultural Expression
Kathleen Gosling and Edward Torres are a dynamic London-based partnership blending technical mastery, cultural depth, and artistic evolution within the global Salsa and Mambo scene.
Known as “the technician,” Kat brings a meticulous, highly refined approach to movement. With foundations in classical ballet, modern, and tap—combined with early training in acro and artistic gymnastics—she possesses an exceptional understanding of body mechanics and movement efficiency. Her journey began in Cape Town, where she earned multiple honours as a competitive dancer across disciplines. Transitioning into Latin dance as an adult, Kat rapidly rose through the ranks, becoming a titled champion and respected performer. Her continued development is driven by studying with world-renowned artists and a relentless pursuit of growth, both technically and artistically. Complementing her dance career, she is also a Level 3 qualified Pilates instructor, specialising in movement, rehabilitation, and performance longevity.
Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Edward Torres brings authenticity, musicality, and cultural connection to his craft. Now based in London, his dance journey evolved through diverse training in lyrical jazz, commercial, ballet, and street styles before discovering his true calling in Mambo. Deeply influenced by Maestro Marco Ferrigno and the Mambo Moderno methodology, Eddie’s style is a powerful fusion of tradition and innovation—blending ballet, contemporary, flamenco, and Afro-Cuban influences. He continues to refine his craft internationally, regularly training in Milan and studying Afro-Cuban roots under master Lazaro Lopez.
ALMENDRA & RICHIE
From Melbourne
Multiple-time World Champions
World Salsa Champions | International Dancers | Instructors
Almendra Navarrete (Chile) and Richie Torres (Argentina) are globally recognized World Salsa Champions and leading figures in the international Salsa and Mambo community. Together they bring over 17 years of dance experience, having competed, performed, taught, and judged at major events across the world.
Individually, Almendra has earned multiple top finishes in the World Latin Dance Cup soloist divisions, including first-place victories, while Richie has been celebrated as an Argentine National Champion and top world-ranking soloist. As a couple, they achieved remarkable success in the World Latin Dance Cup—earning second place early in their partnership and ultimately being crowned World On2 (Mambo) Champions in 2017, a title that underscores their technical mastery, musicality, and creative expression.
Rooted in Mambo and New York-Style Salsa (On2), Almendra & Richie are known for their dynamic partnerwork, expressive rhythm interpretation, and innovative approach to body movement and shine technique. Their classes and workshops focus on fundamentals, musical connection, footwork precision, and social dance technique—empowering dancers to elevate both their performance and social dance skills.
They are also the founders of Viva La Salsa!—a Melbourne-based dance school that fosters technical growth, community, and passion for Salsa and Latin rhythms with structured training and personalised coaching.
Almendra & Richie regularly represent the global Latin dance scene as guest artists and educators, teaching, performing, and inspiring dancers at festivals, congresses, and training camps around the world.
JAIME & MARY
From Sydney
Australia’s International Stars
Performers | Teachers | Choreographers
With over two decades of performing, teaching, and inspiring dancers worldwide, Jaime Jesus and Mary Grace have become true icons in the global Salsa community. Their electrifying performances have earned standing ovations at festivals, congresses, theatre stages, and social dance events across continents, captivating audiences with their precision, passion, and magnetic stage presence. From intimate social events to grand international productions, their shows are celebrated for spectacular choreography, musical interpretation, and unforgettable energy, creating moments that audiences carry with them long after the music stops.
Renowned not only for their artistry on stage, Jaime Jesus and Mary Grace are masterful teachers. Over the years, they have guided thousands of dancers of all levels, helping students develop technique, confidence, and a deep connection to the heart of Salsa. Their workshops and classes are dynamic, interactive, and transformative, combining technical mastery with cultural insight and real-world social dance experience. They empower dancers to not only perform with skill and flair, but also to connect authentically with partners and audiences, creating lifelong love and respect for Latin dance.
Their contributions to Latin dance have been formally recognized with awards in more than six countries, reflecting their impact, dedication, and enduring influence. They are widely regarded as legends of Salsa, having shaped the careers of countless dancers, inspired international audiences, and helped elevate Latin dance as a global art form and cultural movement.
From Sydney to stages around the world, their mission remains unwavering: to inspire, unite, and elevate people through rhythm, connection, and the pure joy of Latin dance. Whether performing, teaching, or mentoring, Jaime Jesus and Mary Grace continue to push boundaries, break new ground, and set the standard for excellence in Latin dance.
EL MORO
From Sydney
CUBAN MAESTRO – EL MORO
From Havana to the world stage, Airagdin Pavon More “El Moro” brings the true essence of Cuban dance.
A former performer in international productions like Havana Nights and founder of Buena Vista Dance, he has been instrumental in spreading authentic Cuban Salsa and Afro-Cuban culture throughout Australia.
His movement is not just style…
it’s heritage, rhythm, and roots.
DJ BASICO
INTERNATIONAL DJ
International Guest DJ
DJ BASICO (USA) is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting names in the Latin dance scene, known for high-energy sets that ignite dance floors from the first song to the last.
After serving 20 years in the United States Navy, Basico discovered salsa and bachata in 2019 while navigating PTSD and recovery from service-related injuries. What began as healing through music quickly evolved into a deep passion and powerful new purpose.
In 2022, he stepped behind the decks under the mentorship of DJ Aragon (Los Angeles Bachata Festival), developing a signature style built on precision, musicality, energy, and connection with dancers.
DJ Basico has already performed at major events including the Los Angeles Bachata Festival, Mamajuana Bachata Festival, Hawaii Dance Expo, Big Salsa Bachata New Year, SBKZ Boracay, Tokyo, and countless socials across Southern California.
Representing San Diego, DJ Basico brings resilience, passion, and explosive energy to every event he touches — delivering sets that keep dancers moving all night long.
kevin wolf
INTERNATIONAL DJ
International Guest DJ
DJ Kevin Wolf started Salsa DJ Career in Shanghai from 2015. As a maniac Salsa dancer, Kevin understands what social dancers need, always pays attention to the music speed / length, and plays various genres of salsa music suiting the event. Kevin observes the dance floor, to ensure the groove is right, & adjust music accordingly, to keep party mood going!
Since 2017 Kevin has been running his own events in China, focusing on providing a pure Salsa lovers’ event. He founded the event brand “SSRL” – Shanghai Salsa Renaissance League, which insists no less than 70% salsa music ratio. “Save the Mambo, I don’t want to see salsa dying” is his phrase. In the new era after covid, Kevin is working to keep salsa alive in Shanghai, & China. To to maintain a hard core salsa lovers’ dancing parties.
Music Genre Preference: Salsa Dura / NY Mambo / Latin Jazz / Romantica / Charanga / Timba / Latin Boogaloo / Guajira
SIGNATURE ARTISTS
FEATURED ARTISTS
