The Legacy of Salsa Madras:
A Decade of Rhythm and Reach (Since2014)
Since its establishment in 2014 in Chennai (India), Salsa Madras has carved a distinct and influential path in the global Afro-Latin dance community. Over the last decade, this distinguished dance company has not only pioneered new dance forms in India but has also built a worldwide reputation for excellence in instruction, event curation, and community building. This is a comprehensive look at the journey, achievements, and foundational philosophies that have defined Salsa Madras and its visionary founder, Arun Srinivasan Pauer.
The Founder: From Champion to Community Builder
The genesis and sustained success of Salsa Madras are inextricably linked to the vision and profound expertise of its founder, Arun Srinivasan Pauer (also known as Arun Bachatero). A Master's graduate in Life Science Research from the University of Edinburgh, Arun transitioned his academic rigor into a passionate career in dance. With nearly 16 years of experience, his journey from a celebrated competitor to an ecosystem builder laid the foundation for the institution's success.
Arun's personal competitive achievements provided Salsa Madras with immediate credibility. He distinguished himself as a two-time Asia Salsa Solo Champion (2013 & 2014) and made significant waves on the global stage. He was the first to represent India in the professional Salsa solo category at the World Salsa Summit in Miami (2014), where he was a semi-finalist, and secured the 6th position at the Hong Kong World Championship that same year. His competitive history also includes multiple national podium finishes in professional couple and solo categories between 2011 and 2015.
This consistent excellence meant that Salsa Madras was built upon the formidable reputation of its founder, attracting students and partners seeking instruction from a proven champion. The year 2014 marked a strategic and deliberate pivot in Arun's career. Despite winning the Asia Salsa Championship, he announced it would be his last professional competition. This decision, coinciding with the founding of Salsa Madras, signified a mature evolution from pursuing individual glory to the ambitious endeavor of building an organization that would create pathways for others.
The Salsa Madras Philosophy: Crafting Connected Dancers
The pedagogical approach at Salsa Madras is what truly sets it apart. The institution’s philosophy extends far beyond teaching steps; it aims for holistic dancer development, ensuring students are not just technically proficient but also capable of engaging meaningfully and joyfully in social dance environments.
A cornerstone of the curriculum is the emphasis on "connection, musicality, and social dancing." This focus aims to build real partnerships on the dance floor, preparing students for the dynamic and improvisational nature of social dancing. Arun’s personal teaching style, known for breaking down complex moves into understandable components with contagious enthusiasm, reflects this philosophy.
Furthermore, the practice of partner rotation in classes is a deliberate and crucial pedagogical choice. This method enables individuals to adapt to different partners, avoid developing "compensation habits" that can hinder growth, and accelerate learning through varied feedback. Beyond the technical benefits, partner rotation is integral to the company's mission, fostering a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where a strong, interconnected community is naturally formed.
This commitment extends to social responsibility. The curriculum actively addresses crucial aspects like dance etiquette and respect, especially in the context of close-quarters dancing. Direct discussions on personal hygiene and maintaining an open mind have demonstrably helped cultivate a healthy, safe, and respectful community of dancers, distinguishing Salsa Madras as a cultural leader shaping positive social norms.
Building a Legacy: The Mentorship Program
A cornerstone of Salsa Madras's enduring impact is its comprehensive Mentorship Program. This program was designed not just to create dancers, but to nurture future leaders, teachers, and entrepreneurs in the arts. Its success has been so profound that a majority of the dance schools and Afro-Latin instructors currently active in Chennai have been trained within this very program.
The influence of these alumni extends far beyond the classroom. Graduates of the mentorship program have gone on to establish their own successful schools, organize popular local events, launch full-scale dance festivals, and become respected DJs. This living legacy is not confined to Chennai; the knowledge and passion instilled by Salsa Madras are now being carried forward by its alumni in other major cities across India and in many other countries, solidifying the institution's role as a true incubator of talent for the global dance community.
Our Offerings: A Comprehensive Dance Ecosystem
Salsa Madras provides a complete suite of services designed to nurture dancers at every stage of their journey. The company specializes in three primary Afro-Latin dance styles: Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba, and is credited with being instrumental in introducing and popularizing the latter two across India.
The instructional programs are structured to mentor and guide a diverse range of learners, from absolute beginners to advanced dancers, ensuring personalized attention. The passionate instructors are recognized experts dedicated to helping students unlock their full potential. Recognizing the need to transcend geographical limitations, Salsa Madras has strategically embraced digital innovation, offering robust e-learning programs to connect with a global audience.
A Global Stage: Influence From Chennai to the World
Salsa Madras has established a remarkable global footprint, demonstrating a profound commitment to spreading Afro-Latin dance. The company has made its mark in over 25 countries, a journey of reciprocal cultural exchange that has actively enriched its teaching methods and expanded its cultural horizons.
Arun Pauer's personal engagements are even more extensive, having taught at more than 200 festivals worldwide and conducted specialized bootcamps across Asia and Europe. This vast international experience is continuously integrated back into the curriculum, offering students a sophisticated and culturally aware education.
A key element of this global strategy is the establishment of a dual-hub presence. While maintaining its strong, foundational base in Chennai, India, Salsa Madras expanded its regular operations to Graz, Austria, in 2022. This move established a significant foothold in the European market, allowing the company to bridge Eastern and Western dance scenes. This signifies a reversal of the traditional cultural flow, positioning Salsa Madras not merely as an adapter of global trends but as a recognized source of high-quality instruction and a key influencer on the international social dance landscape.
Cultivating Community: Festivals, Socials, and Shared Joy
Event curation is a pillar of the Salsa Madras strategy, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that keeps the community vibrant and engaged.
The flagship event is the Latin Festival Madras. Organized personally by Arun, it is celebrated as one of the longest-running festivals of its kind in India. Its growth has been remarkable; from an initial attendance of around 60 participants, its 10th edition in 2023 welcomed 250 dancers from over 30 countries, underscoring its significant international appeal and putting Chennai firmly on the global festival circuit.
Beyond this annual highlight, Salsa Madras fosters community through consistent local events. Regular socials like the "Madras Mambo Night" and "Mambo Sensual Night" are held in both Graz and Chennai, creating a welcoming space for dancers to practice and connect. Over the past decade, the Salsa Madras team has created an unparalleled social dancing scene. Arun has personally hosted an astounding record of over 1000 socials in Chennai, with the wider Salsa Madras team adding several hundred more, providing the continuous engagement necessary for fostering a powerful sense of belonging.
Our Reputation: A Decade of Trust
After ten years, Salsa Madras enjoys a strong and consistently positive public perception, a testament to its commitment to quality. This is reflected in the praise in media such as The New Indian Express, The Hindu, etc. which laud Arun as "one of the best and well-known instructors in the country (India)."
This robust reputation is built not only on technical excellence but on the emotional experience offered. Arun’s own philosophy—that the joy and connection shared on the dance floor are the true essence of dance—is deeply embedded in the company's culture. This intangible value proposition, the promise of a welcoming environment where lasting friendships are built, is what transforms the service into a deeply fulfilling experience and fosters organic growth through trust and positive word-of-mouth.