HISTORY of Hanmer Salsa Festival

Since 1995, Annie has been at the helm of this enduring event, and in 2005, she joined forces with Reuben, creating a dynamic duo. Before 2007, the event was primarily focused on parties. However, it was eventually recognized that this event holds the prestigious title of being the longest-running and continuously held annual Salsa/Latin Dance festival in New Zealand. As of 2024, it has been going strong for an impressive 29 years, and it shows no signs of stopping!

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To pay homage to all the incredible teachers who have been part of this journey, we've delved deep into the annals of our past, combing through old archives of advertising, and we've compiled a comprehensive history that reaches as far back as our memory allows with some of the most relevant photos, recent & old below.

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HSWF 2024

Teachers: • Jaime Jesus (Sydney Australia) • Mary Grace (Sydney Australia) • Georgina Woods  (Sydney Australia)

DJ's MC's: • Dave & Reuben (Djays) & Annie (MC)

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HSWF 2023

Teachers: • Jaime Jesus (Sydney Australia) • Mary Grace (Sydney Australia) • Jeremy Lao (New Caledonia) • Miléna (Martinque / Chch)

DJ's MC's: • Dave & Reuben (Djays) & Annie (MC)

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HSWF 2022

Teachers: • Greydis (Cuba / Rotorua) • Reuben (Chch) & Milena (Chch & Caribbean) • Masha (Slovenia/NZ) & Lev (Nelson) • Bari & Bev (Wellington)

DJ's MC's: • Dave & Reuben (Djays) & Annie (MC)

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HSWF 2021

Postponed due to Covid

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HSWF 2020

Teachers: • Greydis (Cuba / Rotorua) • Reuben (Chch) • Miléna (Caribbean / NZ)

DJ's MC's: • Dave & Reuben (Djays) & Annie (MC)

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HSWF 2019

Teachers: • Jaime Jesus (Australia) • Sera (Australia) • Bari (Wellington) • Steff (Wellington/Aust) • Pablo & Nikki (Australia)

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HSWF 2018

Teachers: • Jaime Jesus (Australia) • Jessica (Australia) • Bari (Wellington) • Wimmy (Wellington) • Amy (Christchurch) • Ash (Wellington)

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HSWF 2017

Teachers: • Artia (Australia) • Madalyn (Australia) • Merwan (Auckland) • Saskia (Auckland) • Reuben (Christchurch)
 

HSWF 2016

Teachers: • Chloe Loh (Australia) • Carlos Redondo (Spain) • Reuben (Chch) • Sabine (Chch/Germany)

HSWF 2015

Teachers: • Chloe Loh (Australia) • Luigi (Italy) • Luciano (Brazil/AK) • Sabine (Germany/Chch)

 

HSWF 2014

Teachers: • Pascale (Australia) • Greydis (Cuba/NZ) • Alfonso (Peru/Dunedin) • Sonia & Merwan (Auckland)

 

HSWF 2013

Teachers: • Pascale (Australia) • Greydis (Cuba/NZ) • Alfonso (Peru/Dunedin) • Dharshana & Shantini (Auckland) • Reuben & Marcela (Christchurch) • Saione & Tia Marie (Auckland)

 

HSWF 2012

Teachers: • Pascale (Australia) • Alfonso (Peru/Dunedin) • Reuben & Marcela (Christchurch) • Donna & Warren (Christchurch) • Stayz (Picton)

 

HSWF 2011

Teachers Included: • Carlos Cinta (USA) • Alfonso & Rebecca (Peru/Dunedin) • Reuben & Marcela (Christchurch) • Saione (Auckland) • Donna & Jeff (Christchurch)

 

HSWF 2010

Teachers Included:  • Paula (NZ) • Reuben & Lise (Christchurch) • Petera & Marie-Louise (Wanganui) • Donna & Warren (Christchurch)

 

HSWF 2009

Teachers Included: • Paula (NZ) • Rikki (Christchurch) • Marcela (Christchurch) • Reuben & Vikki (Christchurch) • Petera (Wanganui)

 

HSWF 2008

Teachers Included: • Rikki (Christchurch) • Nikal (Christchurch) • Reuben (Christchurch) • Petera (Wanganui)

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HSWF 1995 - 2007
The first event was in 1995 and from there it slowly gained much momentum