Salsa pair fires up the moves

The first time Masha laid eyes on Giancarlo Johansson, he was wearing a Santa suit and teaching salsa. That was in Melbourne more than a decade ago. Since then, the now-married couple have become a formidable force in the dance world as well as here, on what's now their home turf.

Recently back from the World Salsa Championships in Hong Kong, the duo and teams from their dance school, Latinissimo, took out second place against 11 other countries.

"We came second to Australia," says Giancarlo. "Waiting for the results was really nerve-racking. When we got back here, we realised Australia won with schools from all over the country. We're just one school and we achieved that result."

In the lead-up to the competition, the pair were running their dance school, training teams, rehearsing their own routines and organising fundraising events to help get them there. Costumes alone can be about $1200 for a woman's outfit.

The walls of their dance studio in Glenfield are lined with images of dazzling smiles and even more dazzling costumes.

"Costumes are a big part of it," says Giancarlo. "About 10 per cent is your presentation, that's your hair, your costume, your stage presence."

It's not surprising to discover the couple, who work, train and live together, have a habit of finishing each other's sentences. "As soon as you come on stage," continues Masha, who spent 10 years representing Slovenia in rhythmic gymnastics, "you've got to look like a champion, otherwise you won't be one."

Her exceptional flexibility is evident as she shares video footage from the duo's winning performance.

As well as competing, they are often asked to perform at salsa congresses overseas and were lead choreographers for salsa and Latin on New Zealand's version of So You Think You Can Dance.

"It was a really cool experience," says Masha. "Life's a lot different on TV. They want you to have some drama. They'd tell you, 'Step up the bitch factor' after lunch."

While the pair are in hot demand on the international circuit, it's their dedication to teaching others that's helped boost the profile of New Zealand salsa.

Giancarlo is originally from Peru and was introduced to salsa in Stockholm. From there he began a school in Melbourne before joining Masha in Auckland. The intention was to introduce a salsa-based syllabus which could be used throughout schools in New Zealand.

In their beginner class, they now have about 40 students; 23 in competitive teams. As is evident in the photos around the room, the dance form is not limited to the young.

"When we started out, there wasn't a lot happening here," says Masha.

"So when you consider New Zealand's a rugby nation, it's pretty good," adds Giancarlo, pointing out some blokes in sleek, bedazzled shirts.

Together the pair have produced some of the best salsa dancers in the country and on the world stage. "I got an email the other day from someone who's really high up in salsa in Australia," Masha says. "He said, 'You two are solely responsible for the growth of salsa in New Zealand'."

After finishing 15th in the previous world championships, in Puerto Rico, the pair are pleased with their latest second placing but would be stoked to take out the world title next time.

"It has just put wood on the fire," says Masha.

LEARN TO SALSA

If you're interested in learning salsa, go to www.salsadance.co.nz