In January 2024, Elite Latin Dance Co. said goodbye to Bachata instructor Kristian Stephan-Martin as he finished teaching his regular classes with the studio.
Kristian had been part of our instructor team for several years and contributed to far more than weekly Bachata classes. He was part of the training, performances, competition projects and memories that helped shape the Elite community during that chapter of the studio.
A valued part of our Bachata teaching team
Teaching Latin dance is about more than demonstrating steps. Great classes give students the opportunity to build technique and confidence while feeling connected to the people around them. Kristian brought his own experience and personality to Elite’s Bachata program, and we were fortunate to have him as part of the team.
His contribution also extended into competition coaching. Alongside Kristi Hall, Kristian coached and choreographed Elite performance teams that represented the Gold Coast at competition, including projects from our 2023 World Salsa Solo campaign.
The next chapter
At the time of his departure from regular Elite classes, Kristian was preparing to focus more heavily on international travel and his own development as a Bachata artist. We were sad to lose him from the weekly timetable, but excited to see where that next stage of his dance journey would take him.
We remain grateful for the classes, rehearsals, performances and friendships from his years with Elite Latin Dance Co. Once part of the ELDC crew, always part of the ELDC crew.
This post was originally published in January 2024 and describes the studio and teaching team at that time.
