top of page
IMG_4088_Original.jpg

Sharon Pakir

Global Choreographer, Dancer, Coach

Notable Achievements:

  • World 2nd Place Salsa Champion (2015)

  • Australian Salsa Champion (2004, 2016, 2016)

  • Director of Spin City Dance - Australia's premier Latin Dance Academy 2007 - 2020

  • Choreographed and performed all over the world

  • Chosen to feature in Australian news media (Channel 10, Herald Sun, Northcote Leader)

  • Choreographer - Australian Dancing with the Stars (2005)

  • Head judge / judge at Australian, New Zealand, Indian and Japan Salsa Championships 

  • Coach to multiple Australian Champions

  • Taught over 7000 students in Australia and worldwide

  • Awarded a permanent residency visa in Australia for global / distinguished talent

An Introduction

A passionate coach, choreographer and dancer, I embarked on my Latin Dance journey in the year 2000. Over the years, I've travelled all over the world - to learn from the best, and then to continue into my professional journey competing, performing, and working internationally. 

​

Whilst building my global career, I founded Spin City Dance - one of Australia's best Latin Dance academies. The school ran from 2007 - 2020. We produced several hundred dancers in that studio, including some of Australia's top Latin dancers who currently rank in national and international championships. Our pro team, directed by me, consistently wowed audiences and elicited standing ovations with our new routines each year. 

​

I am grateful for the opportunities Latin Dance has afforded me - in meeting thousands of incredible people from every corner of the globe, to representing Australia and Singapore in international events, to my beautiful dance school filled with passionate dancers that I called home every evening for 13 years. 

​

Now, I continue my journey after relocating the the United Arab Emirates - my dance profession now comprises pandemic-friendly online classes and workshops to students all over the world, consulting locally to the industry and studios, and providing support and coaching to professionals who want to level up their career and skills.

2018

Curriculum Vitae - Sharon Pakir (Dance)

2020 - 2022
2019

​Due to the pandemic, much of the world was heavily locked down for the last 2 years. We were unable to travel, events did not run, and there was no way to conduct in-person lessons or training or shows. In 2020, my family and I also relocated – to Singapore for 9 months, and then at the end of 2020, to Abu Dhabi (UAE). 

 

During this time, I continued in my dance journey with:

 

  • Online dance classes / workshops

  • Choreographing & training private clients from all over the world

  • Continuing to train myself even whilst relocating countries

 

I used this time to share my skillset as a business owner to the global dance community by:

 

  • Conducting free online training for dance business owners worldwide

  • Starting a Facebook community group for dance business owners

  • Consulting & advising dance business owners 

​

Since moving to Abu Dhabi (UAE) in November 2020, I have been:

  • Regular contributor to Cove Beach, Little Havana Latin Nights (Abu Dhabi)

  • Working closely with one of the best UAE based dance schools (365 Studios) and its director to raise the standards of Latin dance in UAE, revamping its syllabus, and consulting in its classes and events.

Highlights:

  • Performing at the world's largest salsa festival (Berlin Salsa Congress)

  • Invited by Billy Fajardo, Director of the World Salsa Summit to judge 2021 World Salsa Competition (The competition did not go ahead due to Covid-19)

 

Sydney Latin Festival (Sydney, Australia)

  • Judged the national competition

  • MC for gala night

  • Taught workshops

​

Australian Latin Dance Cup (Gold Coast, Australia)​

  • Head judge for the national competition

  • Choreographed and performed show with Minx Hafon (Australia)

  • Taught workshops

  • MC for gala night

​

Mambo Jam Festival​ (London, UK)

  • Chosen as an artist to attend, dance, and showcase at the event

​

Berlin Salsa Congress (Berlin, Germany)

  • Choreographed and performed with Minx Hafon (Australia) to 2000 in audience

  • MC for gala night

  • Taught workshops

​

Sydney Salsa Mambo Convention (Sydney, Australia)

  • MC for gala night

  • Choreographed team show

 

World Salsa Solo Competition (Brisbane, Australia)

  • Judged the international and national competition

  • Coached several of the competitors 

  • Performed with Minx Hafon (Australia)

2017

Highlights:

  • Invited to teach & dance on stage with worlds best Latin musicians (Jimmy Bosch, Tromboranga) in Bangkok, Thailand at Colada Salsa Festival 

  • Chosen to perform with world's best dancers (Group Alafia, Terry Salsalianza & Cecile Ovide, Mariano Neris & Bella Malakian) on global stages

  • Presented with the honour of OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE AUSTRALIAN LATIN DANCE INDUSTRY at the World Salsa Solo Competition

