Get your dancing shoes ready for a jam-packed weekend chocka with dance classes, workshops, partying and more at the sixth annual International Melbourne Latin Festival.

There are plenty of delightful activities to choose from and having your Melbourne Airport car rentals organised means it will be no drama for you to whisk your way from one location to the next.

The overarching theme of this year’s festival is super heroes and villains, so bear this in mind when you are packing for your journey.

Launch party

The event will kick start at the Trust Bar and Restaurant down Flinders Lane with a party – how else?

Dress up as your favourite super hero or villain and prepare to dance the night away. It costs $20 per person with all profits donated to the Leukaemia Foundation.

Learn to Latin dance

Whether you are just starting your foray into the world of salsa, flamenco, tango and bachata or are a seasoned pro, there are plenty of workshops on offer where you can add to your skill base.

They are suitable for all levels, so there is no reason to miss out. These are taught by professional Latin dance instructors who have come from all over the country and the world to provide top quality lessons.

Hone your skills

If you are already feeling confident on the dance floor, you can join in the fun that’s being had in the party rooms.

On the first day of the three-day long festival – Friday April 4 – you can choose to dance in the Tango/Milonga room or in the Salsa/Bachata/Zouk room.

Saturday is the big party night and all three rooms will be open and you can choose your favourite type of dance.

There will be a Brazilian theme party on Sunday and you are advised to wear white if you are attending, but if that’s not your cup of tea, there will be a night party in operation from 8 p.m until 1​ a.m.

Performances

If you’d rather watch, keep an eye out for the many performances from the best Latin dance artists gracing our shores. There will be performers from Italy, Colombia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, the USA and a few more.

Music

The festival will also offer a treat for your ears, with plenty of DJS and bands organised.

One of the highlights will take place on Saturday April 6. This is the Quarter Street Orquesta. A salsa band that draws its influence from the likes of Ray Barreto, Hector Lavoe and Eddie Palmieri, this group will remind you of the vibrancy of 1970s New York.

This is a dynamic live band and you are guaranteed to enjoy their rhythm section as well as all-trombone horn section. They are creating a splash in Melbourne’s music scene, and this performance will show you why.

Most events will take place at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment complex, so you’ll want to make sure you have a Melbourne car rental to get you from your accommodation to the location.