Meet Michael Yang – better known on the dance floor as Latino Chino and a familiar face in the Friday Club. Insider circle. By day, he’s an entertainment lawyer; by night, a passionate Salsa and Bachata dancer turned Latin event organiser. For him, social dancing goes far beyond fun – it’s a global language that’s enabled him to build friendships across the world.
We caught up with Latino Chino to talk all things Latin music, his mission to reignite Hong Kong’s Latin dancing scene, and how he believes a little conga rhythm here and a close-embrace connection there could help our Fragrant Harbour find its groove again – even in the face of financial stress.
What was Hong Kong’s Latin dance scene like before the pandemic?
Not long ago, Hong Kong stood at the forefront of Latin dance in Asia. The city regularly hosted major international gatherings that attracted thousands of dancers from across the globe. Each year, the Wan Chai Convention Centre came alive with competitions, live music, workshops, and legendary Salsa nights.
But over the past decade – especially during the pandemic – the scene has steadily declined. Today, the community is fractured by division. Rather than uniting around a shared love of dance, some instructors, schools, and promoters have become territorial, even forbidding their students from attending events led by others. It’s heartbreaking to witness such a once-thriving culture grow so insular and strained.
That’s why I created Latino Chino: to offer a neutral, inclusive space for everyone. We’re not aligned with any single school, teacher, or style. If you’ve been dancing for years or are simply drawn to the rhythm of Latin music, you belong here. At its core, this is about joy – about connection, movement, and celebrating a culture that transcends borders.
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What do you hope to achieve by hosting high-quality Latin parties?
The pandemic has left a deep mark on Hong Kong’s nightlife, with countless bars and clubs shuttering for good. This shift concerns me – not just because it changes the city’s rhythm, but because it limits opportunities for young people to socialise and form genuine connections, including romantic ones. So much of my own social world has been shaped by dance floors: places where strangers meet, move together, and build community in a warm, welcoming environment.
Those shared moments – laughing between songs, learning a new step, or simply sharing the energy of a great track – have been some of the most meaningful in my life. Yet today, as more people retreat behind literal and emotional masks, I fear we’re losing the subtle art of real-world connection.
This goes beyond entertainment or evening outings – it’s about safeguarding the kinds of spaces where people, especially younger generations, can rediscover the joy of face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital and isolated world. Over the years, I’ve watched countless couples meet through dance, fall in love, and build lives together. Stories like that once felt commonplace; now, they’re as rare as stumbling upon a lively Latin night in today’s Hong Kong.
What makes your events different?
I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with the professional and welcoming team at The Trilogy – a dynamic rooftop bar, elegant speakeasy, and stylish nightclub all in one Central location. Our events always showcase top-tier DJs, live performances by talented musicians, complimentary drinks, and exciting giveaways. I also host gatherings in other upscale venues, such as cigar lounges – anywhere that enhances the Latin atmosphere.
My aim is to reawaken the spirit of Latin dance in Hong Kong and reconnect people with the joy and passion that first drew them to it. So if you love great music, warm energy, and genuine company – come dance with us!
Follow Latino Chino on Instagram to stay up-to-date on their latest events.
Friday Club. is where every day feels like Friday. We spark conversations that are both trendy and thought-provoking, exploring topics that truly matter while staying true to ourselves. We’re all about honesty, tackling tough subjects head-on, yet we never forget to embrace the fun life has to offer.
