My Little Havana - Cuban Music & Latin Dance Academy

My Little Havana is Brisbane's Cuban Music & Latin Dance Academy, established in May 2016 by founder Jo Anne Zamora Gante, a professional performer, former musician and Latin music tours and events producer. The studio teaches Cuban Salsa, Brazilian Samba, Bachata, Merengue, Rueda de Casino, Son Cubano, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba Guaguanco and related styles across nine levels of Cuban Salsa alone — from Beginners (Level 1) through to Advanced #1 (Level 9) — plus open-level classes in Salsa Solo, Timba, Reggaeton/Salsaton, Body Movement, Ladies Styling, Gents Styling, Latin Dance Fitness / Caribbean Fit, Caribbean Moves, and Rumba Cubana w/ Percussion.

What sets My Little Havana apart is its integration of Cuban music and cultural education into the curriculum, alongside unique events and tours to Cuba. The academy runs continuous 4-week group courses year-round, with weekday and weekend options. Group courses cost $118 for 4 weeks (example: Beginners Salsa L1, Beginners Samba L1), with specialised courses such as Salsa Solo Timba at $99 for 4 weeks and Intermediate Samba Training at $150 for 6 weeks. Private lessons are available — one-to-one, couples or small groups — offered on weekends at the Bulimba location, tailored to any skill level.

The studio is based at Level 1, 273 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne (Dance Fiit venue), open Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm–7pm. No dance experience is required for beginner courses, and no partner is needed; the studio will pair you with another student or an instructor. Classes use the latest Cuban Salsa for Cuban dance, Brazilian Samba for Samba classes, and upbeat Latin music for fitness classes. Beyond weekly instruction, the academy hosts social dance events including Havana In The City, a smaller-scale event featuring live Cuban/Latin trio performances and social dancing in traditional Latino fashion, held at venues like Osbourne Hotel Fortitude Valley.

The academy also offers wedding dance preparation for couples and bridal parties, teaching first dances, parents' dances and bridal flash dances in styles ranging from waltz and fusion hip-hop to merengue, bachata and salsa. Additionally, the academy's entertainment arm, Mivida Events and Entertainment, can provide Cuban entertainment services including Salsa bands and dancers for themed events. Cuba tours are available year-round, from Havana getaways to Cuban Music & Art tours and Jazz Fest experiences.

Testimonials emphasise Jo Anne's infectious enthusiasm, extensive knowledge of Latin and Cuban dance, and ability to build confidence across all levels. One student noted the academy as 'so much more than dance lessons, a dance family' where 'the fun and community continue beyond the classroom.' Another described it as 'one of the very few places' to learn Song and Afro-Cuban styles, with opportunities to explore Rueda de Casino and other Cuban dance forms.

Drop into a class with no partner required and no prior dance experience needed — the instructor will assess your level and pair you with another student if dancing partner styles. Expect Cuban and Latin music, clear teaching of foundational moves, and a welcoming community atmosphere that emphasises fun alongside skill-building.

Jo Anne Zamora Gante is the founder and principal instructor. She is a professional performer, former musician and Latin music tours and events producer with extensive knowledge of Latin and Cuban dance, known for her infectious enthusiasm and ability to build student confidence across all levels.

No dance experience or partner required; beginner courses begin at Level 1 and the studio pairs unaccompanied students with other learners or instructors.