About Us

Candela Dance is a fresh, fun and innovative Salsa Dance School based in Melbourne, Australia. Candela Dance was formed in 2005 by Manuel Valdes and Florencia Rodriguez, who have backgrounds in Performing Arts including Dance, Music, Percussion, Theatre and Film. We specialise in teaching Cuban-style Salsa (also known as 'Casino'), which includes Rueda de Casino, as well as other popular Cuban and Latin American dance styles, such as Son, Timba, Bachata, Reggaeton, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo & Merengue. Our Dance Classes are fun and structured, and are conducted in a warm, friendly environment. Candela Dance has taught thousands of people of all ages and levels across Melbourne. Our aim is to share the fun and energy of authentic Salsa, Cuban and Latin American dance and music with you!

Dance Instructors:

Manuel Valdes

Manuel is an exciting and passionate Salsa Dance Teacher. He comes from an artistic family of singers, dancers and musicians. He has trained with numerous dance teachers in Australia and overseas, including Cuba, Brazil and Argentina. He has taught and performed in numerous festivals, parades, parties, corporate events and carnival nights around Australia. Manuel also plays Brazilian percussion, and has performed with bands such as Carioca da Gema and MelSamba. Manuel has also been a professional DJ for the past 15 years and has enjoyed a long, illustrious career providing a comprehensive DJ Service to a variety of events and clients. Manuel is the official DJ for Candela Dance. It is from this well-rounded background that has earned Manuel a solid reputation for his extensive musical knowledge of the various Afro-Latin rhythms as well as the social/cultural aspects of the related dances.

Florencia has studied Cuban Dance with several Cuban teachers in Australia and Latin America. She has taught workshops to a wide range of groups and has performed at various events across Melbourne. She has a passion for various World Music and Dance styles including Brazilian, Indian/Bollywood, African and Belly Dance. Florencia also currently works on a successful youth performing arts project and has a background in Social Work and Arts. Florencia is the Choreographer for the Annual Candela Dance Student Performance Courses.

Florencia Rodriguez