 

Sydney Latin Festival (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team performances with standing ovations 

  • Taught workshops

  • Judged the national competition 

 

Melbourne Latin Festival (Melbourne, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed team show

  • MC for gala night

  • Taught workshops

  • Performed with world famous Mariano Neris & Bella Malakian (Sweden) in their team

 

Colada – The Original Latin Dance Congress (Bangkok, Thailand)

  • Taught workshops

  • Performed with world famous team Grupo Alafia (Italy) and Terry & Cecile (France) to audience of 2000

  • Invited to dance on stage for world famous musician Jimmy Bosch and world famous salsa band Tromboranga 

 

Singapore Latin Extravaganza  (Singapore)

  • Choreographed and performed to a standing ovation with Minx Hafon (Australia)

  • Taught workshops

 

World Salsa Solo Competition (Brisbane, Australia)​​

  • Judged the international and national competition

  • Coached several of the competitors 

  • Performed with Minx Hafon (Australia)

Highlights:

  • In 2017, I was pregnant for 6 months and then suffered from a catastrophic birth trauma - as a result, I was unable to dance or travel for 5 months during my recovery. Despite this setback, I was able to continue running my dance business and was still chosen by events to attend even though I could not perform for a large part of the year. 

​

 

Sydney Latin Festival (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team performances with standing ovations to an audience of over 1200 people

  • Choreographed and performed with Elysia Baker

  • Taught workshops

  • MC for gala night

  • Coached winners of salsa competition (professional category)

 

Latin Junction Residency (Sydney, Australia)

  • Invited by one of Australia’s largest dance schools to be resident Master Trainer

  • Taught workshops to almost 100 people in 2 days

  • Conducted staff training for Latin Junction

 

New Zealand World Latin Dance Cup (Christchurch, New Zealand)

  • Judged national competition

  • Taught workshops & coached competitors

 

Melbourne Latin Festival (Melbourne, Australia)

  • Choreographed team and professional shows

  • Involved with planning & operations for the festival

  • MC on gala night

  • Taught workshops

 

Victorian Latin Dance Championships (Melbourne, Australia)

  • Coached several competitors who won trophies

  • Head judge of the state competition

 

Australian Latin Dance Championships (Sydney, Australia)

  • Coached several competitors who won trophies

​

World Salsa Solo Competition (Brisbane, Australia)​​

  • Judged the international and national competition

  • Coached several of the competitors 

2015
2016

Highlights:

  • I returned to work after having my first baby. Managing to continue my dance career whilst in the first year of motherhood was my ultimate achievement!

 

Sydney Latin Festival (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed 2 team performances 

  • My team won the salsa championship (amateur category)

  • MC for gala night

  • Taught workshops

 

Melbourne Latin Festival (Melbourne, Australia)

AchievementTaught workshops, choreographed and performed team show

 

Asian Open International West Coast Swing Competition (Singapore)

  • Competed and came 2nd place in Pro-Am category with Maxence Martin (France)

 

Bailamos Festival of Dance (New Delhi, India)

  • Taught workshops

  • Choreographed and performed show with James Athanassiou

  • MC for gala night

  • Invited to contribute to panel discussion with international artists

​

Australian Salsa Open State Championships (Melbourne, Australia)

  • Competed in 2 professional categories and emerged state champion for both

 

Australian Salsa Open National Championships (Sydney, Australia)

  • Competed in 2 professional categories and emerged national champion x2

  • Coached several amateur and professional winners

  • Head judge for several categories

  • Taught workshops

 

Singapore Latin Extravaganza (Singapore)

  • Taught workshops to over 150 people

  • Choreographed and performed team show with standing ovation

​

Noumea Latin Festival (Noumea, New Caledonia)

  • Taught several workshops

  • Choreographed and performed show with James Athanassiou

 

Doudoule Latin Dance Festival (Queensland, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed shows 

  • Taught workshops

 

South Island Dance Competition (Christchurch, New Zealand)

  • Choreography and training for professional and amateur dancers from all over New Zealand

  • Taught workshops at Salsa Latina Dance School, New Zealand

  • Judged New Zealand national salsa competition

 

Palladium Salsa Mambo Convention (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed shows

  • Taught workshops

 

New Zealand Salsa Divas Festival (Wellington, New Zealand)

  • Choreographed and performed solo show

  • Taught women’s workshops

​

Canberra Latin Dance Festival (Canberra, Australia)

