Puerto Rican Culture

**Saturday 25th April 2026 ANZAC DAY** **LATIN OBSESSION - BACHATA & SALSA + ZOUK & KIZ at The Space Dance & Arts Centre, 318 Chapel St. Prahran** Heat up your Saturday night at Latin Obsession, one of Melbourne's biggest and best Bachata & Salsa parties at the best venue in the dance scene! The night kicks off with dance classes with the Obsesión Latina team as well as regular guest instructors from Melbourne's premier schools. Don't worry if you're new to the dance floor - first-timers are more than welcome! For this special edition we will be running a second room for all the Zouk & Kiz dancers. Zouk & Kiz classes from 7pm for those who want to give it a go, followed by 100% non-stop Zouk & Kiz social. DANCE CLASSES: 7pm Salsa levels 1 & 2 main room, Kiz open level side room 8pm Bachata levels 1 & 2 main room, Zouk open level side room SOCIAL DANCING: 9pm to 12am Bachata & Salsa main room 9pm to 12am Zouk side room Our crowd is a great mix of beginners to Melbourne's dance elite from every school in Melbourne, tearing up the dance floor! We aim to bring festival vibes every event. With a crew of friendly staff, fun dance classes, only the best music, state-of-the-art venue, vibrant atmosphere, you're set for a great time! Come see for yourself why Latin Obsession is one of Melbourne's favourite socials! Save us a dance! If you like this format, all four dance styles under one roof, classes for each, two party rooms, then please tell all your favourite dancers about it! If we get enough dancers we'll run this format each event. ONLINE PRICES: Earlybird specials 1 or 2 classes & social $25 Early bird social $20 Limited availability! Group, Girls' Night, Date night, Birthday group, Full-time uni student discounts available! DOOR PRICES: 1 or 2 classes & social $30 Social $25 ($20 after 11:00pm) Uni students need to show valid ID to claim discount https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1986250052375?aff=oddtdtcreator

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S Calling all introverts! Meet other introverts in Melbourne and make new friends in a safe environment with board games to help break the ice! Feel free but not obliged to socialise! ALL WELCOME!

## 🇯🇵 Progressi部: Japanese-English Language & Culture Exchange 🇦🇺 **"Serious Study, Authentic Community" — 本気で学び、本気で交流する。** Join us for our weekly exchange designed for those dedicated to practicing Japanese and English. This is a space to improve your language skills, share cultural insights, and make new, like-minded friends in a respectful environment. ### 🎯 Who This Group Is For We welcome individuals who are here to **actively practice their Japanese or English**. Whether you are looking for a study partner or want to learn more about culture, this is a community for focused and meaningful interaction. **✅ 受付方法 / Event Check-in (Strictly Required)** 到着の際、必ず主催者に以下の提示をお願いします / Upon arrival, please present the following to the organizer: * **Meetupの参加申し込み（RSVP）画面をご提示ください。** / Show your Meetup RSVP confirmation screen. * **予約なし（No RSVP）での参加はお断りしております。** / No walk-ins permitted without a confirmed RSVP. * **Participation Fee: $3 CASH** Non-Japanese citizens. ### 🚫 Conduct & Safety Policy To ensure a high-quality experience for all members, we maintain a strict standard of behavior: * **Immediate Ban:** Any individual found guilty of misconduct or creating "trouble" will be banned from the group immediately.**.** * **Organizer Authority:** The Organizer reserves the right to remove any member at their sole discretion to maintain the safety and integrity of the community. * **Respectful Interaction:** All members are expected to be polite and mindful of others. Do not make fellow participants feel uncomfortable or pressured. * **Privacy:** Please respect the personal boundaries of others. Do not pressure members for private contact information. **If any member makes you feel uncomfortable, please report it immediately to the organizers: Shin, David, or Ray.** *** ### 📝 Event Details * **Time:** Saturday, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM * **Arrival:** Please arrive **10–15 minutes early** due to limited seating. * **Entry Fee:** **$3 CASH** (Non-Japanese citizens). This contribution covers monthly meetup hosting fees. * **Photography:** Photos will be taken during the event for our community archives. ### 🇯🇵 日本語でのご案内 メルボルン市内のカフェで、本気で学べる日英言語文化交流会を主催しています。 * **目的:** 日本語・英語の練習、そして同じ目標を持つ友人作りを目的としています。 * **参加費:** 日本国籍以外の方は $3ドル（現金のみ）。 * **ルール:** 迷惑行為やトラブルを起こす方の参加は一切禁止です。主催者の判断により、即座に退会・出入り禁止の措置を取らせていただきます。 * 困ったことがあれば、すぐにオーガナイザー（Shin, David, Ray）までお知らせください。 ### 🔗 Connect With Us * **Facebook:** [facebook.com/groups/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.facebook.com/groups/progressibu) * **X (Twitter):** [twitter.com/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://twitter.com/progressibu)

