Kate Maguire
KATE MAGUIRE always brings a vibrant energy and fun to the Cuban dance scene. Director of Salsa ¡Agua!, Kate is a passionate and experienced dance teacher specializing in Latin styles, with a particular love for Cuban dances including Casino, Rueda de Casino, Son, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, and Afro-Cuban movement.
In Action
Professional Biography
"I've always danced - it's part of who I am. The story goes that I demanded ballet lessons at 3½, and from there, movement became my way of expressing the emotions music evoked. Growing up with ballet, highland dance, tap, and musical theatre gave me a strong foundation, but it was discovering Latin and Cuban dance as an adult that truly lit the spark again. What drives me now is connection - connection to music, to people, and to culture. I still remember attending Vivio and Greydis's first workshop in NZ in 2002. I didn't know what Cuban Salsa was, but I felt the joy, rhythm, and fun - and I was hooked. Teaching Cuban dance is something I do for myself, but also for the community. As a Health & Safety professional, I'm deeply aware of how important it is to create spaces where people can connect, combat loneliness, and support their mental wellbeing. Dance helps build resilience - and that's powerful."
With over two decades of dance experience, Kate's journey is marked by national titles and vibrant performances that celebrate the rhythm, culture, and soul of Latin dance.
Kate's classes are known for their welcoming energy, musicality, and emphasis on technique that empowers dancers to move with authenticity and joy.
Kate was a trustee of the NZ Cuban Festival Trust which ran the Annual National Cuban Festival for a number of years, and is also part of the organising committee for the Bay Salsa Festival.
Salsa ¡Agua! runs classes on Tuesdays from 7.30pm at the Elizabeth Street Community & Arts Centre.