We would like to Welcome Alberto and Riko from Latin Dance NZ, to WBF World Bachata Festival in Melbourne.
Alberto Juárez Grifaldo (NEO)
Born in Cancun Mexico – 39 years old. Living in Auckland for the last 14 years. Started a dance career in 2014. A dedicated father of two young boys Carlos, Neo, and a baby girl Amarilis.
He has a passion for helping charities having assisted with the Ecuador Earthquake relief fundraiser and NPH Latin America Chiildrens’ charity with various performances to raise funds and awareness for these great causes.
Competed in the following;
Capezio kiwi classic in April 2014
1st place Amateur Salsa Couple
1st place Amateur Bachata Couple
3rd place Salsa Freestyle Advanced
New Zealand salsa open 25/November/ 2017
1st place Amateur Salsa Team
1st place Open Latin Teams
2nd place Professional Bachata Couple
2nd place Professional Salsa Couple
3rd place salsa Jack & Jill Men’s Pro
New Zealand Latin Dance Championship 2018
1st place Open Latin Teams
2nd place Professional Jack and Jill Men’s
3rd place Advanced Salsa Freestyle
New Zealand Latin Dance Championship 2022
1st place Open Salsa Freestyle
2nd place Open Bachata Freestyle
2nd place Open Salsa Jack and Jill
2nd place Open Bachata Jack and Jill
2nd place Professional Latin Couples
2nd place Professional Salsa Couples
2nd place Pro-Am Latin Couples
3rd place Open Latin Show Case Team
Riko Tokunaga Bio
Riko Tokunaga, Born in Japan. She joined the cheerleading team when she was 15 and spent 3 years on the team. Riko started her dancing career in 2019, she joined the Latin dance New Zealand team and started dancing with Alberto.
After the COVID pandemic, finally Riko competed with Alberto in 2022. She gave birth to her first daughter, Amarilis Ximena just 26 days before the competition. They competed in 5 different categories and took part in all of them.
Achievements
1st place Open Salsa Freestyle
2nd place Open Bachata Freestyle
2nd place Professional Latin Couples
2nd place Professional Salsa Couples
3rd place Open Latin Show Case Team