  • Taught workshops

  • Choreographed and performed shows with team & Elysia Baker

  • Assisted world famous artist Mario Hazarika in workshops

  • MC for gala night

 

World Salsa Solo Competition (Brisbane, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed shows

  • Coached and choreographed for 26 competitors who emerged with 13 winning trophies

  • MC for gala night

  • Judge for the national and international competition

  • Taught workshops

Highlights:

  • Embarked on a 4 month project to bring 70 dancers together from 5 cities across 2 countries to learn and perform a Latin Dance show on stages in multiple countries (Australia, Singapore, New Zealand)

​

Sydney Latin Festival (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team shows with standing ovations (1200 audience)

  • Choreographed and performed with JuanCarlos Ospina Sanchez (Colombia) with standing ovation

  • Taught 2 workshops

  • MC on gala night

​

Auckland Dance Weekend (Auckland, New Zealand)

  • Choreographed and trained professional and amateur dancers from all over New Zealand

​

Melbourne Latin Festival (Melbourne, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed with JuanCarlos Ospina Sanchez (Colombia) 

  • Choreographed and performed with Elysia Baker

  • Choreographed and performed with team

  • Taught 2 workshops

​

Sydney International Bachata Festival (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed team Bachata show

  • Choreographed a show with dancers from 5 cities across 2 countries and led them to perform successfully on stage

  • Taught workshop

​

New Zealand Salsa Congress (Wellington, New Zealand)

  • Choreographed a show with dancers from 5 cities across 2 countries and led them to perform successfully on stage

  • Choreographed and performed solo show

  • Taught workshops

​

Noumea Latin Festival (Noumea, New Caledonia)

  • Taught several workshops

  • Choreographed and performed show with James Athanassiou 

​

Singapore Latin Extravaganza (Singapore)

  • Taught 2 workshops to over 150 people

  • Choreographed and led team performance with standing ovation to 1000 people in audience 

  • Choreographed a show with dancers from 5 cities across 2 countries and led them to perform successfully on stage

​

Australia International Salsa Solo Competition (Brisbane, Australia)

  • Head Judge of the national competition

  • Taught workshops

  • Coached several amateur & professional winners

  • Choreographed and performed show

  • MC for gala night

​

2014

Highlights:

  • Coming 2nd in the world at the World Latin Dance Cup in Miami, Florida

  • Chosen to represent Australia in an event in the Middle East

  • Judging Japan's national salsa championships

  • Picked to choreograph and perform a one week show at Melbourne's best theatre (The Palm)

​

Sydney Latin Festival (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team shows with standing ovations (1200 audience)

  • Choreographed and performed with JuanCarlos Ospina Sanchez (Colombia)

  • Taught 2 workshops

  • MC on gala night

 

Melbourne Latin Festival (Melbourne, Australia)

  • Performed in world famous Samba dancer Gianne Abbott’s team

  • Choreographed and performed with JuanCarlos Ospina Sanchez (Colombia)

  • Taught workshops

  • Invited to assist workshop by world famous Grupo Alafia

 

Oman Salsa Festival (Oman)

  • Performed solo show

  • Taught 2 workshops

 

Bailamos Festival (New Delhi, India)

  • Performed with JuanCarlos Ospina Sanchez (Colombia) with standing ovation

  • Choreographed and led Indian & Australian dancers to showcase Bollywood show with standing ovation

  • Taught workshops

 

Japan Salsa Cup (Tokyo, Japan)

  • Invited to judge Japan’s national championships

  • Choreographed and performed solo show

  • Choreographed and performed with Alex Bryan (Australia) at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo

 

Australian Salsa Open (Sydney, Australia)

  • Head Judge of the national competition

  • Coached several winners in amateur and professional categories

  • Taught workshops

 

Doudoule Latin Dance Festival (Queensland, Australia)

  • Performed shows with JuanCarlos Ospina Sanchez (Colombia) & Elysia Baker

  • Taught workshops

 

Singapore Latin Extravaganza (Singapore)

  • Choreographed and performed team show

  • Performed with JuanCarlos Ospina Sanchez (Colombia) with standing ovation

  • Taught workshop

 

Canberra Dance Weekend (Canberra, Australia)

  • Choreographed and trained professional and amateur dancers from Canberra

 

Latin Expo @ The Palms, Crown (Melbourne, Australia)

  • Selected to produce and perform one week of latin shows at Melbourne’s best theatre

 

New Zealand Salsa Open Championships (Auckland, New Zealand)

  • Judged national competition

  • Taught workshops

  • Performed with JuanCarlos Ospina Sanchez (Colombia)

