Ben and Diala

Ben Brillante and Diala Raad began performing together in 2007. They ran their first bachata performance group in 2008, which has since evolved into what is now known as “Bachata Con Sabor”. Their latest choreography to the song “Tu Y Yo” by Toby Love has seen their style come into light in the Australian bachata scene. They performed it in competition at professional level at the 2010 Australian Bachata Championships and with the Bachata Con Sabor team at the 2011 Sydney Salsa Congress. Their sultry, sexy and romantic style of bachata has earned them recognition as two of the leading bachata instructors and dancers in Canberra.

From a young age Diala has been very musical, and in 2004 she found a passion for dance as a new way to express herself musically. She has since explored various styles of dance from ballroom to rock n’ roll but in more recent years has focused on salsa and bachata. She is drawn to bachata music for its emotional and passionate elements; this is reflected in her choreographies and social dancing. She is grateful to have been given the opportunity to contribute to the development of bachata at this year’s festival.

Originally from the Philippines, Ben was raised around family and friends who trained in music and dance. In 2004, he was introduced to Latin dancing and began training in Sydney with Platinum Salsa, then continued with Salsabor when he moved to Canberra in 2005. With a background in music, R&B and Hip-Hop dancing, he quickly established an understanding of the Latin rhythms and before long became one of the sort after dancers and instructors in the Canberra Latin scene. Ben is known for his friendly, fun and high-energy personality both on and off the dance floor. He loves all forms of Latin dancing and in particular, bachata for its rhythmic footwork, passionate interpretation and sensuality.

Ben and Diala both teach and perform with Salsabor and have performed at numerous Latin events nationally and overseas.