Oliver Pineda
 | Oliver Pineda – A Solo Quest When people think Latin dance (and in particular Salsa) their first thought is not normally Australia and yet Australia has, for many years, been a leader in the International Latin Dance Industry. In 2000, Oliver Pineda and Natalie Reis formed one of Australia’s most successful dance schools, Latin Motion Dance Academy, which quickly became one of the worlds leading pioneers in the International Latin Dance Industry. With accolades such as Choreographers on the internationally-renowned television show 'So You Think You Can Dance', winners of 'Dancing with the Stars' and Australia's only 5 time World Salsa Champions, Australia and Latin Motion are definitely a driving force in this industry and Oliver Pineda has been at the forefront of this, representing Australia at International Congresses and Competitions world wide. |
| Latin Motion, despite its size and success, has by no means been immune
to industry fluctuations and has recently had to push through council
zoning restrictions that reduced their possible trading hours (imposed
on the dance school as it is in a residential area) to grow and sustain
the business. After 11 years of trading (including 8 years at Sydenham), Oliver Pineda, alongside Rafael Sanchez as General Manager, have created a demand for Latin Motion that has been so great that they are extending their educational reach into the heart of Sydney. With the beautifully stylish, yet classy, Space Bar (located in the CBD) and a new fully equipped full time head quarters at St Peters, Latin Motion, its staff, students and friends are all very positive about the changes and looking forward to a bright future. Now, on the eve of his 30th birthday, Oliver has much to celebrate (past, present and future). With the same youthful drive, determination and strive for perfection he has emanated his whole career, Oliver will once again depart our shores and represent Australia; this time at the 1st Annual World Salsa Solo Championships in Puerto Rico with the aim of claiming his 6th World Salsa Title! As part of this, Oliver will present a new and improved edited version of his world famous solo routine 'Caribe'; already performed at Congresses in Switzerland, Africa, Chile and Texas to name a few. Having won the Puerto Rican Salsa Open in the couples division in 2006, Oliver holds Puerto Rico close to his heart and the Puerto Rican people (known for being patriotic) are looking forward to Oliver’s return to the competition stage where he will compete against some of Puerto Rico and the Worlds best. Like all sporting events each competitor works hard on training preparation and Oliver is no exception. He has not only been dancing, but dieting and doing gym work so he can present the best of himself and all Australia has to offer. Known as one of the hardest and most prestigious Salsa Championships in the world, Oliver is ensuring he is in top shape (mind, body and spirit) for this ‘iconic competition’. Latin Lover wishes Oliver Pineda and Latin motion the best of luck in all their endeavours. May they continue to set the bench mark for the rest of the world by consistently putting Australia on the World Latin Map and may Oliver bring home that 6th World Championship title !!! Return to Interviews | Return to Homepage  Interview by Susan Hill Interview Date Upload. 07.11 |