Phil Kaila
I was born in Zambia, Africa. I came to England in 1975 where I attended Chelsea College in Eastbourne, moving to Sussex University in Brighton in 1977 and then to Preston in 1979/80.
l attended both Lancaster and Manchester Universities to continue my education, holding a Master’s in Business Administration, MBA at Bolton Business School and a Master’s degree in Psychology along with qualifications in Social Services which I followed as a career for 17 years.
I have been an avid participant in many local events and activities, playing golf at Ingol Golf Club and representing the country on two occasions with a single handicap up to 3. I was placed the top amateur in 1984 in Lancashire and ran the Ingol Golf Club Shop for 3 years, assistant pro to Mark Cartwright and Bob Cameron. I was nicknamed ‘The Man’ and other players used to say ‘can’t beat the man’.
My career and interests have been varied. I became a black belt 1st Dan in Shotokan Karate, a qualified Social Worker and Property Developer. I used my knowledge in property to organise homes for ex-offenders and the homeless.
Now a qualified Salsa Instructor, I am an Associate of the United Kingdom Alliance (UKA) since 2005, and in 2007 became a Licentiate of UKA and am qualified to instruct other teachers. I run classes 4 days a week teaching Salsa to local groups.
Notes taken from www.salsanorthwest.co.uk
I am a multifaceted dancer, originally trained in Ballroom, Jive, Swing and Jazz. With my origins planted deeply in Zambia and South Africa, African based dance adds an extra dimension to my dancing. I became passionate about Salsa over 20 years ago, and for the last 17 years I have been inspiring other teachers worldwide. I have a huge following in the North of the UK, tailoring my classes to suit all abilities and ensuring that I really engage with my students.
On the dance floor I like to add some spice and African flavour and take musicality to new heights. If you are a seasoned pro or beginner I will help you to feel fantastic whilst dancing with me and you are sure to have fun.
I am known for being a keen competitor and many of my performances can be seen on Youtube. It all stepped up a gear in Miami where, with my dance partner Leah Pritchard I became a finalist in the World Salsa Federation Championships in 2006. Following Miami we built an impressive track record in the competitive world arena, becoming European champions in both Salsa and Bachata in Latvia in 2007 and currently hold the IDO World Champion Salsa Shine title which we gained in 2008 in Austria along with many other Championship achievements.
With various dance partners I competed in numerous IDO Northwest, Midlands, National, European and World Championships not only in the Salsa category but also in Merengue and Bachata.
After winning the World Championships I went on to qualify as a Judge of Latino dances with the British dance Council and I now hold the licence to host official British Championships in Salsa and Bachata dancing.
In 2021 I successfully completed a Fellowship Club Dance Diploma with the United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing.
Working with communities and charity
Together with support from Salsa Northwest dancers and friends, I formed a CIC in 2015 to support the education of underprivileged children at Jack and Jill School in Choma, Zambia. The group invites people in the UK to offer sponsorship to children who would otherwise not receive education. We currently have 34 UK sponsors. Sponsorship funds enable the children to receive full-time education at Primary school level, a full school uniform with strong shoes and writing books and pencils on an annual basis. Many of the children we fund are orphans in the area and have suffered the loss of one or both parents through Aids and HIV related illnesses. We are always looking for funds and support. If you would like to know more please contact info@jackandjillsupporters.co.uk
I also chair Community Help Africa/Uk – a CIC that helps groups both in the UK and in Africa in skills exchange. This has enabled me to continue working with homeless people. I am involved in events for Preston City Council, Lancashire schools, Prisons and a variety of community organisations where I teach Salsa and entertain groups with African drumming and discussion, having involvement with many groups during Black History month to raise awareness of cultural diversity.
Since February 2018 I have served as a Cultural Governor on The Preston Cultural Framework Board.
Current
Director – Owner Salsa Northwest
Director – Owner Northwest UK Congress Ltd and Northwest Executive Transport Services Ltd
Chairman/Director -Community Help Africa/UK
Chairman/Director – Supporters of Jack and Jill School Choma Zambia