Who Are Dublin's Best Dancers? Enter the "Best Leader & Follower" Competition
December 30, 2025 • Dublin Salsa Academy
Best Bachata Dancers
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Are you one of those dancers who always gets the crowd's attention? You know the type—the ones gliding effortlessly across the floor, commanding respect with every step, or captivating everyone with smooth, elegant movements. This January, Dublin Salsa Academy is giving you the platform to showcase your talent and get the recognition you deserve
The Competition That Dublin's Dance Community Is Talking About
The Kan Flow Bachata Weekend 2026, happening January 30th and February 1st at Harbourmaster in Dublin's city centre, isn't just another dance event. It's a celebration of what makes Dublin's salsa and bachata community special.
Here's the thing about competitions in the bachata Dublin scene: they're usually about judges with scorecards and strict criteria. But this one is different. The "Best Leader & Follower" competition is all about community. The dancers themselves decide who's winning. You get voted by the people you're dancing with on the night and even before. Real recognition from real dancers.
Beyond Levels: The Dancer Everyone Respects
Dublin Salsa Academy
Mastering Connection, Dancing With All
Some dancers chase trophies, but others chase connection. We believe high-level dancing isn't just about your technical skill—it’s about your ability to elevate everyone on the floor.
The dancers who truly earn the community’s respect are those who share their talent with everyone, from seasoned pros to absolute beginners taking their very first steps.
They understand that the heart of dance isn't found in a solo spotlight, but in the magic of a shared moment.
This January, Dublin Salsa Academy celebrates the true spirit of growth. We honor the leaders and followers who dance for the community, not just for competition.
Dancer with your favourite follow or leader over the Kan Flow Bachata weekend and also honour the leader ot follower dancer you admire, respect and the one that dance with all levels in our community - by giving them your favourite leader or follower card on the night.
Let’s celebrate those who make the dance floor a welcoming place for all.
The Prize That Makes It Worth Your While: €100 Cash + €350 Professional Dance Video
Let's be real—prizes matter. And this competition doesn't disappoint.
- €100 in cash to celebrate your win
- €350 Evershot Photography Voucher for a professional dance video recording
That's not just money. That's a professional-grade dance video that you can share across social media, use for your dance profile, or simply keep as proof that you're among Dublin's best dancers. In the age of Instagram reels and TikTok, a professional dance video is the kind of content that gets noticed.
Beyond levels - People's Choice
Bachata Competition Rules
- Entry is Free: Participation is completely free for all attendees—no registration fee or registration required.
- The Voting Cards: Every participant will receive one voting cards (you will decide): one for "Favorite Leader" or one for "Favorite Follower."
- Choose Your Best: Award your card to the dancer who inspired you this weekend. Whether it’s their skill or their inclusive spirit with all levels—both during the event and even before—let them know they’re appreciated by giving them your vote.
- Cast Your Vote: To vote, simply hand your card directly to your favourite dancer over the weekend prior to winner announcement time.
- The Final Tally: The Leader and Follower with the highest number of cards by Sunday evening will be declared the winners.
- Sunday Presence: You must be present at the Sunday night social to claim your title and prizes.
- The Prize Package: Winners receive €100 in cash plus a €350 Evershot Photography Voucher for a professional dance video.
- The Tie-Breaker: In the event of a tie, the finalists will dance with three random students over the next 3 Bachata songs.
- Student Jury: For tie-breakers, the three students who danced with the finalists will cast the deciding votes.
- Celebrate Your Win: The winners will be announced and celebrated live on the main floor at 11.30pm Sunday!
Ready to join the competition? Register for the Kan Flow Bachata Weekend and secure your spot in Dublin's premier bachata classes Dublin event.
Tonio Kan and World-Class Instructors Are Here to Inspire You
The Kan Flow Bachata Weekend brings together international and local talent. Tonio Kan, the world-renowned artist, is leading masterclasses in both bachata musicality and body movement. Alongside him are instructors from Turkey, Brazil, Spain, Ecuador, and Ireland.
What does this mean for your dancing? You'll be learning from the best—people who've trained thousands of dancers across multiple countries. The techniques they share, the musicality they teach, the confidence they inspire—it all translates onto the dance floor during the competition.
Whether you're attending bachata classes Dublin for the first time or you've been dancing for years, this weekend is designed to elevate your game. And when the competition comes around, you'll be ready.
The Full Weekend Experience (It's More Than Just the Competition)
The Kan Flow Bachata Weekend isn't just about proving yourself in a competition. It's a full immersion into the world of sensual bachata.
- Friday, January 30th: Bachata Footwork & Couples Partnerwork workshops in two levels
- Friday, January 30th: Masterclass with Tonio Kan covering musicality, footwork, and body movement
- Friday, January 30th: Party with 90% bachata and 10% salsa or Cuban
- Sunday, February 1st: Men's and Ladies' Styling & Footwork workshops
- Sunday, February 1st: Another round of Bachata Footwork & Couples Partnerwork
- Sunday, February 1st: Masterclass with Tonio Kan
- Sunday, February 1st: Two floors of dancing for the evening party
This is the kind of event that doesn't happen every month at Dublin dance studios. It's a special occasion when international talent comes to the city and you get unlimited access to learning and dancing.
Your Pass Options (Because Flexibility Matters)
Dublin Salsa Academy gets it. Not everyone can commit to both days. Not everyone wants to attend every masterclass. That's why there are options:
- Full Weekend Pass: €100 - All workshops over two days, Both parties, Competition entry
- Single Day Passes: €45–€50 - Perfect if you can only make Friday or Sunday
- À La Carte Options: Individual workshops or just the party - Pricing starts at €30
Why This Competition Matters for Your Dance Journey
Whether you're someone who's been taking salsa dance classes Dublin for months or you're exploring sensual bachata for the first time, being part of this competition is about more than just winning a prize.
- Confidence: Performing in front of a supportive community builds genuine self-assurance
- Growth: Competing pushes you to refine your technique and musicality
- Recognition: Being seen and validated by fellow dancers matters
- Community: The dance community in Dublin is tight-knit. Competitions like this strengthen those bonds
- A Professional Video: Something you can use to continue your dance journey, whether that's for social media, portfolios, or personal satisfaction
The Bottom Line: This Is Your Moment
Dublin's dance scene has incredible talent. Dancers who move with passion, precision, and presence. Maybe that's you. Or maybe you're working towards becoming that dancer.
Either way, the Kan Flow Bachata Weekend gives you the stage, the instructors, and the community to shine.
Think you have the flow? Secure your Full Pass and register for the competition today.
Contact & Registration
- Reserve your spot with your full name and pass type
- Spots are limited
This isn't just another event on Dublin's salsa calendar. This is where Dublin's best dancers prove themselves. Will you be one of them?
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