Ditch the workout, join the party!
About Us
Meet our certified Zumba® instructors below:
Florencia Rodriguez
Florencia, orginally from Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is the Co-Director of Candela Cuban Dance, one of Melbourne's most successful Latin Dance Schools. Florencia has studied with various choreographers, teachers and performers in Cuba, Argentina, Brazil and Australia. She has been teaching numerous Latin Dance styles including Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Samba and Reggaeton for several years now across Melbourne to thousands of people!
She has featured at numerous Latin Dance festivals and events including the Melbourne International Latin Festival, Johnston Street Hispanic Fiesta, and is a performer with the current 3rd place Australasian-Pacific Cuban Salsa (Rueda) Team.
Florencia has a long-standing passion for health and fitness, with a keen interest in healthy diet and lifestyle, regularly practising yoga and fitness training. Florencia is very excited to be a part of the Zumba® Fitness revolution and to share her passion and wealth of experience through the Zumba® Fitness Program!
Manuel Valdes
Manuel is also the Co-Director of Candela Cuban Dance. As the Principal Tecaher he is one of Melbourne's most recognised and respected male Cuban Salsa teachers. He has studied dance, music and percussion Internationally in Cuba, Brazil, Argentina as well as around Australia.
He has featured in numberous competitions (including 1st place in the 2006 Australian Salsa Championships (Group Cuban Salsa division), and 3rd place in the 2009 Cubamemucho Australasian-Pacific Rueda Championships.
As a dance teacher, DJ and percussionist, Manuel has performed at many major festivals and events around Australia, including the Melbourne International Latin Festival, Devonport Jazz Festival, Fremantle Festival, One Night in Cuba (Sydney), Channel 10 Melbourne, Cubamemucho Australia and Rio Red & Black Brazilian Carnivale to name a few.
Manuel brings excitement, passion and fun to all his Salsa and Zumba Classes! And as Melbourne's leading Latin DJ you can be assured of the best Latino music in town!
Visit Manuel's profile on the official Zumba® website