  • Performed solo show

 

Canberra Latin Dance Festival (Canberra, Australia)

  • Taught workshops to over 150 peopel

  • Choreographed and performed shows with team & Elysia Baker

  • Assisted world famous artist Mario Hazarika in workshops

  • MC for gala night

 

Brisbane Latin Festival / Australian Salsa Solo Competition (Brisbane, Australia)

  • Head judge for national competition

  • Coach for several amateur, professional, and team winners

  • Choreographed and performed with JuanCarlos Ospina Sanchez (Colombia)

 

WORLD LATIN DANCE CUP (Miami, Florida, USA)

  • Won 2nd Place at World Championship – Professional Salsa Ladies Category

  • Sponsored by Lululemon to represent Australia & Singapore at the world salsa championships

  • Featured in Australian newspaper the Herald Sun for representing at the world championships

2013

Highlights:

  • Refurbished and opened our 3rd studio of Spin City Dance in Melbourne Australia with 3 dance spaces for 100 students to learn dance in. This studio was our business home for the next 5 years. 

​

Sydney Latin Festival (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team shows with standing ovations (1200 audience)

  • Choreographed and performed with Krin Bajough (Australia)

  • Taught 2 workshops

  • MC on gala night

​

Adelaide Salsa Festival (Adelaide, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed show with Sam Schlanger

  • Taught workshop

​

Indian Film Festival – TelstraBollywood Dance Festival (Federation Square,  Australia)

  • Choreographed winning team choreography for Bollywood dance competition to an audience of 2000 at Melbourne’s most iconic landmark

​

Melbourne Latin Festival (Melbourne, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team shows

  • Taught workshops

​

Oman Salsa Festival (Oman)

  • Choreographed and performed solo routine

  • Taught workshops

​

India Fiesta Latina (New Delhi, India)

  • Choreographed team performance with standing ovation (2000 audience)

  • Choreographed and performed with Sam Schlanger

​

Australian Salsa Open (Sydney, Australia

  • Head judge for national competition

  • Coached the winners of the professional category

  • Taught workshops

​

Doudoule Latin Dance Festival (Sunshine Coast, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed with JuanCarlos Ospina Sanchez (Colombia)

  • Taught workshops

​

Canberra Latin Dance Festival (Canberra, Australia)

  • Taught workshops

  • Choreographed and performed shows

  • MC for gala night

​

Brisbane Latin Festival / Australian Salsa Solo Competition (Brisbane, Australia)

  • Head judge for national competition

  • Coached the winners of professional categories

  • Coached the winners of amateur categories

  • Choreographed and performed with JuanCarlos Ospina Sanchez (Colombia)

2012

Highlights:

  • Highlight: My dance school, Spin City Dance, moved into it’s 2nd studio space.

​

Sydney Latin Festival (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed 2 team performances with standing ovations (1200 audience)

  • Choreographed and performed with Sam Schlanger

  • Taught 2 workshops

  • MC for gala night

​

Adelaide Salsa Festival (Adelaide, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed show with Sam Schlanger

  • Taught workshops

​

Melbourne Latin Festival (Melbourne, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team shows

  • Choreographed and performed with Sam Schlanger

  • Taught workshops

​

Salsa Solo Competition Australia (Brisbane, Australia)

  • Judged the national competition

  • Coached several competitors who won trophies

  • Performed a solo show

​

Doudoule Latin Dance Festival (Sunshine Coast, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed team shows

  • Choreographed and performed with Sam Schlanger

  • Taught workshops

​

Canberra Latin Dance Festival (Canberra, Australia)

  • Taught workshops

  • Choreographed and performed shows

  • MC for gala night

​

Supermario Social @ Bar Salsa (London, UK)

  • Attended one of the world’s most famous salsa parties run by world renown Mario Hazarika as an invited guest

2011

Highlights:

  • Chosen to perform on stage with world renown international music legend Tito Puente Jr with an audience of 5000

  • Chosen to feature on Australian TV Channel 10, with Australia’s top dancers

​

Tito Puente Jr – Live in Concert (Sydney Myer Music Bowl, Australia)

  • Chosen to perform on stage with world renown international music legend Tito Puente Jr with an audience of 5000

 

Mosaic Dance Studio Workshops (Singapore)

  • Invited to teach Singaporean dancers at Mosaic Dance Studio, Singapore

 

Melbourne Latin Festival (Melbourne, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team shows

  • Chosen to feature on Australian TV Channel 10, with Australia’s top dancers

  • Chosen to feature in local newspaper (Northcote Leader) for the festival

  • Taught workshops

 

