Richard Natividad, originally from The Philippines, has been teaching and dancing for LDA since March 1999 and is one of LDA's most influential and well-known instructors and is one of the core members of the LDA international dance team.

Richard is a graduate from the University of Western Sydney with a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Computing and works full-time as a System Developer for Transition Technologies Pty Ltd.

Richard was an accomplished singer before leaving this love behind for his greatest passion - Latin Dance. With LDA as an instructor since the very first class (the Swing Brazil days!), and one of the original members of the LDA performance team, Richard's loyalty and commitment is unparalleled. Richard is also an excellent performer and choreographer in LDA's Latin/Brazilian shows.

Richard's dance background began with jazz and hip-hop when he was just a teen. Now his repertoire has expanded to include many forms of Latin dance such as Salsa, Casino (Rueda), Shines, Merengue, Cha-cha, Samba (Axe) and Lambada (Zouk).

Those in Sydney's Latin scene know him as the man at the forefront of the latest crazes sweeping Sydney called ‘Shines’. Richard's work with the Shines phenomenon has enriched and improved Sydney's burgeoning Latin scene. Richard's recognition is well deserved!

Richard, the 'Shines Man', is instructing regular ‘Shines’ workshops and is constantly searching for and adding the latest Shines steps from all over the world.

Partnered with former LDA dancer (Sheila Banguis), Richard was a finalist in the 2000 Sydney Bacardi Festival and Runner up in several other Salsa competitions. He was a finalist again in the 2001 'World IDO Salsa and Mambo Championship Competition', competing against Australia's best.
In 2002, they won the Marconi Salsa competition.

Also with Sheila, Richard has performed for many Filipino functions, charities and events, including:

Martin Nievera's Concert in Sydney
Vina Morales' Concert in Sydney
Randy Santiago's Concert in Sydney

Partnered with fellow LDA dancer Yvonne Goldsmith, they were finalists in the Brisbane Salsa Festival 2003, and the Havana Cola Salsa competition 2003.


Choreographer of the 2001 – Shines choreography
 Co-choreographer of the 2001 – Salsa Advanced choreography
 Best Male Instructor 2001 voted by the students
 Co-choreographer of the 2002 – Shines choreography
 Co-choreographer of the 2002 – Salsa Intermediate choreography
 Best Male All-round performer 2002
 Co-choreographer of the 2003 – Salsa Intermediate choreography
 Co-choreographer of the 2003 – Salsa Intermediate /Advanced choreography

Back in 1999, Richard travelled to Brazil to learn from the masters of Samba, Lambada (Zouk) and Pagode.

In 2001, Richard travelled to L.A, Miami, New York, Barcelona, Rome, London and Paris, to enrich his knowledge of Salsa, Shines and Rueda.

In May 2003, Richard was part of the LDA international team representing Latin Dance Australia at the 5th Annual West Cost Salsa Congress.

To expand his experience and knowledge of dance, Richard now regularly travels overseas to bring back the latest moves and dance styles from around the world.

Richard has earned his nickname of “Mr Shines” and is an INVALUABLE member of the LDA team. His constant work towards the latest style and shines has been influential in elevating the standard of Latin dance in Sydney. LDA is truly grateful for his unsurpassed talent, loyalty and dedication.