Jeanette Maynes wants to shake up the idea of setting a Queensland record with Fraser Coast Zumba® enthusiasts.

And if you’re not hooked yet, she says it won’t take long.

The owner of Design House in Hervey Bay and organiser of the popular Salsa Group, has teamed up with dance enthusiast Enrique Salomao for a fun two-hour Zumba 500 workout at the Great Hall, Beach Rd Pialba, this Saturday, April 17.

“We are aiming to get 500 people on Saturday.  But that’s just the start,” she said.

Ms Maynes says Zumba® 500 isn’t just for fitness gurus; just about anyone can come along and give it a go, male or female.

“There is no room to feel uncomfortable.  You just go at your own pace. Everyone is too busy getting their own groove on to look at you” she said.

“It’s for all shapes and all ages.  They’re people in their 60s and 70s that come along to Zumba® and can certainly keep up.”

“For that whole lesson I’m getting a huge maximum workout. It’s so much fun, and you feel awesome for the rest of the day.”

The party starts with registration at 9.30am at a cost of $15. The event runs from 10am to noon.

Make sure you dress in comfortable and sporty clothing. Children welcome.

By Jeanette Maynes 

What an awesome morning of fun was had with ‘Zumba® in the Park’ at Scarness foreshore in Hervey Bay. Over 80 people enjoyed the outdoor exercise. This was a FREE event for the Fraser Coast Community with:

The Fraser Coast Regional Council kindly donating the stage, electricity and park permit for free

I have designed the artwork and organized the event for FREE – Design House

Sea FM Radio for doing a fantastic free plug

Enrique instructing the ZUMBA® class for free

Salsa Group promoting the event for FREE

A big thank you to all who assisted and those who attended. 

On March 20th it was another absolutely huge night at the Bayswater Hotel with over 250 people attending the ‘Latin Dance & Fitness Party’.

The party featured a FREE beginners Cha Cha class run by Taylor of ‘I Harte Latin’ in Hervey Bay and a Cha Cha performance by her students; a high energy beginners Salsa class by Lupita of ‘Latin and Alternative Dance Studio” in Maryborough; and & Zumba Fitness lesson by Enrique who instructs in both Hervey Bay & Maryborough.
Thank you to all the instructors for your awesome classes that really got the crowd moving!!!!

A big thank you to the Bayswater plus our media sponsors; Design House, The Fraser Coast Chronicle and Sea FM Radio! These parties would not be a success without your kind assistance and support!

Plus a big thank you to all those who attended, participated and had a fantastic time!
We can’t wait for the next PARTY so thank you for your SUPPORT!

Performance by ‘I Harte Latin’ Dancers last night at the Latin Dance & Fitness Party at the Bayswater Hotel. It was only our second ever performance ….

If you would like to learn Latin Dance please come along, all welcome and no partner required …..

Described as “One of the most important surf movies of our times” and YOU have the opportunity to come along and see it on the big screen. “Somewhere Near Tapachula” is a truly inspiring story of love, life and hope. Set in Tapachula, Mexico, this film follows the stories of 54 children from lives of poverty, trauma and abuse, and their journey to Mission Mexico, a children’s refuge founded by Australian couple Pam and Alan Skuse.

It also focuses on the unique surf community that they have pioneered in Tapachula, a coastal city with no other wave riders. The surfing experience has had a phenomenal impact on the children, creating an escape from their unimaginable pasts.

“Somewhere Near Tapachula” will challenge you with the important things in life and open your eyes to the power of riding waves, wether you are a surfer or not.

The film recently won the People’s choice award at Yallingup Surfilm Festival in W.A. It has also featured in the latest edition of Surfing World Australia and this week’s copy of Grazia Magazine. “Somewhere Near Tapachula” has also been nominated for the “Heart of Gold Award” in the International Film Festival held in Gympie this month.

You can check out the teaser trailer on www.somewhereneartapachula.com

This is going to be a fantastic night with live entertainment, art show, prizes and giveaways, Q&A with the director and producer and one of the stars from the film. 100% of profits go to Mission Mexico Children’s Refuge.

Maryborough Town Hall, Friday 19^th March.

Adults $ 15
Concession $ 10
 Family $ 40 (2 Adults, 2 Children).

Doors open: 6:45 pm
Tickets available by calling the numbers below or online at www.moshtix.com

For further information please contact:
Rachel 0424 190 494
Ana 0431 227 324
Lupita 0403 797 723

SATURDAY’S WORKSHOPS

9:30- 12:00 March 13^th  2010

Orientale routine to “Raks Verona” 7 mins

This routine is full of wonderful, rich dance combinations.  It encompasses many different styles in the one routine.  The morning workshop will cover a beautiful veil entrance that could be used on its own or with the dance.  Then we add a little bit of taxim and to finish off the morning followed by a fun and challenging saiidi routine.

