Regan "Dj Tumbao" Christmas

Born into a family of dancers; artists and musicians, Regan found his love for music; performing and dancing at a tender age. His folks used to take him to family matinee events in nightclubs from the age of four years young. Every time they went out dancing, he was intrigued by the ability the dj had to transform a lifeless venue into a happy space where people could laugh; dance and love been together. At age thirteen, he joined his school’s marching band, and quickly realized his musical talent, as he fell in love with percussion and horn instruments, playing and teaching. He also added to his foundations in choreography and showmanship.

MUSIC
Through years of listening to an eclectic mix of music including Funk; soul; jazz; rock and disco, Regan tried his hand at Dj’ing and music production playing at house parties and family events. Fresh out of high school, Regan started playing various forms of house music at some of his favorite nightclubs. He uses the mixing skills acquired in the 90’s to bring energy to dance floors today when he mixes his favorite Salsa; Kizomba and other tracks. Regan “Tumbao” Christmas is a well-known Dj in the Latin scene as well as in European and African countries. His Dj name, Tumbao (pronounced: Thoem-bow), refers to the basic rhythms of Afro-Latin music, rhythms that have become the heartbeat of Regan’s life as a full-time dj and Latin music and dance instructor.

DANCE
Regan played sports throughout school, but his applicable movement training started quite late in life. He trained in martial arts for five years, and he taught junior karate to children affected by ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). He currently still practices martial arts. In 2003 he moved to Cape Town and started working for an international Ballroom/Latin dance school as a teacher. From 2005 he first learned Salsa locally, and then continued his training in Europe. On his return back to South Africa in 2007, he opened his own dance school called The Salsa Studio.

The name of the school has since changed to Paradiso Academy, and Regan still carries his optimism; passion; and his ongoing mission towards artistry and mastery to this day and into the future.