About Picante

Director: Sky Blue

Australian born Sky Blue, who has studied dance, design and small business management, formed Picante Latin Dance in 1999. As Director of Picante Latin Dance she combines her skills and talents with her passion for South American culture.

Sky has trained as a dancer since the age of 8 in Australia and overseas, London, San Francisco, Spain and Brazil. Her background includes: Jazz, Ballet, Flamenco, African, Hip Hop and Street Latin (Salsa, Rueda, Merengue, Cha Cha Cha, Latin hip hop, Samba & Samba Reggae). As a performer in Sydney previous to forming Picante Latin Dance she has danced with Brazilian groups Cruz del Sur, Samba-Reggae Dance, the Cuban Dance Company and been an extra in the movies Lantana and The Pill Box. As a Latin Dance teacher she has worked for the Eastern Suburbs Evening College, the Temple of Body and Soul and run independent classes for the past 6 years. She also took part in the Rio Carnival, Brazil in 1999.

In 1996 Sky studied design at the Enmore Design Centre, then worked as a costume designer and maker for the Sydney Mardi Gras, the Olympics Opening Ceremony and freelanced for private clients. She also made costumes with the Mocidade Samba School in Brazil and designs and makes all Picante's costumes.

For 4 years now, Sky has been dedicated to running Picante Latin Dance. The business is now expanding to include assistant teachers: Ricardo Scheihing, Kieran Sharp, David Ordman, Leonie Masson & Elizabeth Massimino. They are well respected by their students for their unique teaching technique which focuses on body movement and the "feeling" of the Latin motion. They pride themselves on teaching students to "dance the way the Latino's do!" and their focus on Cuban Style Salsa. They are also known for their friendly and warm approach, non competitive environment and the individual attention which is given to students. Picante Latin Dance has a dynamic South American show with experienced Latin Dancers which is available for all occasions.

Kieran

Have you ever thought there is something you can't do or never imagined that you would do? Well that was Kieran 5 years ago, until something changed his life and he discovered the joy of dance! He has gone from computer programming to Salsa and has also dedicated his time to Samba! Kieran has been dancing with Picante Latin Dance for 5 years and teaching for 2 years.

Elizabeth

Originally from Uruguay, dancing has always been a part of Elizabeth's life. Understanding the language of the dance makes the connection so natural. 5 years ago she took up dancing professionally, after training in Latin Ballroom for 2 years and dancing Salsa and other Street Latin Styles for the past 3 years. Elizabeth has been assisting with classes at Picante Latin Dance for the past year.

Leonie

It was through a friend, about 6 years ago, that Leonie stumbled upon Salsa and since then has travelled widely throughout South America and Cuba in search of the dance. She is a Librarian and Architectural researcher by day and a Salsa teacher by night! Leonie has been teaching with Picante Latin Dance for 1 ½ years.

David

6 years ago David attended a Latin Dance class taught by Sky and that was the start of a continued dedication to Salsa dancing. Besides his passion for golf and while holding down a full time job, Salsa has become a part of David's life. He has been teaching with Picante Latin Dance for 2 years.

Suzie

Suzie has been dancing since the age of 8. She trained in Classical, Modern, Jazz and Tap. She then did a 4 year Bachelor of Arts Dance Degree at the University of NSW mastering choreography, technique, teaching styles and performance. Suzie became interested in Latin Styles of dancing while at university. Since then she has traveled extensively and worked with Brazilians in New Jersey, USA and in Sydney. She has developed a love for Brazilian music and dance, especially Samba Batucada. Over the past 3 years Suzie has studied and performed with various Latin Dance Schools in Sydney and performed internationally last year! Suzie has been performing with Picante Latin Dance for 1 year. She is also now running Samba workshops! Suzie is able to break Samba down to being achievable for all levels and most of all makes her classes energetic and fun.