Blues

**2026 BENTLEIGH CUBAN SALSA, BACHATA** **& RUEDA DE CASINO DANCE CLASSES** **\- NOW OPEN \-** **EVERY THURSDAY** *\* No dance experience necessary* *\* No partner required* *\* Open to all adult ages* At: **BENTLEIGH UNITING CHURCH HALL** 495-497 Centre Rd, Bentleigh (\* Located opposite the Bentleigh RSL) **\* HALL Entry** \- via the front entrance of the church \- Go past the glass panel doors \- We are at the far end\, in the back room on the right\. **2026 BENTLEIGH PROGRAM:** **6.15pm – 7.30pm** **#1: CUBAN SALSA BEGINNER** Starting with the **INTRODUCTION TO SALSA BASICS** An extra 15 minutes has been added, aimed specifically to assist new Beginners with a slower breakdown of the main basic steps. More experienced Beginners are recommended to come use this to strengthen their core steps. We found that by doing it this way, new students get a much better dance experience overall. This leads into the main Beginner Salsa lesson. **BEGINNER CUBAN SALSA** (Main Beginner Class) *(Beginner to Improver Level)* *TOTAL CLASS TIME: **1 Hour & 15 Minutes***)\*\* **7.30PM – 8.30PM** **\*\* CLASS #2:** **CUBAN SALSA / RUED DE CASINO** **IMPROVER - INTERMEDIATE LEVEL MAIN CLASS** *(Covering Rueda De Casino & Cuban Salsa)* \- Ideal for students who are confident with their Beginner level steps and turns\. This Improver to Intermediate level class will concentrate on Cuban Salsa & Rueda De Casino to raise the level of the Beginners to Improver Level and higher\. **What is Rueda De Casino?** *Rueda De Casino*, also called just *'Rueda'*, in it's basic form means 'Casino wheel', where dance couples comes together to form a circle, with one main 'caller', who calls out the names of different Cuban Salsa figures made up of different sequences of fun dance moves, which are danced by the couples in synchronisation. As the level of the dancers improve, so does the figures performed become more elaborate and complicated and with the constant change of partner calls, make the dance fun and exciting for the dancers, as well as spectators who view the dance. **8.30pm – 9.30pm** **\*\*\* CLASS #3: BACHATA** *(Absolute Beginner to Improver Level)* \* No experience or partner necessary - all welcome \- Bachata is the second most popular Latin dance around the world after Salsa **CLASS COST:** Casual/Drop-in attendance: Any Main class - $20 per class Any 2 Classes on the night - $30 for both classes or Do ALL CLASSES on the night for only $35! ***\* Please note:*** We only accept **CASH** on this night **CLOTHING & SHOES:** Comfortable casual clothing. Best shoes when starting are low or flat smooth sole shoes like leather sole shoes. Avoid sandals & open toe shoes. Avoid track shoes or runners as these grip the floor & can interfere with your turns **MEDICAL:** Anyone with breathing problems, heart conditions, knee, back or shoulder injuries and who are taking prescribed medication, please consult with your doctor first before joining any classes. **COVID PROTOCOLS:** \* If you have flu like symptoms or feeling unwell, please do not attend any classes \* If you are a first contact, as a precaution, please do not attend any classes until after 7 days of negative tests \* Sanitize hands frequently **PRIVATE LESSONS:** We provide private lessons on a one-to-one basis, with or without a dance partner and for private groups at a time that suits you

**Manchuria Bar** is a sophisticated, moody nightspot for cocktails, with Asian-themed decor and plush vintage sofas. Come along to meet new people and get to know the regulars. Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. New people are always welcome 😊 📍 **Location:** Level 1, 7-9 Waratah Place, Melbourne Vic 3000 This is the same alleyway as the entrance to Storyville. **❗ Manchuria** doesn't have any signage. Enter the doorway that leads up a flight of stairs (but isn't Storyville). Walk up 1 flight of stairs and you will see a door on your left. Open the door and you will see the bar 🤩 **How often do we have events? Weekly!** Join us at a different bar/pub each week to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. **Events are also on:** Bartopia MeetUp [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Bartopia Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/) This week's venue: https://www.manchuriabar.com/

