Salseras y Salseros

Sue Connors

Sue Connors was learning to dance ballroom and took on a weekend class to learn Salsa that began an absolute passion in Sue’s life. She has travelled to Cuba to study both Salsa and Rueda, has done some Flamenco in Spain, Belly dancing in Egypt and participated as a student in the latest New Zealand Salsa Congress with some of the worlds best Salsa Dancers. Sue recently took out gold, silver and bronze medals in the Trans Tasman Masters Games in Salsa, Latin and Ballroom and was a member of the team that won the 2005 Australian Rueda Title. She regularly runs Ladies body movement classes here in Newcastle and does private lessons on request.

All of this (as well as teaching with Ruedisima) has lead Sue to want to share with the Salsa and general dancing community of Newcastle, the passion she feels, the art of body movement and her love of seeing people achieve, enjoy and have fun. To contact Sue please call 0421 820 295 thankyou.

Angela Pollicino

Angela started learning salsa around four years ago after seeing a demonstration and free lesson in Wheeler place. Grabbing the guy who was literally standing beside her 'Craig' and getting him to practice socially with her for months, she soon began to loosen up to this shake-your-bon-bon style of movement. Winner two years running in the Newcastle amateur salsa competition with 'Gavin' (from Salsa Nova) she is often referred to as the 'salsa queen' by those who can remember back that far...
"Although I'm often away travelling - I never lose my passion for salsa... it just means I get to practice with dancers from all around the world ! What I love about salsa is that it is universal - no matter where I go I can always manage to keep up in the salsa scene....well most of the time anyway....unless I have to get home early to feed my dog...or reattach my hairpiece because it fell out... or go find some chocolate... "
Check out my web site The Creative Suite

Adam Johnston

Fully qualified Computer Engineer and all round computer nerd and Salsaholic.

Spending long hours locked away in my dungeon, chained to the computer, I was losing my mind. A friend and I discovered Salsa (or rather he dragged me along kicking and screaming) seven years ago. Despite having three left feet to contend with, I was addicted by about the second or third lesson. Now seven years on, I'm still chained to the computer but now a salsa addict with a modicum of sanity restored (debatable).

Winner of the "coveted" 2004 Speers Point RSL Salsa Fun Dance Competition partnered with Caroline (and Angela). Fiercely contested by 3 other couples, the winner's trophy takes pride of place on the mantelpiece next to my other trophy "Most Active Boy, South Tamworth Primary School Stamp Collecting Club, 1980".

Jean Stora

Jean-Luc Stora (aka. SambaFrog) began studying Brazilian Dance, Capoeira and Percussion back in 1990 with the Samba schools of San Francisco. Inspired by the intoxicating rhythms of Brazil and the thriving Latin and Caribbean arts community in San Francisco, he began dancing and drumming professionally with various local companies and bands, and in 1995 was chosen as San Francisco's King of Carnaval. Pursuing his interest in Latin American music, dance and culture, Jean-Luc travelled extensively in Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico. He speaks Spanish and Portuguese along with English and his native tongue, French. Jean-Luc began performing and teaching Samba in Australia in 1996 before returning to San Francisco for several years where he enjoyed teaching packed classes at the Dance Mission studio. In 2001 he taught Brazilian percussion and dance in France, performed at music festivals throughout the country with "Les Diables Bleus" and directed the Brazilian dance company, Cuisse de Samba. In 2002, Jean-Luc established Dance Central studio in Sydney with the vision of bringing together various dance styles in one location. Now based in Newcastle, Jean-Luc brings with him his energetic and exhilarating brand of Brazilian dance and percussion.