The Story of Latin Twist: From Shiro Mumbai to AntiSOCIAL (2007–Today)

How Latin Twist grew from Salsa Nights at Shiro Mumbai in 2007 into Mumbai's most loved Latin dance community — the story behind Mary Lobo's 18-year journey with Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba.

How it began

Mary's own dance journey started in 2007, and it didn't take long before she was organizing Latin Nights every week across Mumbai — sharing what she loved with anyone curious enough to show up. What began as one weekly night grew, slowly and organically, into a full community.

Salsa Nights at Shiro Mumbai

For over half a decade, Salsa Nights at Shiro Mumbai were the heartbeat of the city's Latin dance scene — a regular gathering where beginners and experienced dancers shared the same floor, the same music, and the same energy.

Fun Republic Social, Andheri

As the community grew, so did the venues. Fun Republic Social in Andheri became the next home for Latin Twist's socials, carrying that same spirit forward for the dancers who'd been there from the beginning, and the new faces discovering Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba for the first time.

The Mirage Year, Santacruz

For a significant chapter of the Latin Twist journey, Mirage in Santacruz became home to our Wednesday Latin socials — bringing dancers together week after week for workshops and nights of Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba.

Like many venues that have been part of the Latin Twist story over the years, the venue eventually changed, but the community and the dancing continued.

Where we are today

That same energy continues today through Latin Twist socials, classes, workshops and special events across Mumbai — from intimate community nights to larger events at venues such as Drunch Club, Belmarose and antiSOCIAL.

Nearly two decades in, the venues have changed and the format has evolved, but the heart of Latin Twist remains the same: real people, real music, and a dance floor where everyone is welcome — including first-timers.

The locations may change. The community keeps dancing.

A dancer, not just an instructor

Along the way, Mary has taken her love of Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba far beyond Mumbai — dancing and performing across Angola, Puerto Rico, Miami, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Brussels, New York, the UAE, UK, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Spain, Russia, and more. Every festival, every city, every dance floor has fed back into what she teaches at home in Mumbai.

Why it's called Latin Twist

If there's one belief that sums up nearly two decades of this: "Once you desire to dance, start dancing." No perfect technique required first, no waiting for the right moment — just the first step.

Join the story

Whether you danced with us at Shiro back in the day, found us at Fun Republic, or you're discovering Latin Twist for the very first time at Mirage or AntiSOCIAL — you're part of the same community that started with one person who just wanted to dance.

— Mary Lobo, Founder, Organiser & Trainer