Your new Thursday Bachata spot! 4 dance classes then Bachata social! **BACHATA VIBES THURSDAYS** **Weekly Bachata Social + 4 Classes** 📍 **79–81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda** **Your Thursdays just got dangerous.** **Bachata Vibes Thursdays** is your new weekly escape — a place where music drips, bodies move, and connections spark. **A brand-new weekly Bachata experience combining quality classes, social dancing, and an incredible atmosphere in a beautiful, modern venue unlike anything else in the dance scene.** Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned dancer, our doors are open to everyone looking to further their learning, have a good time & make friends. New to Bachata? Addicted already? Either way, come for the classes… **stay for the vibes.** **For the month of June we will start the night with Salsa classes from 7pm followed by Bachata classes at 8pm.** Our intention is to provide a different dance class or style or specialised workshop for the 7pm slot each month, eg Zouk, Dominican Bachata, shines, Ladies' styling etc. Our lineup of four dynamic dance classes are tailored to different skill levels, allowing you to progress at your own pace and expand your dance repertoire. **CLASS SCHEDULE** **7:00pm – Salsa Beginners & improvers** You'll learn the basic steps and essentials to get you social dancing. **7:00pm – Salsa Intermediate** Learn essential moves, their variations, combos and turn patterns. **8:00pm – Bachata Beginners & improvers** Learn the basics and ease into the night with confidence. Our aim is to have you social dancing when the party starts straight after class. **8:00pm – Social moves & Combos (Level 2)** Perfect for those with **2 months to 2 years** of experience, covering essential moves and popular combinations. **9:00pm – 12:00am BACHATA SOCIAL** As the lights dim, the party begins. **Ducey Love & guests** playing their favourite Bachata tracks. Expect nothing but current bangers. 3 Bachata to 1 Salsa Last 30 mins of the night we slow it down and play all slow sensual Bachata. ### DOOR PRICES Winter prices • **1 class + social:** $20 • **2 classes + social:** $35 • **Social only:** $15 Look out for early bird discounts online and either get in touch with us or have a chat to us at the front desk about uni student discounts and loyalty card discounts! Help us make Thursdays your favourite night of the week at **BACHATA VIBES THURSDAYS!** 💃✨ ### ⚠️ COMMUNITY SAFETY NOTICE Our events are built on **respect, consent, and care for our community** — especially the safety and comfort of women on and off the dancefloor. If you are on the **Obsesión banned list**, this ban **automatically applies to all related events**, including **Latin Obsession, Bachata Obsesión,** **Bachata Vibes, Latin Vibes, Albion Fridays, and all collaborative events**. This policy exists to ensure a **safe, welcoming environment** where dancers can learn, connect, and enjoy themselves without pressure, discomfort, or fear. Harassment, boundary violations, predatory behaviour, or repeated disregard for consent will **not be tolerated**. We believe great dance scenes are built on **trust, accountability, and mutual respect**. By attending our events, you agree to uphold these values and contribute to a space where everyone — particularly women and marginalised dancers — can feel safe, supported, and empowered. Thank you for helping us protect and strengthen our community. 💜

**Welcome to our Linguas Thursday Social + Language Exchange Meetup 🌍** We meet weekly at **Thursday — Asian Beer Café** **Level 3, Melbourne Central** **211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000** Follow us on Instagram: [https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU](https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU) We will be in the area called the Chairmans Lounge. It is roped off. We ask that you **purchase a drink at the bar** or **pay $3.5**. *** ### 💬 Find your people (New!) Looking to practice a specific language? Post in the discussion using: * **#LearnSpanish** * **#LearnEnglish** * **#TeachEnglish** * **#LearnJapanese** * etc. 👉 This helps others find you faster and makes it easier to connect. *** ### *** ### ⏰ What to expect We consistently have **100–120 attendees** every Thursday (across multiple Meetup groups). People arrive at different times — **best time to come is between 6PM and 9PM.** Come solo or with friends — most people come alone and join conversations naturally. *** ### 🌏 Who attends? A mix of: * Native & non-native English speakers * International students * Backpackers & working holiday travellers * Professionals & expats * Local Australians You’ll meet people from: Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and more. *** ### 🗣️ Why join? 👉 A relaxed, social way to practice English 👉 Meet people from around the world 👉 No pressure, no structure — just conversations *** ### 🍕 FREE DRINKS & FOOD FOR FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS! We’re looking for **friendly volunteers** to help welcome newcomers and keep the vibe social. 👉 You’ll get: * Free drinks (beer/soft drink) * Food (pizza, wedges, etc.) * A fun team to hang out with No experience needed — many of our volunteers are **first-timers too**. Interested? 👉 [www.Linguas.au/Volunteer](www.Linguas.au/Volunteer) *** 📲 **More info:** [https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU](https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU) or **@Linguas.AU**