1:00p.m.- 3:30 p.m.

We will continue the routine in the afternoon by refreshing what we learnt in the morning and then go into the next segment: the khaleegy, which is a dance originally from the gulf.  The routine will then move into a cute little accented sequence and then conclude with the combination learnt at the beginning of the day!

This routine is absolutely fabulous as a solo or as a troupe dance!

SUNDAY’S WORKSHOPS

9:30a.m.-12:00 March 14^th

Salsa /Belly Dance!  5 mins

Ladies you will need your flat dance shoes for this one or even better a heel is preferred for some sexy salsa dancing!!!!!

This workshop is cute, sexy, fun and cheeky and has elements of the jazz style in it.  In the morning we will work on the technique:- the foundations and the combinations of Salsa.  Most of this time will be spent learning how to dance in high heels and how Latin dance feels in the body (as it is quite different to belly dance).  This routine has elements of both.  There will be lots of dance drills and repetition in the morning.

1:00- 3:30p.m. March 14^th

The afternoon workshop time will be spent putting it all together in a fun and vibrant little choreography!

Please wear red and black and a red flower in your hair for this workshop.  It is important to be in character and have lots of fun and giggles to execute the real style and feel of the Latin dancer!

***Melissa will have all the music used in the workshops available for purchase as well as a DVD with the routines on it.***

PERFORMANCE EVENING AND DANCE SHARING

Friday night March 12^th  ** Note different venue for this function

6:30 till 9:00 p.m.

We will kick the weekend off with this special evening to meet, dance and share.  All workshops participants are invited to dance and share their talents and skills.  We will also be treated to an outstanding performance by Melissa who will wow us with some of the dances for the weekend plus some extra surprises.  If you have not seen this fabulous dancer perform then you are in for a real treat!! 

It will be a casual blackboard affair so just bring your music on the night.

There will be lots of time to get to know Melissa before the workshops start so be sure you do not miss this very special social evening.

We ask everyone to bring a plate of food to share for early supper and your own drinks.  There are kitchen and fridge facilities in the hall. 

VENUE- DAY WORKSHOPS

 All workshops will be held at the Maryborough Senior Citizen’s Hall Alice St. Maryborough.  This hall backs onto Station Square the main shopping centre so there are plenty of places to go for lunch each day.

At the Macdonalds and Hungry Jack’s lights intersection turn towards the main business centre and the Hall is on the left just after MacDonalds.  Look for balloons.  If you get to Do Lots you’ve gone too far! 

VENUE- PERFORMANCE EVENING/DANCE SHARING

The venue for Friday night is Tiaro Memorial Hall in Tiaro which is 20kms south of Maryborough on the Bruce Highway. 

CHECKLIST FOR WORKSHOPS

Saturday- Veil, water, Stick or cane

Sunday-  Shoes- flat or heeled, Red rose for hair, Red and black clothes

Please call Helene on 0427757546 or 41296306 ( havenadiva99@dodo.com.au )

for any information or queries.  Accommodation information available on request.  There are many motels walking distance from the venues.  See you there for another wonderful weekend of fun and learning in our region!

LAD Studio ‘End of Year Performance’ at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough was huge with 470+ people coming through the door!!! All the performers looked sensational!

Today at 10.30am I went to Changes Gym in Hervey Bay for my first ever ZUMBA class.

Ricky Salomao our Instructor is from Rio in Brazil and certainly put us through a FUN & High energy workout!

Ricky was extremely funny as he instructed us how to do our Latin fitness moves to the pumped up Latin music.

The Zumba® program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked.

….. click here to learn more.

Ricky also mentioned to me he would be training people to take over to tackle the Kokoda Trail plus doing adventure & training days on Fraser Island. I’m in!!!!

I can’t wait till he returns from vacation in January so I can start attending regular ZUMBA classes!

As Christmas is getting closer, we are putting together a little fundraiser for the Children’s Refuge that my husband’s parents run in Mexico. Pam and Alan Skuse care for over 40 children on a daily basis to improve the quality of life they live. Most of these children are victims of abuse, extreme poverty and in some cases orphans.

We are selling Christmas Cards to help the Mission Mexico Refuge.

A pack of 10 cards is $10. All cards were designed by the children. 
If you would like to support this fundraiser, please email me; talaricol@hotmail.com with the quantity you would like. Please let all your friends know.

Deadline for orders is the 1st of December 2009.