SKA & ROCKSTEADY REVIVAL is looking to bring back the sounds of young Jamaica, the music that gave life to Reggae and Dancehall. SKA & ROCK SKA & ROCKSTEADY REVIVAL is looking to bring back the sounds of young Jamaica, the music that gave life to Reggae and Dancehall. SKA & ROCKSTEADY REVIVAL will feature the sounds of young Jamaica, going back to the days when the music was fun and talent was in abondance. The 2 to 8 supermix will feature Fabulous Fez, Stryka D, Stick Mareebo and Zare Demus . Bring the kids for a taste of old school Jamaican music and dance. Looking forward to seeing you there on the day.

Ready to add some rhythm to your week? Join us for a **FREE Salsa class** right in the heart of Melbourne! No partner or experience needed — just bring your energy, and we’ll handle the rest. You’ll learn the basic steps, meet amazing people, and have a ton of fun while moving to Latin beats. ✨ **What to expect:** * Easy, step-by-step instruction — perfect for first-timers * A fun and welcoming community * Great music, great vibes, and maybe a new obsession! 📍 **Location:** 600 Little Collins St, Melbourne CBD (The Salsa Foundation Studio) 🕕 **When:** Multiple sessions weekly — book your spot now! 🎟️ **Cost:** 100% Free — bookings are essential due to limited space

* Have fun and meet friendly people at our regular contra dances! Every second Saturday evening (except March, June, Nov) and fourth Sunday evening (except Dec) of each month in 2026, often with live music. Contra dance has some similarities to bush dance and square dance. It is very popular in the USA, Canada and London. The dances consist of interesting patterns, walked to upbeat music. For a good description, look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance. A good example can be viewed at [http //dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163](http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/163-heartbeat-contra) * All dances are called. Singles and couples are all very welcome. The cost is $12 ($6 for students). If no live music, then the cost is $8 ($4 for students). Cash or PayID is preferred. * No experience needed. If first time, please attend for free instruction before the dance from 7.15 – 7.45 pm. * **Uniting Church Hall, 72 Highfield Rd, Canterbury** * You might also like to eat beforehand at Bao & Bun Vietnamese restaurant 770 Riversdale Rd at about 6 pm. Just roll up.

Join us for a discussion of two provocative and polarizing films by Harmony Korine: Gummo and Spring Breakers. Rather than watching the films together, this meetup is dedicated entirely to conversation—an open space to unpack Korine’s unique cinematic language, his fractured portrayal of American youth, and the uneasy line between beauty and decay that runs through his work. We’ll explore Gummo as a collage of post-tornado suburbia, where narrative dissolves into atmosphere and the grotesque becomes strangely intimate. Then we’ll turn to Spring Breakers, a hypnotic, neon-soaked fever dream that both seduces and critiques the mythology of pleasure, excess, and escape. Topics may include: • Non-linear storytelling and anti-narrative structure • The aesthetics of trash, surrealism, and documentary realism • Youth culture, alienation, and moral ambiguity • Repetition, sound, and image as emotional rhythm • Korine’s relationship to American myth-making Whether you admire, resist, or feel conflicted about these films, this is a space for thoughtful and critical dialogue. No prior expertise required—just bring your impressions, questions, and curiosity.

