About Us
Since its establishment in 2004, SMU Caderas Latinas has been recognized as SMU’s premier salsa performance team. Considered the forerunner amongst other Tertiary salsa teams, the club is known for its adrenaline-pumping and show-stopping performances!
Freshies can look forward to becoming part of a committed team, gaining a variety of dance skills such as body awareness, muscle isolation, and musicality, while participating in multiple performances. New dancers will learn how to freestyle in salsa as an individual (known as "shines") and with a partner (known as "social dancing").
Competitive opportunities include both Singapore and abroad, as enumerated in our awards list. At the end of four years, members will have gained a wealth of experiences in performance, production, and individual expression - and most importantly, a family!
Key Events
- Annual flagship production - BAILAMOS
A large-scale production showcasing some of the best dance performances that local salsa teams have to offer, interwoven with a gripping storyline. - Una Noche Solamente
Our club’s largest social dance event that is open to SMU students and the public. A themed night of revelry, it’s a great opportunity to interact with fun-loving dancers from all around Singapore! - Performances
There are various opportunities for our members to perform every year, from commissioned external gigs like Chingay to internal school showcases, like Vivace, Patron's Day and Glam Night of Arts Camp. Every member gets sufficient opportunities to perform in our club! - Workshops
Caderas 101 workshops are hosted every year near the start of the school year, to share with SMU students what salsa dancing is and encourage them to try something new! - Competitions
Our members can look forward to local and international competitions for solo, pair and team categories!
Our People in Action
Club Sessions
IN-SCHOOL TRAINING
| Day | Thursdays | Saturdays |
| Time | 7:30 pm to 10:45 pm | 10:00 am to 12:45 pm |
| Venue | Gym Studio | |
PERFORMANCE TRAINING (DURING PEAK PERIOD)
| Day | Monday |
| Time | 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm |
| Venue | Level 7 Studio |
How To Join
Yes, we hold auditions that uniquely includes partnerwork and individual dancing in a short and simple choreograph! - Keep a lookout for them in August/September! We welcome anyone from any background :)
FAQ
Our resident choreographers, KC & Grace, are seasoned and esteemed Salsa dancers who are part of the generation that kickstarted Singapore's Salsa scene.
Not at all! Most of our dancers started only dancing when they joined our club. We make it a point of pride that we accept anyone who shows dedication, passion, and team spirit!
Yes! We’re a passionate team that holds ourselves to a gold standard for every piece we perform, so dedication and hours in training is a must. However, as many of our current members will attest, this can be comfortably balanced with academics - it’s a matter of prioritisation and planning. After all, university is your last chance to try a new CCA - so don’t spend it just mugging!
We dance New York style salsa (on 2), an expressive partnerwork dance that is known for its flow and fluidity. As a performance team, we further specialise in high-flying tricks, which is a favourite for many members because of how exciting and exhilarating the execution is!
Various! From the team, you’ll learn teamwork, leadership, and gain lifelong friends. Individually - confidence, theatricality, attention to detail. As a partnerwork dance, the ability to dance with anyone who can catch a beat anywhere in the world!
Achievements
2025
1. SMU Student Life Awards - SMU Excellence in Student Life Award (Club) - Silver
2. SMU Excellence in Student Life Award (Member: Maria Sergeeva) - Gold
3. SMU Excellence in Student Life Award (Member: Darren Ang Wei-Cheng) - Bronze
4. SMU Excellence in Student Life Award (Member: Denzel Loy Xiu Kai) - Bronze
2026
1. Chingay 2026 - Best Audience Engagement Award (<100pax contingent)
2. SMU Student Life Awards - SMU Excellence in Student Life Award (Member: Isabelle Lim Xin Yi) - Bronze