For more information on Mission Mexico Refuge, please visit: www.lovelifehope.com

By Lupita
Instructor | Latin & Alternative Dance Studio Maryborough
0423 505 434

Proudly supported by the Salsa Group & Design House:

Saturday night was the hugest Salsa Party to date with over 200 people dancing up a Salsa storm @ the Bayswater. 

The fun started at lunch time with Hervey Bay’s Jeanette Maynes from Design House and event manager of the Salsa Group parading the incredible Latin dance performers from Vida Latina Dance Co. along our Esplanade at Torquay promoting their upcoming performance; Latin Fantasy “Lolita’s Story’ creating quite a stir for tourists & motorists. This production will be staged at ZPAC Theatre, Scarness on the 18^th & 19^th of December 2009 with tickets on sale now at Mary Ryan’s Bookstore.

Design House is the major sponsor of the Salsa Group and is also sponsoring and providing advertising and media assistance to Latin Fantasy “Lolita’s Story’ & The Vida Latina Dance Co. “I feel the Fraser Coast needs more fun social alternative’s for all age groups and being able to attract such friendly and professional performers to our area through the Salsa Group and promote them utilising Design House is just an amazing opportunity”, says Jeanette.

The party started with some Latin music to put everyone in the mood, and led into a performance from local Latin dance students followed by a Salsa basics lesson with their instructor Taylor Harte from ‘I Harte Latin’ dance studio in Hervey Bay. 

Then the Vida Latina Dance Troupe really got the party pumping, interacting and dancing with attendee’s, many commenting on their down to earth attitude for such professional & talented performers. They held a male and female dance competition to win tickets to their performance In Dec, being quite hilarious especially the “Bum Shake” comp. Next the Vida Latina Ladies paraded in their petite feathered Samba costumes adding to the excitement of the crowd with several jaws dropping in admiration and photo’s being snapped. 

The party wrapped up close to midnight with a fun high energy night of socialising & dancing had by all …. The next Salsa ‘Christmas’ Party is on Sat Dec 19^th at the Bayswater with the Vida Latina Dance Troupe attending again for their performance after party. 

A big Thank You to the Vida Latina Dance Troupe, I Harte Latin, the Bayswater Hotel, Design House, Fraser Coast Chronicle & the Salsa Group and all those who attended making these nights possible!!!!

Everyone was dressed to impress!

The night started with some Latin music to get us in the mood, and then led into a Salsa basics lesson with over 50 people participating with instructor Taylor Harte from ‘I Harte Latin’ dance studio in Hervey Bay.

We then went into a night of dancing to many popular Latin tunes also enjoying free tapas and nibbles on the bar courtesy of the Bayswater.

A big thank you goes out to the Bayswater Hotel, for their professionalism, use of their venue and DJ, assistance with the advertising, the setup of the room and helium balloons and supply of tapas for the guests.

Thank you to all that attended, without your support these nights would not be such a success. Thank you also to Taylor Harte for instructing the Free Salsa Lesson.

The feedback has been extremely positive with many commenting they had a ball and would like to learn more and can’t wait for the next party!
Hopefully this is the start of many more……

Saturday July 4th ( American Independence Day) was celebrated by members of the Grupo Latino and friends, at the Sports & Leisure  Centre Hervey Bay. Over 90 people attended on the night with many dressing up, or down,  to get in the spirit of the U.S.A. The local band Mojo kept the patrons dancing to the rhythms of Latin to Rock, and everything in between. Even Zorba the Greek resurfaced for a crowd pleaser.
Everyone is now waiting for the next one, which will be Christmas in OZ on Saturday 5th December 2009.

By Jeanette Maynes

Friday night my friend Naomi & I booked into Jupiter’s Casino to watch Lady Salsa!!! What a sensational, electric & high energy performance. We thoroughly enjoyed the show and even went up on stage and did some Salsa! The show is a must see!

Shake your maracas and shimmy on down for the sauciest stage show in Jupiters’ history.
Hit the steamy streets of Havana and take a dip in the red hot world of Rumba, Mambo and Salsa for the dancing revolution that changed the world.
Lady Salsa is a stunning dance spectacular that charts Cuba’s vibrant and amazing history through the music and rhythm of this intoxicating island.
This whirling kaleidoscope of dazzling colour and seductive glamour features the red-hot rumba, mambo, cha-cha-cha and the sensational salsa. Gorgeous dancers in an incredible array of glittering, sexy costumes and an impossibly funky band, transport you to the steamy streets of Havana and the world of Salsa, rum and revolutions.

