Rodolfo Navarrete
Director & Founder of Cachevere Dance Company | Co-founder of Oropuro Dance Community
“Dance is a lifelong journey of discovery. My mission is to ensure that every movement honors the music’s roots while protecting the dancer’s body for a lifetime of excellence and joy.”
Roots & Evolution
Rodolfo’s connection to dance began as a child in Chile, rooted in family gatherings and the influence of his maternal grandfather. Originally from Peru, his grandfather possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of Latin music and provided Rodolfo with an early education in the rhythms of Bolero, Son, Danzon, and Cumbia. While music was a constant, Rodolfo’s youth was dedicated to Korean martial arts, specifically the disciplines of Hapkido, Hankido, and Hankumdo, practices that later informed his professional approach to movement and structural body mechanics.
By the late ‘90s, he transitioned into dance as a full-time profession, working as an instructor, performer, and choreographer. In the early 2000s, he traveled frequently to Argentina to study the evolving scene, focusing on bringing Mambo (On2) and Cross-Body Style back to Chile. During this time, he established his own school and served as a vital volunteer assistant for the organizers of Chile’s first International Salsa Congress in 2003.
Professional Journey & International Impact
Between 2005 and 2007, his career expanded across South America, including professional collaborations and performances with Karen Forcano. In May 2007, Rodolfo moved to Europe, entering a prolific period based in Poland. During this time, he traveled extensively on the international circuit, participating in numerous salsa congresses and festivals across the continent. This era of consistent global participation established his presence in the European scene before he moved to find a permanent home in the Netherlands in February 2009.
Shortly after arriving in the Netherlands, Rodolfo founded Cachevere Dance Company around 2011. As Director, he has led the company to perform at various festivals across the Netherlands and at major international events and stages worldwide. During this same era, he founded and directed SalsAmsterdam (December 2011 – October 2015).
Oropuro Dance Community
In September 2021, Rodolfo co-founded the Oropuro Dance Community with Kai Pretorius. Together, they lead a space dedicated to the highest standards of social dance, prioritizing tradition and the long-term health of the dancer. Under the Oropuro banner, they also host La Salsoteca, a premier monthly social and cornerstone of the Amsterdam scene. It is a refined space where high-quality technique meets the soul of the music, inviting dancers of all levels to experience tradition in its purest form.
A Shared Philosophy: Quality for Longevity
Oropuro is built on a foundation of Quality for Longevity and the preservation of tradition. Led by Rodolfo and Kai, the community teaches a refined methodology designed to protect the dancer’s body while honoring the music’s roots. This shared philosophy focuses on Connection, Not Force—a weightless partner interaction—alongside technical precision in Pachanga and Cha-cha-cha footwork. By mastering these structural mechanics, students build a foundation that allows them to dance with excellence for a lifetime.
Beyond the technique, Rodolfo’s true passion lies in the growth of his students. He remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation with the same heart, discipline, and respect for the music that was sparked in him as a child.