THESE NIGHTS ARE for those Ready to gain more information about Spiritual Growth, THE JOURNEY. It has been slotted to run for 3 Hours, but anyone can stay the entire time or freely choose to leave early. I have DVD or CD recordings that help those interested get a far greater understanding about Jesus / Isa / Yoshua's Teachings (Same Brilliant man/ Eternal Soul when on Earth and named Differently by 3 Different Religions - Christian - Jesus, Muslim - Isa and Jewish - Yoshua). There are also DVD or CD recordings from Joseph Campbell, Deepak Chopra, Mother Theresa, Stuart Wilde, David Hawkins, Esther Hicks, Dennis Waitley, Gregg Braden, Wayne Dyer and Other Smart Spiritual and Gifted Teachers of The Human Mind. Topics that can be covered include: How "A Course in Miracles" came to be, Near Death Experiences, The Second Coming, The Evolution of Mankind's Spiritual Understanding, The Human Ego, Buddhism, The Christian Teachings EDITED FROM The Bible, Taoism, Ayurveda, Zen, Chi, The Bhagavad - Gita and Guided Meditations. We can workout on the night what to listen to or discuss to advance The Group Spiritually. There are Guided Meditations, The Entire - A Course in Miracles and many of The Current and Recently Departed Famous Spiritual Teachers on CD. There are also DVD's and CD's for learning how to control Emotions and Reduce Stress. NOTE: SPIRITUAL TRUTH can be stranger than what most humans call fiction on this planet!!! The Universal Source is "Unconditionally Loving for Eternity." There has never been and there can never be The Wrath of God or a Final Judgement Day where The Creator, God, Allah, Yhvh or any other given name, who deals out what The Insane Human Ego believes humans deserve. SOURCE ENERGY IS ETERNAL AND IS ALWAYS UNCONDITIONALLY LOVING, AS ARE WE THE ETERNAL SOULS CONNECTED TO IT, HOWEVER WE AS HUMAN SOULS APPEAR TO BE LIVING IN MORTAL BODIES ON PLANET EARTH AT THE EFFECT OF THE HUMAN EGO.

**Manchuria Bar** is a sophisticated, moody nightspot for cocktails, with Asian-themed decor and plush vintage sofas. Come along to meet new people and get to know the regulars. Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. New people are always welcome 😊 📍 **Location:** Level 1, 7-9 Waratah Place, Melbourne Vic 3000 This is the same alleyway as the entrance to Storyville. **❗ Manchuria** doesn't have any signage. Enter the doorway that leads up a flight of stairs (but isn't Storyville). Walk up 1 flight of stairs and you will see a door on your left. Open the door and you will see the bar 🤩 **How often do we have events? Weekly!** Join us at a different bar/pub each week to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. **Events are also on:** Meet New People, Make Real Friends MeetUp [https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/](https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/) Bartopia Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/) This week's venue: [https://www.manchuriabar.com/](https://www.manchuriabar.com/)

