Dharshana Ratnayake

Dharshana Ratnayake (SRL)

Team Latinssimo 2011

"Dharsh" came to New Zealand at the age of 15 from Kandy, Sri Lanka where he was born and raised. He is a Scorpio and has been dancing Salsa and Zouk since 2009.

Like most of us, Dharsh was introduced to Latin dancing when a friend asked him to come along for a class. Today, Dharsh is a New Zealand Salsa Champion with Latinissimo's A-Team who recently took out 1st Place at the New Zealand Salsa Championships Team category.

Although Dharsh's first encounter with Latin dancing was Salsa, he quickly discoved Zouk-Lambada which has become a true passion for him as well. He has performed in both Salsa and Zouk at various events around New Zealand.

How has your experience been with Team Latinissimo?

"Excellent - great dance technique, learned that discipline is required to put on a great performance!"

"I want to be the best performer/dancer I can be!"

Dharsh works as an engineer in the day time and occasionally teaches Zouk classes at night. Something you many not know about Dharsh is that a few years ago he built a robotic arm that can pick strawberries, plus he has a New Zealand light weight Taekwondo title!