At Bailamor Dance Canberra, our Latin dance instructors bring years of training and real dance experience to every class, including performance, choreography, competitions, and teaching at national and international workshops. With strong foundations in Salsa and Bachata, our team is dedicated to teaching clear technique, musicality, and connection. We believe that building strong fundamentals creates confident, creative dancers, allowing students to grow naturally and enjoy Latin dance with greater freedom, expression, and understanding.
Let our experienced instructors guide you through Salsa and Bachata, helping you grow in confidence, skill, and enjoyment on the dance floor.Try a Free Class
Jenny found love for Latin dancing over 12 years ago and has become one of the best and most sort after female dancers in the scene, winning Canberra's best Salsa and Bachata social dancer in the professional division year after year. Jenny's pursuit for continuous improvement has seen her train with some of the most renowned dance instructors in Australia and overseas, as well as choreograph and perform with some of the best dance teams in Canberra. Jenny's passion has led to the opening of Bailamor Dance in 2022, specializing in the three dance styles she loves most, Salsa, Mambo and Bachata. "Dancing is not just a hobby; it is my life. I love to go out social dancing and connecting with people that share the same."
Ben began his dance journey in 2006 and is a pioneer of Bachata in Canberra, creating and performing with his dance crew, including one of Australia’s first all male Bachata shines teams. He is known for his distinctive Dominican dance flavour and for choreographing Bachata Con Sabor, one of Canberra’s most well known and successful Bachata groups, recognised for its lyrical choreography and as the city’s largest Bachata performance team. Ben has shared his experience through workshops, competitions, and events across Australia and overseas. With a strong focus on strong fundamentals and creative expression, he enjoys guiding students of all levels to build confidence, musicality, and genuine enjoyment on the dance floor.
Blanca is from Venezuela and has over 15 years of dance experience; her style is characterised by an ideal mix of different Cuban styles, with a special love for "Casino en Rueda, Orishas and Rumba Cubana". "I have always been passionate about Afro Cuban rhythms, dance style and culture, and the drums irradiate such an authentic and powerful energy that makes my heart and feet dance through them without even thinking.".
Lisa stepped into the Latin dance scene in 2006 when a friend dragged her to a free class at a local bar; she was instantly hooked and joined as many classes as she could fit into her schedule. She had tried many different dance styles, including Salsa, Bachata, Cha-Cha and Brazilian Samba; in the end, she chose Salsa as her primary dance. Lisa's favourite thing about dancing is that it's a fun and social way to keep active. "I have made so many great friendships through the dance scene. I love that dancing keeps me fit and always learning new things." Outside of dancing, Lisa enjoys taking her very energetic pup on adventures around Canberra.
Juan Pablo was born in Spain and grew up listening to Latin music. During his youth, he spent his time playing soccer and learning martial arts. In 2007, he fell in love with Latin Dance after watching "So You Think You Can Dance." He had travelled around the world to learn from different instructors. "Practice. Make sure you go out social dancing because coming to class and not going social dancing is like going to a cooking class and never cooking what you have learnt."
Ary discovered her passion for Latin dance in 2012 and has since participated in workshops and classes in Salsa, Zouk, and Bachata. She was particularly drawn to Bachata, captivated by its music and the deep connection it fosters between dancers. With over a decade of dance teaching experience, Ary teaches Bachata Moderna and loves sharing her passion with students of all levels. Ary has also been an active performer, dancing in Bachata and Ladies Shines teams across Canberra and interstate for the past 10 years. One of her proudest achievements was competing nationally in a semi-professional couples’ choreography, where she placed 3rd overall. Outside of dance, Ary values time with her two young children and her work teaching psychology, both of which reflect her love of movement, learning, and connection.
Hamed started his Latin dance journey in Canberra in 2011. His first term of classes was in both Salsa and Bachata. It didn't take long for him to fall in love with dancing, and he soon found himself performing and competing in different styles. As a Latin dance teacher, Hamed is famously known by his students for his smile and fun classes. Hamed was also a dance competitor and has competed in several competitions nationally, placing first in Canberra social dancing competitions and third in the Australian Latin Dance Championships. Hamed thinks dancing is a great hobby to get involved in, meet new friends, and exercise. It is an activity that brings everyone together. Hamed met his lifelong partner through Latin dance, and they are now married and happy with a young daughter. When Hamed is not dancing, he enjoys family life and teaching at the University of Canberra.
John is a Bachata instructor who brings a fun, welcoming approach to his classes, with a strong focus on helping beginners feel comfortable and confident. Having started his own dance journey just two years ago, he clearly remembers what it is like to walk into your first class and the challenges that come with learning something new. After discovering Bachata through a class at Highball, John quickly fell in love with the dance and has been attending classes at Highball and Bailamour ever since. His classes are relaxed and encouraging, with a strong emphasis on developing solid foundations so students can confidently apply what they learn on the social dance floor.
Ricky has been dancing and teaching for more than 20 years, with a journey that began in 2005 when a casual Latin dance class with work friends sparked a lifelong passion. He soon joined a local dance studio, where he spent the next decade training under and eventually teaching alongside an experienced studio director. During this time, Ricky also stepped into the competitive scene, spending five years competing in the Australian Bachata Titles and taking out the 2016 Semi Pro Bachata Choreography Championship with his dance partner, Kristy. Over the years, Ricky has worn many hats in the Latin dance community, including co owning a studio, mentoring new dancers, and helping shape the Canberra scene. A seasoned specialist in Bachata and Salsa, he’s known for his smooth, expressive Bachata style and playful, musical Salsa energy. If you’re looking for him on a Tuesday night, you’ll probably find him on the dance floor at Highball — connecting with dancers, sharing his love of the music, and bringing joy to every partner he meets.
Darian started dancing in 2005 and his favourite dance styles are Salsa and Cha Cha. He has performed at the Sydney Salsa Congress in 2010 and 2011 as well as at Palladium and numerous other latin dance events in Canberra. He took a long hiatus from the dance scene from 2013 and returned in 2025. Darian loves social dancing and is a regular at Latin Tuesdays at the Highball.
Bailamor Dance is right on the corner of Dundas Court in Phillip, next to the Woden Bus Depot. With easy access from anywhere in Canberra and free onsite parking after 5 pm, getting here is a breeze. Come ready to laugh, move, and let the music take over.
