About us
Connecting people through music and dance!
We offer Salsa and Bachata classes in London for beginners, improvers, intermediate and advanced students, with weekly lessons at venues in Lewisham, Bromley and across Central London. If you are looking for salsa in London, Salsateca provides high-quality teaching and a vibrant community of dancers.
Since 1992, Salsateca Dance School has been firmly established as one of the leaders of the London salsa scene, teaching both Cuban Salsa and Crossbody Salsa alongside Bachata classes for all levels.
Salsateca has also branched out internationally with presence in Slovenia, Croatia and Lebanon. In addition to offering Cuban Salsa, Cross Body Salsa and Bachata Classes, Salsateca also organises various parties, special events and social dance nights, and sponsors festivals to promote the amazing music and dance of Latin America.
Teaching since 1992
Salsateca is well known for being an inclusive dance school where all sorts of friendly and fun people of all ages are welcome. This is a space where you can make new friends, improve your fitness level and have fun.
Our international team of professional teachers will inspire you with enthusiasm and passion for the true Latin American sound and dance moves. Our teaching technique is the result of hard work, research and extraordinary experience combining styles from across the world including Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Panama, Dominican Republic, New York, Spain, Italy and Africa.
What is Bachata?
TRADITIONAL | MODERN | SENSUAL
Bachata is a dynamic and romantic dance originated in the Dominican Republic. Nowadays danced in 3 main styles, sometimes combined within the same song. The Traditional Dominican style can look more vibrant and use quicker steps, while the Modern Bachata has more turn patterns and the Sensual Bachata is much more mellow and wavy. Our regular lessons combine all three styles and occasionally we organise specific lessons or workshops.
What is the difference between Salsa & Bachata?
Salsa and Bachata are both vibrant Latin dances with distinct origins, music, and styles, each offering unique experiences. Salsa, with roots in Cuban Son and Afro-Cuban rhythms, tends to be fast-paced and energetic, often featuring intricate footwork and dynamic turn patterns with a lighter partner connection. Bachata, originating from the Dominican Republic, is typically slower and more romantic, with simpler steps, sensual movements, and a closer connection between partners. While Salsa often leans toward vibrant energy and technical precision, Bachata is more inclined toward intimacy and emotional expression. Exploring both can be a great way to discover what resonates with your personal style!
Is it confusing to learn Salsa and Bachata at the same time?
Most people can learn both simultaneously as they are different enough. Some beginners come to the lessons because they heard about Salsa but not Bachata, find Bachata easier to learn and they fall in love with both.
What is Salsa?
CUBAN SON | CUBAN STYLE | CROSS BODY STYLE
Musically, Salsa has its origins in rhythms like Rumba, Son, Chachacha and Mambo. It’s a beautiful, sensual and energetic dance executed with a mixture of steps, body movement and fun turn patterns.Just as English sounds slightly different if you’re in Scotland or America or Australia, different styles of salsa also have their own “accents”. The basic structure will look similar to a beginner, but the more you immerse yourself, the richer the differences become. For instance, Cuban Salsa and Cuban Son have more rounded transitions compared to the more linear Cross Body Salsa (also known as LA style or Salsa on 1). Cross Body and Cuban Salsa are both danced with the emphasis on the first beat, whereas Cuban Son emphasises the second. These differences give each style their own unique flavour and ensure there’s a style to suit all tastes and moods.
Which one should you learn? Is it confusing to learn all styles at the same time?
While the answer ultimately depends on you, we believe that if you're new to dancing, you can start with any style. The more styles you explore, the more versatile and confident you'll become, and the more fun you'll have on the dance floor! Like anything in life, everyone has their own preferences. Once you’ve sampled a bit of everything, you’ll be able to decide whether to focus on a specific style or continue enjoying them all.
Meet our team
Our vibrant team of professional Salsa and Bachata instructors and DJs, known both in the UK and internationally, bring a blend of expertise, cultural richness and an infectious joy for dance that makes every lesson unforgettable.
No card payments accepted at the door. Book online before the starting time or pay cash at the door. Arrive 10 min early to avoid queues.