== A note on our cheap tickets == Yes we have discounted tickets, but they are limited. We have always tried to provide lower prices (and yes, these are normal return ticket) as many of our customers are students & foreigners. However if you want discounted tickets, they are on a first-come, first-served basis - so planning ahead really helps. === 100% REFUND GUARANTEE IF THERE IS NO SNOW! === If there is not enough snow on the mountain for skiing / snowboarding then we will cancel the trip and refund customers. We regularly watch the snow reports for snowfall reports. === Mount Buller snow season bus trip === Note: despite our name (New To Melbourne!) we get a lot of locals and non-foreigners - especially for this service (our snow transport). The Mount Buller snow field / resort is a must see during winter and is incredible for Instagram photos - but it’s for a very limited part of the year. === What’s included === This is a 1 day bus transfer to Mount Buller (with return back to Melbourne). We are travelling in a comfortable 57 seat coach (bus) with air-conditioning / heating. Included in your ticket is also the “gate entry” (which is normally $50 or so). We are probably the most affordable transport option to the snow (as we are with our other trips). It’s great for families, couples, kids and for all kinds of activities like: take photos (for instagram / facebook), tobogganing, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, build snowmen/snow figures, sightseeing or have a snow fight with friends. ► Return coach transport to (and from) Mount Buller ► We stop at snowboarding / ski equipment store (their staff can advise and fit you on the day if you want to ski/snowboard etc.) ► 10% discount on snowboarding/skiing equipment and clothes (exclusive to New To Melbourne!) ► Mount Buller resort Entry Fee / “Gate fee” (please note: lift pass not included) (Important: this is normally $50 for those that drive themselves but is included in the New To Melbourne ticket price). === BUY TICKETS HERE === [https://www.newtomelbourne.org/shorty/cspx74](https://www.newtomelbourne.org/shorty/cspx74) IMPORTANT: most of our bus services to Mount Buller sell out. Attendees must have purchased a ticket ahead of time in order to board in the morning. If you attend the pickup location looking to pay in cash, you will be turned away. === EQUIPMENT NOT INCLUDED === \- tickets do not include ski equipment\. \- Snow equipment hire prices are approx\. $100 for snowboard / skis \(and poles\)\, boots\, pants\, jacket and helmet\. However there’s plenty to do apart from snowboarding / skiing if you’re on a budget\. === BUS DEPARTURE === Bus departs from: Old Melbourne Gaol (377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000). Closest station is Melbourne Central Station (5 minutes walk away) From Melbourne: 5.30am From Mount Buller: 5.00pm (please confirm with your driver on the day) - be on time to ensure you do not miss the bus. Return to Melbourne: 9.00pm === Activities for families === Many families like to goto the taboggan park or arrange ski/snowboarding lessons for their kids. You can get a taboggan park pass at the equipment store we are visiting on the way. Just speak to the staff (at the equipment store) on the day. === Learn to Ski or Snowboard === If you don't know how to ski or snowboard, there are lessons that are available on the days that we visit. You can google and find these fairly quickly. Lessons are available for adults and children. ===== Early Start? ===== All pickups are an early start for Mount Buller - to ensure you get the most time on the slopes possible. How to get to the meeting location (in the morning): Transport options may be limited at this time in the morning, so: \- some people stay with a friend in the city\, a hostel \(overnight\) or an AirBnb \- then walk to the meeting location\. \- plan your journey in advance to make sure you can get to the meeting point \(comfortably\) prior to 5\.30am\. If you have trouble with public transport to the Melbourne departure point\. ===== New To Melbourne! Our background ===== We have been running transport services and tours since 2016. We are mainly a a group of expats, travellers, uni students and even locals (and natives born in other Australian cities / states. We organise cheap events and bus tours with a focus on making new friends, seeing amazing places and doing quality events and trips on a budget. All our events, bus trips, times, dates and ticket links can be found in the Event section (at the link below). All our upcoming events & sightseeing tours are posted here: [www.NewToMelbourne.org?scd=cspx74](www.NewToMelbourne.org?scd=cspx74) ===== important: Refund policy & related ===== \* Our bus transfers must leave on time to ensure that attendees arrive to their destination on time. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time. Traffic delays (road works, public transport issues) can result in you missing the bus. Please plan accordingly. \* No refunds will be given if you miss the bus, please ensure you allow time for unexpected travel delays (cancelled trains, closed roads etc) \* Refunds or date transfers made 14 days out from an event / tour date will incur a 50% cancellation fee. Refunds or date-transfers made 7 days out will incur a 100% cancellation fee. \* For refunds or date-transfer please use Eventbrite's Refund feature. \* Transfer/resell of tickets to another person are not permitted. \* There are occasionally road delays due to things like traffic / road conditions etc. Delays or changes made to the itinerary in these cases are not subject to refunds/ reimbursements. \* Ticket dates can be transferred once, we cannot provide additional date transfers. Once tickets are transferred to another date (or person) they cannot be refunded. \* Vehicle breakdown refund policy: Please see the slide-deck below for information on our breakdowns and our refund policy: [https://bit.ly/2Pa8xA7](https://bit.ly/2Pa8xA7) === Snow issues === \* Expect patchy mobile phone reception (calls & data) \* If you would like to stay at Mount Buller, please let the driver know - so the entire group is not waiting on you (in order to lead) or trying to call you. \* We suggest looking at the conditions for Mountain before renting equipment as conditions may not be ideal for snowboarding / skiing and there’s also a possibility of lift closure (e.g. due to extreme wind conditions) although it’s uncommon and they normally just close the higher lifts). === Customer testimonials === Our customers have a lot to say about our products. Click on the link below to find out what people think: [https://bit.ly/2YF5Tpr](https://bit.ly/2YF5Tpr) === Ticket Sell Outs === If you are buying close to the event date, please expect that tickets may not be available as our transport service almost always sellout due to a combination of our lower price and high seasonal demand. If tickets become available, we'll post to the event page that they're available. Unfortunately we cannot reserve tickets and we're unable to individually let people know when tickets come out - please keep an eye on the event page if you miss out. Transfer service only: Unlike other New To Melbourne tours, this service is a Mount Buller return transfer service only (with included stops) and not a tour. As such, there is not a tour guide - only a driver. === Ticket fee === Please note: Eventbrite adds a 6% (or so) “ticket processing fee” to our ticket price. === Safety & personal risk === Please also be aware that this is a transfer service only and that customers snow board, ski and visit Mount Buller at their own risk. Snow boarding and skiing can be dangerous sports and there are particular risks with cold weather / snow and these sports that you are responsible for researching & preparing prior to visiting. Please approach the snow season with safety as your first priority. === Group discount, Concessions and children’s passes === -Groups above 20 people, please contact us. -For children / concession prices: Our standard adult price is already below most of our competitors concession price, so prices cannot be further discounted. www.NewtoMelbourne.org

