KD Dance - Latin Dance School
Salsa, bachata and Cuban rueda classes in Auckland. Beginners to improvers.
A Latin dance studio specializing in Salsa, Bachata, and other Latin social dances.
Photo: KD Dance - Latin Dance School via Google
Before your first class
All beginner courses explicitly state no partner or experience required; the school describes its beginner classes as fun and easy to follow.
$5 trial class (Open Day), $50 weekly membership (unlimited classes and courses, 3-month minimum), $15 for monthly Friday socials
About this studio
KD Dance is a Latin dance school based at TAPAC (The Auckland Performing Arts Centre) in Western Springs, Auckland. The school specializes in salsa, bachata, Cuban salsa rueda and merengue, with classes for beginners through to improvers and improvers plus levels.
The school is run by Katie and David. Katie started Latin dancing in Auckland in 2021 and brings over 15 years of experience from synchronised swimming; she won gold medals in bachata and salsa shines and bachata partnerwork in 2024, and her favourite style is modern bachata. David is originally from Chile and has been dancing for over 20 years, with 9 years active in the New Zealand Latin dance scene. He holds the title of Semi-Pro Salsa Soloist Champion for New Zealand in 2023 and is known for his strengths in mambo, bachata and Cuban salsa. Together they have competed since 2022 and placed in multiple categories across New Zealand and Australia.
The school runs regular courses in salsa on2 (beginners, improvers and improvers plus), bachata partnerwork (beginners, improvers and improvers plus), and Cuban salsa rueda at open level. Each course typically runs for six weeks. New students can try classes at $5 each during the Open Day. Ongoing pricing includes weekly membership at $50 for unlimited classes and courses (minimum 3 months, two weeks' notice to cancel). Private lessons, choreography, coaching and performance teams are also available.
Beyond regular classes, KD Dance runs monthly Aluxer Friday Latin Socials at Carmen Jones on K Rd, which feature salsa, bachata, zouk and kizomba. The socials include an 8:30pm class followed by social dancing, with $15 tickets at the door. The school also organizes performance teams: the new Mambo Pasos Performance Team is designed for improver level dancers and trains on Mondays at 8:30–9:30pm for twelve weeks, culminating in a performance at the KD Dance Gala on 14 November. Choreography services are offered for couples, solos and duets across all styles.
The school's team dancers have achieved significant results at major competitions including the NZ Latin Dance Championships 2025 and World Salsa Solo 2025 (Gold Coast), with multiple gold and bronze medals in amateur, semi-pro and open categories across freestyle, couples classic, shines and Jack n Jill formats.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are structured as progressive courses, typically six weeks long, with clear levels: beginners start with fundamentals, improvers build on solid foundations and add technique, and improvers plus dancers learn creative patterns for the social floor. All beginner courses state no partner or experience is required. You can try multiple styles at the Open Day ($5 per class) or drop into regular sessions.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Katie and David lead the school. Katie won gold medals in bachata and salsa shines and bachata partnerwork in 2024; her specialty is modern bachata. David is a Semi-Pro Salsa Soloist Champion for New Zealand (2023) with over 20 years' dance experience and strengths in mambo, bachata and Cuban salsa. Both have competed extensively across New Zealand and Australia.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
All beginner courses explicitly state no partner or experience required; the school describes its beginner classes as fun and easy to follow.
Studio history
KD Dance was founded by David with the ambitious idea to start a dance school. The school celebrates its second birthday on 15 August 2026, marking two years since its establishment.
Styles offered
9 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
KD Dance - Latin Dance Schoolhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own KD Dance - Latin Dance School, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about KD Dance - Latin Dance School
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does KD Dance - Latin Dance School teach?
KD Dance - Latin Dance School teaches Latin, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Bachata partnerwork (beginners, improvers, improvers plus), Cuban salsa rueda (open level) and 3 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is KD Dance - Latin Dance School located?
KD Dance - Latin Dance School is located in Auckland. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does KD Dance - Latin Dance School offer private lessons?
Contact KD Dance - Latin Dance School directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does KD Dance - Latin Dance School teach kids and adults?
KD Dance - Latin Dance School welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at KD Dance - Latin Dance School?
The fastest path is to visit KD Dance - Latin Dance School via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.