Viva La Salsa Dance School
Melbourne salsa classes led by World Champions Almendra & Richie
A Latin dance studio specializing in Salsa, Bachata, and other Latin social dances.
Before your first class
The AR Method provides a pathway designed to help dancers of all levels unlock their potential, whether you're taking your first steps or striving for excellence.
About this studio
Viva La Salsa is the home of World Champions Almendra & Richie, internationally recognised Salsa artists and instructors based in Melbourne. With more than 30 years of combined experience across Latin dance styles, they are known for their unique and groovy approach to Mambo. The school operates through the AR Method, a structured approach to Salsa training and movement development that provides a framework for how dancers learn, refine their skills, and evolve over time.
The training program focuses on Mambo and New York Style, with special attention on technique and foundation, body movement, footwork, and social dancing technique. Almendra & Richie began dancing salsa and Latin rhythms over 17 years ago. For the last seven years they have danced together, traveling to various countries judging competitions, performing at shows, and teaching at workshops worldwide. They became Salsa world champions in 2018, 2019, and 2020 in their respective soloist categories.
The weekly training system runs at Level 2, 175 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, and consists of three core sessions: Mondays 7:30pm–9pm (Salsa Vitamins, a deep technical training focused on detail and foundational concepts), Tuesdays 7:30pm–9pm (VLS Rehearsal, a season-based choreographic program), and Thursdays 7:30pm–9pm (The Lab, an advanced space for improvisation and creative expansion). The program runs in structured terms, with Term 3A beginning Monday 22 June and running until Friday 14 August (7 weeks), featuring special workshops on Sunday 19 July and Sunday 10 August.
Beyond regular classes, Viva La Salsa is actively involved in international salsa events throughout the year. Upcoming opportunities include the Unity Mambo Experience (10–12 July 2026), the Sydney Salsa & Mambo Convention (23–25 October 2026), and Unity Mambo Experience Tokyo (14–15 November 2026). As part of the VLS community, students have opportunities to join the instructors at these events, travel with fellow dancers, participate in workshops and performances, and experience the international salsa community firsthand.
The school emphasises community building through dancing and describes itself as a place of love, creativity, music, and passion. Almendra & Richie created Viva La Salsa because, as they say, salsa is meant to be shared, and they wanted to offer flexibility and create an artistically diversified school where there is not only one way to dance Salsa.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll train in a structured weekly system designed around the AR Method. Sessions are 90 minutes each and cover technical foundations, choreography, and improvisation depending on which class you attend. Classes are led by World Champions with international competition and teaching experience, delivered by a collective of high-level teachers.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Almendra Navarrete (Chile) and Richie Torres (Argentina) are the founder-instructors. World Salsa Champions in 2018, 2019, and 2020 in their respective soloist categories, they have been dancing salsa and Latin rhythms for over 17 years and dancing together for the last seven years, judging competitions, performing, and teaching at workshops worldwide.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The AR Method provides a pathway designed to help dancers of all levels unlock their potential, whether you're taking your first steps or striving for excellence.
Studio history
Almendra & Richie began dancing salsa and Latin rhythms over 17 years ago. They have danced together for the last seven years, traveling internationally to judge competitions, perform, and teach. They became Salsa world champions in 2018, 2019, and 2020 in their respective soloist categories. They created Viva La Salsa because salsa is meant to be shared and they wanted to offer flexibility and create an artistically diversified school.
Styles offered
3 dance styles taught here
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The people, the parties and the dancing here
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Claim this studioClass schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
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Frequently asked about Viva La Salsa Dance School
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Viva La Salsa Dance School teach?
Viva La Salsa Dance School teaches Salsa, Mambo, New York Style. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Viva La Salsa Dance School located?
Viva La Salsa Dance School is located in Melbourne, VIC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Viva La Salsa Dance School offer private lessons?
Contact Viva La Salsa Dance School directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Viva La Salsa Dance School teach kids and adults?
Viva La Salsa 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 Viva La Salsa Dance School?
The fastest path is to visit Viva La Salsa 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.