Who We Are

  • At The Salsa Lab, we teach Cuban salsa in a fun, safe, and welcoming space. Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning to the dance floor, we provide clear guidance at the right level so you can build strong technique, confident lead–follow skills, and real connection with your partner.

    Our classes are structured to help dancers progress step by step. We focus on building solid foundations, developing body awareness, and helping students understand how movements connect within the music.

    We also recognise that everyone learns differently. Our teachers use a variety of teaching approaches to keep classes engaging and accessible, while continuously improving our own teaching through reflection and learning.

    Most importantly, we want every dancer to enjoy the journey — progressing at their own pace while feeling part of the local dance community.

  • The way we teach and the culture we build in our classes is guided by a set of core values.

    Growth

    We believe strong foundations create confident dancers.

    Learning is structured and progressive — fundamentals are developed before moving on to more complex material. Students receive feedback that helps them understand what to focus on, supporting effective practice and personal development.

    As technique improves, dancing becomes more comfortable, expressive, and enjoyable.

    Playfulness

    Learning works best when it is enjoyable.

    Mistakes are a natural part of learning, and curiosity is encouraged. Within a structured learning environment, students are invited to experiment, explore movement, and develop their own style.

    Our goal is to help dancers become confident, relaxed, and playful on the social dance floor.

    Level Integrity

    We maintain clear levels so classes remain effective and enjoyable for everyone.

    Students attend the level that matches their current skills, ensuring the pace and content of class works well for the whole group. Progression is guided by readiness and technique rather than time spent dancing.

    This approach helps maintain a safe learning environment and respects the experience of everyone in the room.

    Respect

    We treat everybody with care, consideration, and professionalism.

    Dancers are encouraged to look after the comfort and enjoyment of their partners. A welcoming and supportive attitude is expected both in class and at social events.

    Respect, consent, and hygiene are non-negotiable.

    Community

    Social dancing is at the heart of salsa.

    We encourage dancers to connect with the wider dance community through socials, festivals, and events. These spaces help dancers build confidence, develop musicality, and experience the true spirit of salsa.

    A culture of support, openness, and shared enjoyment is central to The Salsa Lab.

Meet the Founder

I’m Michael Horne, founder and lead instructor of The Salsa Lab.

I began dancing salsa in my early twenties and have been consistently active on the social dance floor for around a decade. While I’ve explored other partner dances such as zouk, bachata, rock and roll, and modern jive, salsa and kizomba are the ones I love most. Salsa brings upbeat energy and life to the dance floor, while kizomba offers a slower, more connected and mindful feel — both continue to inspire how I move and teach.

For me, the magic of salsa happens in the moment — sharing music, movement, and connection with a partner. Each dance is unique, and that spontaneity keeps me coming back to the floor regularly.

I travel frequently to salsa festivals and socials around New Zealand, including NZ Salsa Congress, Bay Salsa Festival, and the Cuban Salsa Festival, and I enjoy visiting local socials whenever I travel. Recently, I experienced social dancing overseas for the first time in Melbourne, which gave me new inspiration for movement and teaching.

In my classes, I focus on building strong foundations, partner connection, and social confidence, while paying attention to small technical details to help students progress faster. I’m also exploring rumba and Afro-Cuban traditions such as Orishas, which I hope to bring into future classes.

I continue to refine my approach through ongoing learning, including mentoring sessions with instructors from Latin Soul, who inspire both the way I dance and teach. My goal at The Salsa Lab is to provide a welcoming space where dancers can build skills, enjoy the learning process, and discover the joy of social dancing.