VIVA DANCE
GONZALO AND NATALIA have been rocking classes at Viva Dance in the past few months. Natalia has started a Cuban Shines class, which looks amazing! Gonzalo has added his passion and flair to the Rueda classes. They're bringing their passion for Cuban dance to Salsa Tumbao 2025, kicking off the party with a super fun Rueda.
In Action
Professional Biography
GONZALO AND NATALIA have been rocking classes at Viva Dance in the past few months. Natalia has started a Cuban Shines class, which looks amazing! Gonzalo has added his passion and flair to the Rueda classes. They're bringing their passion for Cuban dance to Salsa Tumbao 2025, kicking off the party with a super fun Rueda.
What drives you to dance?
Natalia: "The feeling of connection, with the music, with others, and with myself. Dancing allows me to express my true self. What started as a challenge quickly became something deeper: a mix of energy, rhythm, and freedom that feels like therapy, joy, and growth all at once."
Natalia, originally from Chile, fell in love with dance at a young age, exploring a wide range of styles from bellydance to reggaeton. In 2016, she discovered the enchanting world of Cuban Salsa and Bachata, training with some of the most respected instructors in the Chilean Latin dance scene. Gonzalo started as a Viva student 4 years ago, and, with Viva's mentorship, he decided to take on the challenge of teaching Cuban Salsa, his favourite class.
Since moving to New Zealand, Natalia has continued to grow as both a performer and instructor, sharing her passion across a variety of dance styles and lighting up stages at numerous events nationwide. Gonzalo has been part of the Viva Bachata team and the Viva Cuban salsa team for the last three years, performing in several congresses across New Zealand. He believes that dancing is a refreshing activity that allows us to meet new people and improve our physical and mental well-being.
Gonzalo and Natalia teach Rueda and Cuban Salsa Shines at Viva Dance in Newton Road on Tuesday nights.