Cuban Salsa Classes in Central London

Looking to learn authentic Cuban Salsa in London?

Join my welcoming classes at Danceworks, just steps from Bond Street station.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced dancer, you'll discover the joy of Cuban Salsa in a fun, supportive environment.

Salsa is known for improving coordination, and improving one’s mood. It is well-known and documented that salsa dancing is excellent for (but not limited to) your fitness, health, and well-being.

Doing some form of dancing is good for you and Salsa dancing ticks all the boxes:

  • It creates the opportunity for social interaction
  • Learn a new skill
  • Salsa also provides a different way to enjoy free time and belong to a new social circle
  • Helps to reduce stress 
  • Helps to take the mind off of worries for a while
  • Helps to reduce the sense and feeling of pressure
  • Helps to reduce depression by the release of endorphins in the brain through dance
  • Cardiovascular exercise is good for the heart and the mind as well
  • Good for the muscles
  • Good for stamina
  • Stimulates the body's nerve systems 
  • Good exercise supports healthy internal body functions and activities

What You'll Get from My Classes

  • Learn authentic Cuban Salsa from scratch 
  • No partner needed - everyone rotates partners during class
  • Progressive learning system suitable for all levels 
  • Individual attention within group classes 
  • Improve rhythm, coordination, and confidence 
  • Join a friendly dance community 
  • Great workout while having fun

Class Schedule

Drop into any class that suits your level:

  • Sundays 1pm-2pm (Absolute beginners to intermediate level) 
  • Mondays 7pm-8pm (Absolute beginners to intermediate level) 
  • Thursdays 7pm-8pm (Absolute beginners to intermediate level) 
  • Thursdays 8pm-9pm (Intermediate/Advanced) 

Plus: Free 30-minute practice session after Thursday classes!

Price: £14 per class

What to Expect

Every class includes:

  • Structured warm-up with basic body movement 
  • Clear, step-by-step instruction 
  • Partner work with a rotation system 
  • Musicality training through dancing
  • Learning different patterns and sequences in every class 
  • Plenty of practice time for the above

Dance Styles We Cover

While I specialize in Salsa, my classes incorporate various Latin dance styles to give you a well-rounded dancing experience. 

Main Focus:

  • Cuban Salsa 
  • Standard Salsa style

Additional Styles:

  • Bachata 
  • Merengue
  • Cha Cha Cha 
  • Rumba 

This variety helps you become a more versatile dancer and adds richness to your social dancing experience. Each style contributes different elements to your dance vocabulary:

  • Cha Cha Cha develops precise timing 
  • Rumba builds body isolation techniques
  • Merengue helps develop a stronger sense of rhythm

A Typical Class Experience

Beginners (All Levels Welcome)

  • 5 min: Warm up with basic Cuban body movement and rhythm exercises 
  • 5 min: Step patterns and fundamental techniques 
  • 40 min: Partner work with rotations - practicing basic turns and combinations and different sequences 
  • 5 min: Musicality training and styling 
  • 5 min: Cool-down  

Perfect for: Complete beginners and those in their first few months of dancing

Intermediate/Advanced (Thursdays 8-9 pm)

  • 10 min: Advanced body movement warm-up 
  • 40 min: Complex turn patterns and advanced partner work and combinations
  • 10 min: Learning to lead and follow a partner on the dance floor

Perfect for: Dancers comfortable with basic patterns who want to expand their repertoire

Thursday Practice Session (9-9:30 pm)

After the advanced class, stay for 30 minutes of supervised practice time. This is your chance to:

  • Practice what you've learned 
  • Dance socially with other students 
  • Get additional feedback 
  • Work on specific moves 
  • Build confidence in a supportive environment

What Makes Cuban Music Special

  • Strong percussion section 
  • Complex rhythmic patterns 
  • Call-and-response vocals 
  • Energetic brass sections 
  • Distinctive Cuban clave rhythm

Musical Elements You'll Learn

  • Understanding the clave rhythm 
  • Identifying song structures 
  • Dancing to different tempos 
  • Recognizing musical breaks 
  • Responding to song changes

The Danceworks Experience

Located in the heart of Mayfair, Danceworks offers:

  • Spacious, professional dance studios 
  • Air conditioning 
  • Full-length mirrors 
  • Modern changing rooms with showers 
  • Reception area with refreshments 
  • Central location opposite Selfridges

What My Students Say

I have been taking classes with Nelson for a year now: they are the highlight of my week! He has a unique ability to know just how much to challenge you so the learning feels effortless.

Karen Le Duc

Nelson's lessons are well-paced and individually tailored. His lessons are always enjoyable and provide an excellent workout at the same time; my balance, stamina, and general fitness have all improved.

Alison Pearson

Nelson's method of teaching salsa is so natural that within a few sessions, you surprise yourself with how well you can dance. He teaches you to move fluently and follow the rhythm instinctively.

Aukse

About Your Teacher

With over 30 years of teaching experience, I bring authentic Cuban dance culture to London. Born and raised in Cuba, I grew up immersed in the rich traditions of Cuban dance. 

My experience includes:

  • Fellow of the UKA (United Kingdom Alliance of professional dance teachers).
  • Dance instructor diploma.
  • I have held workshops throughout the UK since 1988 and have taught in various countries.

Location & Getting Here

Danceworks Studio
16 Balderton Street
London W1K 6TN

  • 2 minutes from Bond Street station 
  • 5 minutes from Marble Arch station 
  • Opposite Selfridges clock 
  • Multiple bus routes nearby

Ready to Start Dancing?

No booking required - just drop in to any beginners' class! Wear comfortable clothes and shoes with non-marking soles.

Want to know more? Message me on Instagram or use the contact form below.

Class Pricing

£14 per class includes:

  • 1-hour professional instruction 
  • Access to practice sessions (Thursdays) 
  • Modern facilities 
  • Changing rooms 

Payment accepted via:

  • Danceworks website/app 
  • Card payment at reception 
  • No cash payments

Contact Me

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