A great atmosphere to meet new people and have some fun… Our dance instructors are awesome and you get to dance with everyone after the classes to the Live band. Become an appealing dancer with some of the most respected Dance Instructors in Melbourne. At Melbourne Salsa we teach you how to be a great social dancer, to give you more scope on the social floor. *** BACHATA BEGINNER LEVEL 7:00PM (Suggested duration 3–6 months) This class breaks down the rhythm and timing, basic footwork variations and leading/following fundamentals, with basic turn patterns at a slow pace. No experience required. *** BACHATA INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 7:00PM (Suggested duration 12 months) This level expands on intricate and lengthy routines at a faster pace. Requirement: For those who have danced for at least 6 months in Beginner level 1, dance in time and can pick up complicated new moves with ease. *** SALSA BEGINNER LEVEL 8:00PM (Suggested duration 3 months) This class breaks down the rhythm and timing, basic footwork variations and leading/following fundamentals, with basic turn patterns at a slow pace. No experience required. *** SALSA BEGINNER LEVEL 2 8:00PM (Suggested duration 3- 6 months) This level is not for first time Salsa students, to enter this level you must have previously completed at least 4-6 lessons in Salsa. With an emphasis on timing and more leading and following techniques, this is a faster-paced class with weekly easy to learn moves. Requirement: First Timer level or understanding of Basic footwork, timing & turn patterns. \*\*\* SALSA INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 8:00PM (Suggested duration 12 months) This level expands on intricate and lengthy routines at a faster pace. Requirement: For those who have danced for at least 6 months in Beginner level 1, dance in time and can pick up complicated new moves with ease. *** SOCIAL DANCING: Featuring a LIVE LATIN 10 piece band and DJ’s from 9.00 pm. FEES: ***ALL FOR ONLY $35*** (CASH ONLY or EFT) Whether you choose one class or 2 classes its $35 flat rate including the LIVE BAND social from 9pm. MS Dance cards cannot be used at The Night Cat. $30 entry General entry (no classes) from 8.30pm only *** DETAILS: • Our classes are structured so that you can start at any time throughout the year and you can come & go as you please. • No partner or bookings required. • The dress code is smart/casual. • Ideal footwear for ladies- a medium to high heel. • Ideal footwear for men – leather or hard rubber sole shoe. • Class is subject to change without notice. For more details call Melbourne Salsa on 95312023 or email info@melbournesalsa.com.au The Night Cat, 141 Johnston Street, Fitzroy.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

**💥 Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **💥 At Columbus’ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm – 1 am **.** **💥 Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **💥 Free Parking!** **💥 BYOB!** **💥 Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthony’s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **🟣** 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm **𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻** **.** **🟣** 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm **𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Class!** **.** **🟣** 9:30 pm – 1 am **𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆!** **.** **✅ Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **✅ No Experience Necessary!** **✅ No Partner Required!** **✅ Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **✅ $15 Cash / $16 Card** **✅ College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **✅ BYOB** **✅ Age 18+** **.** **✅ Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place for…** **.** **👉 Learning to Dance** **👉** Social Dancing **👉 Birthday Celebration** **👉** Bachelorette Parties **👉 Girl’s Night Out** **👉 Date Night** **👉** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **👉 Meeting New People** **👉** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** ✅ **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/) Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

**Pagans on the Patio! Summer/Fall Series** A casual gathering the first Thursday of each month. Time to relax, meet new people, and reconnect with old friends. There is no charge for the event itself and all are welcome but there are a few guidelines: 1. **You are expected to purchase food and/or drink to compensate the Cantina and our server.** 2. **No soliciting. Do not bring samples of your wares or brochures of your services.** 3. **Please respect the spiritual and political views of others that are present. No disruption of the peace.** In case of inclement weather, we will find seating indoors. I hope to see you there. Blessed be! \~ Cynthia ❤️---