Malaysia World Bachata Festival - Kuala Lumpur 2010

Ben and Kathryn are the principal dancers of Latin Heat, one of Australia's hottest dance groups. Based in Canberra, they have represented Latin Heat at several local, national and international latin dance festivals, including the Sydney International Bachata Festival, the Melbourne Latin Festival, the Adelaide Salsa Festival and the Manila International Salsa Festival. Ben and Kathryn each have over 20 years of dance experience and have been performing together since 2009.

Ben Benedictos is one of the most versatile dance choreographers / instructors in Australia. Ben has trained in a wide range of dance styles, including

Salsa, Cha cha, Jive, Funk, Hip Hop, Jazz, Rumba, Ballroom, Mambo and Argentine Tango. Ben is also experienced in some of the newest and sexiest Latin dance styles including Kizomba, Zouk and his signature style Bachata Elegante. He is the founder, instructor and choreographer of Latin Heat and is the Director of Rhythm of the Night Productions, which is responsible for bringing amazing latin dance events to Canberra. One of the pioneers of linear Salsa, Bachata and Zouk dancing in Canberra, Ben has taught workshops in various countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Australia.

Kathryn Michie began her dance training at the age of 5, studying Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics and Contemporary dance as well as Kathak (classical Indian dance) and traditional Pacific Islands dance. She trained and competed in Sydney with the prestigious Capital Performance Studios and performed in the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics. She discovered Latin dance in 2008 and shortly after fell in love with the graceful rhythms and music of Zouk. Specialising in Bachata Elegante, her body isolation, connection and amazing spins mean that she is one of the most sought-after Bachata and Zouk dancers in Canberra.

Ben and Kathryn are excited to share their passion for Zouk, Bachata and Salsa with the dancers of Malaysia.