Adelaide Salsa Festival (Adelaide, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed team show 

  • Taught workshops

 

Sydney Latin Festival (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and Performed 2 team performances with standing ovations to an audience of over 1200 people

 

Malaysia Dance Weekend (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Invited to teach professional and amateur dancers in Malaysia

  • Choreographed and performed a team show

  • Choreographed and performed a solo show

 

Singapore Dance Weekend (Singapore)

  • Invited to teach professional and amateur dancers in Singapore

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team shows

  • Choreographed and performed a solo show

 

Australian Salsa Solo Competition (Sydney, Australia)

  • Head judge of the competition

  • Performed solo show

  • Coached winners of the professional category

2010

Highlights:

  • Received an award for OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE AUSTRALIAN LATIN DANCE INDUSTRY at the Sydney Latin Festival

​

Sydney Latin Festival (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and Performed 2 team performances with standing ovations to an audience of over 1200 people

  • Choreographed and performed with Wee Tze Yi (Singapore)

  • Received an award for OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE AUSTRALIAN LATIN DANCE INDUSTRY

 

Malaysia Salsa Festival (Johor Bahru, Malaysia)

  • Choreographed and performed team shows

  • Taught workshops

 

Adelaide Salsa Festival (Adelaide, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed team show 

  • Taught workshops

 

Bali Salsa Fiesta (Bali, Indonesia)

  • Choreographed and performed team show 

  • Taught workshops

 

New Zealand Salsa Congress (Auckland, New Zealand)

  • Choreographed and performed team show

  • Taught workshops

 

Australian Latin Dance Championships (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed solo routine

  • Trained several competitors who emerged winners in their categories

  • Judged the national competition

 

Bangalore Salsa Festival (Bangalore, India)

  • Choreographed and performed with Wee Tze Yi (Singapore)

  • Choreographed and performed team shows

  • Judged national dance competition

  • Taught workshops

2009

Highlights:

​

Sydney Salsa Congress (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed team shows

  • Taught workshops

​

New Zealand Salsa Congress (Auckland, New Zealand) 

  • Choreographed and performed team shows

  • Taught workshops

​

Malaysia Salsa Festival (Johor Bahru, Malaysia)

  • Choreographed and performed team shows

  • Taught workshops

  • Assisted world famous Mario Hazarika in his workshop

​

Vietnam International Salsa Festival (Hanoi, Vietnam)

  • Choreographed and performed team shows

  • Taught workshops

2008

Highlights:

​

Sydney Salsa Congress (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed team shows

  • Taught workshops

 

Victorian Salsa State Titles (Melbourne, Australia)

  • Judged and hosted the state championships

 

Malaysia Salsa Festival (Johor Bahru, Malaysia)

  • Choreographed and performed team shows

  • Taught workshops

 

Singapore Dance Weekend (Singapore)

  • Brought my 2 Australian teams to perform in Singapore

  • Taught workshops

  • Performed with Wee Tze Yi (Singapore)

2007

Highlights:

​

Sydney Salsa Congress (Sydney, Australia)

  • Choreographed and performed team shows

  • Taught workshops

 

Korea Salsa Congress (Seoul, Korea)

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team shows to 1200 in audience

  • Taught workshops

 

Singapore Dance Weekend  (Singapore)

  • Taught workshops at Attitude Dance Studio, Singapore 

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team shows

 

Australian Salsa Championships (Sydney, Australia)

  • Head judge for the national competition

  • Taught workshops

 

New York Salsa Congress (New York City, USA)

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team shows to 1200 in audience

  • Taught workshops

 

Singapore International Salsa Festival (Singapore)

  • Asian Salsa Championships – local winner

2006

Highlights:

​

Korea Salsa Congress (Seoul, Korea)

  • Choreographed and performed 2 team shows to 1200 in audience

  • Taught workshops

​

New York Salsa Congress (New York City, USA)

  • Performed team show to 1200 in audience

  • Taught workshops

2005

Highlights:

​

West Coast Salsa Congress (Los Angeles, USA)

  • Performed with team to audience of 5000

  • Assisted Gupson Pierre in teaching workshop

2004

Highlights:

​

West Coast Salsa Congress (Los Angeles, USA)

  • Performed with team to audience of 5000

  • Assisted Gupson Pierre in teaching workshop

​

Tropicana Salsa Championships (Adelaide, Australia)

  • Won Australian Salsa Championship with Alex Bryan (Australia)

Let's Get Social

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
bottom of page