We have exciting news for all Canberra Bachata dance enthusiasts! Ben Brillante, Canberra's most renowned Bachata dancer and choreographer, will work with Jenny Ye and Juan Pablo Blanc to develop Bailamor Dance's Bachata syllabus for Term 2 and the terms following.

In over a decade, Ben has taught and inspired many experienced dancers of today in Canberra, choreographing, teaching and performing year after year. Ben is known for his smooth lead, circular patterns, flow, musicality, and intricate Dominican Bachata-inspired footwork.

Ben wants to work on a progressive syllabus focusing on fundamentals to ensure students understand body mechanics well before moving into more advanced learning. Ben said, "Students with a good understanding of fundamentals and know how to apply these will progress quicker and develop confidence in themselves and trust from their dance partners."

We very much welcome Ben's knowledge and experience in Bailamor Dance and look forward to working with him in the coming weeks. We have included some of Ben's performance videos below for your viewing. Enjoy!

• 2018 Sydney Latin Festival - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yEHJOLricA
• 2016 Sydney Latin Festival - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vi74IZdE9k
• 2015 Canberra Latin Dance Festival - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSNnAtCLMN0
• 2014 Canberra Latin Dance Festival - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeRLjvM5L4o
• 2012 Canberra Latin Dance Festival - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9MQBv3-02s
• 2012 Sydney International Bachata Festival - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X2orGJpWU8
• 2011 Sydney International Bachata Festival - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ5sFpqjlV0

Did you know that behind the scenes, we have the privilege of working alongside Canberra's first bachatero, Ben Brillante? Ben is responsible for developing our school's web and social media presence and helps with the general running and development of the school.

Ben began Latin dancing in 2006 and was the first to introduce Bachata dancing to Canberra in 2008. Then, in 2010, he worked with his dance partner to choreograph and teach Canberra's first Bachata performance group with a team of over 26 performers. Ten years following, Ben continued to bring to centre stage, both local and national, many more of his team choreographies, some of which have earned standing ovations from the crowd.

Ben is known for his creative choreography and storytelling, emotionally touching the hearts and minds of his audience in Australia and overseas. He is one of Canberra's most developed dancers, choreographers and performers, having performed and taught Bachata dance workshops in numerous festivals around Australia and overseas for over ten years.

Locally, Ben was a regular attendee of Latin dance events and is known for his smooth lead, circular Bachata patterns and Dominican Bachata footwork.

In 2018, Ben co-choreographed and performed, what would be, his last dance performance project with the director of Bailamor Dance, Jenny Ye, and other members of the Canberra Latin dance scene. Watch the video on YouTube.

We are so fortunate to have Ben in our team. He looks forward to supporting Bailamor Dance in its vision of building a Latin dance school filled with fun-loving and confident individuals united through their love of Latin dance.