CLASSES
Inspiration
Passion
musicality
movement
Inspiration Passion musicality movement
learn the ar method in melbourne
a new way to train
Almendra & Richie have created a brand-new training experience in 2026, designed to give dancers a more structured and purposeful way to train through the AR Method.
This is a rare, one-time development program built as a complete training ecosystem.
Access is via a simple and streamlined weekly membership model, designed to keep the program accessible while sustaining a high-level, consistent training environment across the entire season.
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The program begins Monday 22 June.
Monday 22 June - Friday 14 August (7 weeks)
Special workshops:
Sunday 19 July
Sunday 10 August -
August 17 — September 20 (No regular Melbourne classes with A\R during this period)
At VLS, we believe great teaching comes from continuous growth. From August 17 to September 20, A|R will be overseas on an International Development Residency focused on training, research, and collaboration within the global salsa and mambo community. This journey is an investment in the future of VLS, allowing us to bring new knowledge, experiences, and perspectives back to our students and strengthen the quality of our programs.
During this period the VLS experience will continue through:
- Online content Studio practices
- Community engagement activities
- Guest instructors
During the residency, selected guest instructors will lead special classes and training opportunities for the VLS community, bringing fresh perspectives while supporting the ongoing growth and development of our students. -
Research Integration Season
Monday 21 September - Sunday 8 November (7 weeks)
Special Integration Workshops:Sunday 28 September
Sunday 26 October -
Monday 9 November - Saturday 12 December 12 (5 weeks)
Special workshops:
Sunday 23 November
Sunday 7 December (Final Year Integration Workshop)
THE WEEKLY TRAINING SYSTEM
Mondays
6:30PM-7:15PM
WELCOME TO MAMBO
A structured entry point into the VLS Method for dancers new to Salsa/Mambo or transitioning from other styles, including Salsa On1. Build the foundations needed to enter the Mambo system with confidence and clarity.
MONDAYS
7:30PM-9PM
SALSA VITAMINS
A deep technical training environment focused on detail, repetition, and refinement. Develops the core principles, drills, and foundational concepts that transform the way you move, connect, and understand Salsa.
TUESDAYS
7:30PM-9PM
VLS REHEARSAL
A season-based choreographic training program where VLS concepts are applied through structured routines and creative projects. The focus is on developing both performance and social choreography skills through repetition, timing, teamwork, and the practical application of VLS principles within a real-world context.
THURSDAYS
7:30PM-9PM
THE LAB
An advanced development space focused on improvisation, agility, and creative expansion. Dancers are challenged to step outside their comfort zone, applying Monday’s concepts in more complex, dynamic, and unpredictable movement situations.
the venue
Level 2, 175 Brunswick Street Fitzroy VIC 3065
We’re super excited to announce our new location at Level 2, 175 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. This beautiful new space becomes our home for the Viva La Salsa community, where we can continue to grow, train, and share together in an even more inspiring environment.
We can’t wait to welcome you all and experience this new chapter together.