Come for a coffee and settle in for a meaningful conversation on the "Mountains of Life". We start our exploration using short selections from the Bahá’í teachings and other inspirational sources. The aim is to uplift, inspire and motivate; the conversation will benefit from all participants’ viewpoints. Community members of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs are invited to contribute to elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation and learning. As we grow together and learn from one another we hope to build new connections, bridges of unity and respect for all humanity.

Be prepared for an entirely different type of sci-fi movie! Unofficially, the second movie in director Lars von Trier's "Depression Trilogy," 2011 Melancholia depicts the events that occur before a rogue planet is about to collide with the earth. Considered by many to be a masterpiece, the film was included in BFI's 2022 Sight and Sound Poll of the greatest movies of all time. It is available at the library as well as on Kanopy.

🇺🇸 Red, White & BOOM: A Black Love Summer Social ❤️ Skip the downtown chaos and celebrate with great people instead! Join Black Love & Friends as we spend the evening together in the beautiful, historic King-Lincoln District, just steps from Mayme Moore Park, with an incredible view of the Red, White & BOOM fireworks. This isn't a formal event—it's a relaxed summer gathering. Come early or stop by later. Stay for an hour or stay all evening. We'll have our own private meetup space where you can kick back, meet new people, play a few games, enjoy light refreshments, and simply enjoy the holiday together. Throughout the evening we'll explore the King-Lincoln District, soak up the atmosphere, laugh, connect, and then settle in as the Columbus skyline lights up with one of the biggest fireworks shows of the year. ✨ What to expect: 🎆 Great views of the Red, White & BOOM fireworks 🏙️ Historic King-Lincoln District ⛺ Private Black Love & Friends meetup tent 🎲 Lawn games & conversation 🥤 Light refreshments 🤝 New friends & great vibes 📸 Perfect summer photo opportunities Event begins: 6:30 PM Fireworks begin later in the evening, so arrive whenever works for you. Feel free to come and go throughout the night. ⚠️ RSVP is required. Space at our tent is limited, so we'll only be able to accommodate those who register in advance. Bring a chair if you'd like, wear your favorite red, white, and blue, and come celebrate community, connection, and summer with Black Love & Friends. Good people. Great conversations. Amazing fireworks.

Let's meet for coffee and/or a late-day breakfast! 2pm - 5pm @ Bob Evans (443 Morrison Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230) \~ Fantastic .. and because this is the first meetup, I'm not gonna require RSVPs. I'll just post this on some social media sites, and we'll see who shows up. If you're late and it seems busy, you can look for me, Adam (in a bright royal blue and white golf shirt .. .. yes .. .. royal blue and white). If you have any questions, feel free to email me at adamchiocca@gmail dot com .. ok? Looking forward to it.