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
Who are our events and lessons for?
Our Salsa and Bachata dance classes are open to anyone who wants to learn to dance, build confidence, meet new people, and explore Latin culture in a friendly and inclusive environment. We welcome students of all genders, ages, backgrounds, cultures, and experience levels.
We teach Absolute Beginners, Beginners, Improvers, Intermediate, and Advanced dancers, with clearly defined levels to help you choose the class that best suits your ability and confidence. Whether you are taking your very first steps or refining advanced technique, our experienced teachers will guide you in a supportive and encouraging way.
We run dance lessons and social dance parties in multiple venues across London, Lewisham, and Bromley, making it easy to find a class or event that fits your schedule and location.
Inclusive, friendly, and accessible dance classes
At Salsateca, we actively promote inclusion, kindness, and positive behaviour. Our aim is to create a welcoming dance community where everyone feels respected and supported.
We welcome people with disabilities or additional needs and understand that some disabilities are not immediately visible. Where possible, we kindly encourage students to inform the teacher of any needs or concerns so we can offer appropriate support and help create the best possible learning experience.
Due to the group format, structure, and duration of our classes, lessons are designed for the general population and may not always be adaptable to every individual requirement. However, our teachers will always do their best to be understanding, supportive, and accommodating within the scope of the class.
Drop-in classes and shared responsibility
Our classes operate on a drop-in basis, meaning students may change from week to week. While we work hard to promote good, friendly, and respectful behaviour at all times, we cannot take responsibility for the individual behaviour of every attendee.
That said, we take the wellbeing of our students very seriously. If you experience or witness any behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, we strongly encourage you to report it to a teacher immediately so we can take prompt and appropriate action.
Safe and respectful environment
We do not run separate LGBTQ+ classes. Instead, we focus on creating inclusive Salsa and Bachata classes where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Salsa and Bachata are partner dances and can sometimes feel personal or intimate. While we encourage students to dance with different partners to support learning and inclusivity, no one is ever required to dance with someone they feel uncomfortable with, for any reason.
We expect all students to behave in a friendly, tolerant, and respectful manner towards one another.
Any form of inappropriate behaviour (including harassment, discrimination, racism, homophobia, or disrespect of any kind) will not be tolerated. Our teachers are committed to maintaining a safe, positive, and welcoming atmosphere in all classes, workshops, and dance parties.
Our philosophy
At Salsateca, we believe that attitude matters more than experience. If you come with an open mind, a positive approach, and respect for others, you will feel right at home in our Salsa and Bachata dance community across London, Lewisham, and Bromley.
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.