Meet Jacki Valk

Your Private Salsa Instructor on the Sunshine Coast

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Learn more about Start With Dance & Jacki Valk

Dance has been a lifelong passion for Jacki, who has spent years travelling the world dancing, competing, performing, and judging in Salsa and Bachata. Her journey has taken her from local stages to international events, and today she brings that experience and passion to her students across the Sunshine Coast, offering private, personalised dance lessons that are fun, inspiring and confidence-building.

Jacki has been teaching dance since 2005, sharing her knowledge with people from all walks of life. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she has developed a unique approach that blends technique, mindset and body awareness. Her goal is to help every student, from complete beginners to experienced dancers, discover what teaching style and learning pace works best for them.

Trained by World Champions Oliver Pineda and Luda Kroitor, and having performed and competed with Australia’s best, including Daniel Paredes and World Number 2 Rodrigo Guzman, Jacki brings world-class expertise to every lesson. Her accomplishments include placing 3rd in the Australian Salsa Championships , 1st in the NSW Social Salsa Championship, and 2nd — a highlight that reflects her dedication, discipline and artistry.

Through Start With Dance, Jacki offers private Salsa, Bachata and Cha Cha lessons across the Sunshine Coast, coming directly to clients’ homes or chosen venues. Each session is designed to be approachable, energising and tailored to the individual, helping students feel comfortable, confident and connected to the music.

Here are some videos of her performing, competing, training and dancing socially, enjoy...

Salsa

Sydney, Australia

Salsa

Sydney, Australia

Salsa

Los Angeles, USA

Salsa

San Diego, USA

Salsa

Sydney, Australia

Tango

Las Vegas, USA

Social Dancing

Los Angeles, USA

Social Dancing

Sunshine Coast, Australia

Salsa Group Competition

Los Angeles, USA

The journey to the competition

Sydney, Australia

Salsa Practice

Sydney, Australia

Salsa Practice

Los Angeles, USA

Salsa

Sydney, Australia

Salsa

Sydney, Australia

Cha Cha

Sydney, Australia

Why start with dance?

Every transformation begins with a single step.

When you start with dance, you start with confidence, joy and connection.

- Private Salsa, Bachata & Cha Cha lessons on the Sunshine Coast

- Learn from an internationally trained instructor with 19+ years’ experience

- Lessons available in your own home or venue of choice

- Perfect for singles, couples and small groups

- Wedding dance choreography available

- Build rhythm, coordination and self-expression

- Supportive, encouraging and personalised teaching style

STILL NOT SURE?

Frequently Asked Questions

Private Salsa Lessons on Sunshine Coast

Do you travel to my home?

Yes! Salsa To You brings the dance floor to you. All you need is a 2.5m x 2.5m space in your living space or patio area and you can start to learn how to dance.

Can you help with our wedding first dance?

Of course! We’ll choreograph something natural, elegant and perfectly you, no cheesy lifts or awkward twirls (unless requested). We can even help with music selection and timing so your big moment feels effortless. We have taught wedding dances to famous sports team members and large corporate CEO's.

I’ve never danced before — is that okay?

Absolutely. Most of our students are complete beginners. You’ll start with simple footwork, connection, and rhythm — and we promise you’ll feel more confident by the end of your first lesson.

Can I learn solo?

Of course. Private lessons are a great way to build confidence before joining group classes or socials. We’ll adjust patterns and techniques for solo practice so you still get the full benefit.

How much does it cost?

Pricing is displayed on our booking calendar and depends on location and duration. Packages are available for consistent progress. No contracts, just flexibility.

What areas do you service?

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If I'm out of the area, can I still book?

We cover the Pelican Waters and Golden Beach area.

If you're outside of these areas and would like a private at-home lesson, there will be a distance charge on top of the classes. The additional cost is minimal, but helps to cover our costs.

How do I book?

Simply head to the Book a Private Session section on this site or the button below, choose your time, and we’ll confirm by text. Prefer to chat first? Call or message us, we’re happy to help.

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