Saturday it was off to DouDouLe Latin Dance Camp 2009 for a full day of dance workshops plus a party and some amazing performances!!! This camp is organized by Jean-Luc Lambs whom I met and found to be an extremely pleasant, professional and helpful person. The thank you speech at the end of the night seemed to sum up his personality with the comment, “Heart of Gold!” What Jean-Luc is doing for the Australian Latin Dance Community is sensational and even with all the pressure of organising such a huge event he displayed no signs of stress. The 368 Latin enthusiasts in attendance had the choice of over 20 different Latin workshops in a range of levels throughout the day, followed by a huge party with the Sauciest & Hottest Latin Dancing I have ever come across.

The Party included performances from some of Australia’s most famous and talented Latin Dancers. It was an amazing experience to be part of such a huge Latin dance event and to feel the electric energy run through your body. I can’t wait for next year’s camp!!!

Saturday Nights Performers: 
1.     Jaime Jesus & Mary (Jaime organises the Sydney Salsa Congress)
2.    Latin Motion Rising stars
3.    Kevin & Chelsea
4.    Carlos & Elli (Australian Salsa Cabaret Champions)
5.    Csaba & Val
6.    Kadu & Larissa (who made Zouk famous in Australia)
7.    CDA Samba
8.    Modus Vivendi
9.     Oliver Pineda & Luda Kroitor  (the current 5 times World Salsa Champions from ‘Dancing With The Stars’)

Right on the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast….DouDouLe Latin Dance Camp was founded in 2008 by Jean-Luc Lambs , who is also the Organiser for Brisbane Number 1 Latin Club “Casablanca Sunday Salsa Seduction”. Jean-Luc is also the Official MC to many Latin Parties, Festivals , Congresses and Concerts around Australia and has built himself a reputation for being partly involved in bringing the Latin Community together in his home town Brisbane.

DouDouLe Latin Dance Camp is designed to bring all Latin Dancers from different schools and cities under 1 roof, in a different setting and environment to your Dance Halls. A relaxed, Holiday environment makes this Latin Event one of its kind and it’s right on the Beaches of the Famous Gold Coast. His ideas of everyone together under 1 roof is to bring Unity and Love and also bring Dancers closer together by sharing more personal time together and the Passion that everybody brings with them , which is Latin Dance. For more information please click here .

[Info via Jupiters Casino & DouDouLe Latin Dance Camp]

Dear Lenny & Mio, Thank you for such a fun, action packed night! Your performances, Zouk lesson and the way you worked the crowd was sensational!!! Thanks for making our Salsa Party so special and please come back to Hervey Bay soon to dance with all your new friends! The professionalism of your company and performances is to be commended.

Once again the Deck Restaurant was packed for another huge night of Salsa dancing!!

We started the night with some drinks and our buffet dinner then the dancing began with two performances by Lenny and Mio from the Vida Latina Dance Gym in Brisbane. The performances and acrobatic lifts were sensational and absolutely captivating. Such a professional performance has not been seen in Hervey Bay before!

Following this we all hit the dance floor to participate in a Zouk lesson with Lenny & Mio. Most had not done this dance before so it was great to learn something new.

Our lucky door prizes included first prize being a $50 Seafood Meal voucher at the Deck Restaurant, second prize being a $50 dance voucher for I Harte Latin dance classes in Hervey Bay followed by two bottles of wine and lastly a dance with Lenny won by Carol from the Latino group!!!

Lenny & Mio took the time to talk and dance with most of the attendees making the night so much more interactive and personalised plus Mio led and taught us some fun new dance moves and steps.

Thanks to Mick Kruger our Fraser Coast Regional Mayor for attending and joinging in the FUN, your support is always appreciated!

The night wrapped up just before midnight with everyone going home thoroughly exhausted again!

Please go to the Gallery to see more images.

A Big thank you to: 
1.    To all who attended, without your support the night would not have been such a success and so much FUN!
2.    The Vida Latina Dance Gym for the fantastic performance and dance lesson. Thank you so much Lenny & Mio!
3.    The Deck Restaurant for a superb venue, delicious buffet, lucky door prize & bottles of wine, sensational service and room presentation. Especially Nada, Z, Dom & Di plus all the members of their professional team!
4.    Fraser Coast Sound and Lighting for the excellent DJ & sound system. Thanks heaps Tony!
5.   Taylor Harte from I Harte Latin Dance Studio for the Lucky door prize of a $50 dance voucher.
6.    The Fraser Coast Chronicle for their editorial support. Thank you Kerrie!   
7.    Jeanette Maynes, Salsa Group and Design House for the overall organisation, website, advertising and marketing of the event and Salsa Group.