A Mackay CBD pub holds Tuesday night dance classes

Meet the man who’s looking to spread the joys of Latin dancing to Mackay with his free Tuesday night Latin dance class. VIDEO

Tuesday nights at one CBD pub are Latin nights, as Mackay is welcomed to come on down and learn the joys of Latin dancing.

The classes, held by instructor Kevin Kaya, are 100 per cent free and take place at the Palace Hotel from 6pm until 8pm on Tuesdays.

Mr Kaya, who started dancing only four years ago, is passionate about spreading the joys of the Latin dancing style ‘zouk’ to the people of Mackay.

“I prefer zouk to other Latin dancing styles like salsa,” Mr Kaya said.

“In zouk you can learn the basics in a few weeks and then make progress really quickly.

“It’s great.”

Kevin Kaya is proud to welcome you to his free Latin dancing classes at the Palace every Tuesday. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Thanks to an arrangement with the Palace Hotel’s proprietors, the class is able to make use of the venues space during their less busy Tuesday evenings to put on the event for free.

Once beginners arrive at the event, Mr Kaya will personally take them aside and teach them the basics, demonstrating and walking them through it, before having them partner up for practice.

If you want to give it a try but don’t have a partner to bring, you’ll have a chance to rotate among the other dancers.

Maree has been one of Kevin's students since the beginning and is also another member of Mackay's Latin dancing community. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Veteran dancer Maree from Mackay’s Latin Madness dance club has been learning zouk from Mr Kaya for 18 months.

“I met Kevin through another Latin dancing event and he said he was starting to promote zouk,” Maree said.

“Zouk is one of my current favourite dancing styles … it’s beautiful and ‘flowy’.

“We come along each week because it’s a great way to practice and meet people.”

Mr Kaya’s Latin dancing class has also attracted several Latin American expats, like Alex who’s originally from Chile.

“I really enjoy this kind of thing,” Alex said wiping the sweat from her brow after a practice session.

“I’ve never practised dance before so I wanted to learn this just for fun.

“Kevin’s a very good teacher.”

Latin dance classes are held every Tuesday and dancers of all skill level are welcome, so just walk in and enjoy the experience.

“Come on down and try something different,” Mr Kaya said, smiling happily.

“Do the things you’ve always wanted to do.”