Frequently Asked Questions About Our Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba & Tango Classes

Absolutely. Our Sensual Bachata classes are designed to be welcoming, professional, and accessible to all students—no matter your level, background, or comfort with body movement. 🧘‍♂️💃

While Sensual Bachata emphasizes connection, body isolations, and musical expression, we teach it with a strong focus on technique, communication, and consent. Every movement is broken down step by step, and you’re always encouraged to participate at your own pace.

We never pressure students to perform anything they’re not comfortable with. Every exercise can be modified, and we’ll help you develop the technique in a way that feels safe, respectful, and enjoyable.

Yes! At Dancer University, we encourage you to grow at your own pace. 🌱 Many dancers start as either a lead or a follow and later explore both roles to become more versatile on the social floor.

🔄 In drop-in classes, you’re welcome to switch roles at any time.

📆 In our 12-week progressive programs, we carefully balance the number of leads and follows to give everyone a smooth experience. For that reason, we’re usually unable to change roles mid-program—unless we happen to need more dancers in the role you’d like to switch to. However, you’re always welcome to request a different role for your next enrollment—no problem at all.

As you improve, you may also want to move from beginner to intermediate. Just check in with your instructor, and we’ll guide you to the right level when the time is right. 🎯

You don’t need a partner to start dancing with us. In all of our salsa, bachata, kizomba, and tango classes, we rotate partners so everyone has the chance to practice with different people. This makes the lessons more fun, helps you build confidence with any partner, and prepares you for social dancing. Whether you come alone or with friends, you’ll always feel welcome.

No dance experience is required to join our classes. Our beginner salsa and bachata classes in Los Angeles are designed for absolute beginners, and we guide you step by step from your very first class. Many of our students start with zero experience and quickly gain confidence on the dance floor. If you’ve danced before and already can social dance to a full song, you can also join our intermediate or advanced salsa, bachata, tango, or kizomba classes, which build on fundamentals and add more styling, technique, and musicality.

Not at all! 💃🕺 All of our group dance classes and events in Los Angeles—including salsa classes, bachata classes, kizomba, and tango lessons—are designed to be inclusive, social, and beginner-friendly. We rotate partners so everyone has the opportunity to practice with different people, which helps you learn faster and build confidence in your lead or follow skills.

If you’re attending with a partner and prefer not to rotate, that’s totally fine—just let the instructor know before class starts, and we’ll make sure you stay together. ❤️

Whether you’re coming solo, with a friend, or attending one of our salsa and bachata socials in Los Angeles, you’ll be welcomed into the community right away.

Signing up is quick and easy! 🖱️✨ You can register for all of our salsa, bachata, kizomba, tango, and group dance classes directly through our website.

Here’s how:

• ✅ For drop-in classes:
  Visit the home page and scroll to the weekly schedule. Pick your class and book your spot—it only takes a minute. Walk-ins are welcome too! Just arrive about 10 minutes early to check in.

• 📆 For progressive programs:
  Registration opens 2–4 weeks after the current program begins. These 12-week courses often fill quickly—especially Sensual Bachata and Salsa—so we recommend enrolling early once spots open up.

Still not sure which class is right for you? Just reach out—we’re happy to help you get started. 💬

In traditional partner dancing, men typically lead and women follow—the lead initiates the movement, and the follow responds. But at Dancer University, dance is for everyone. 💫 You’re free to choose whichever role you feel most comfortable in, regardless of gender or experience.

In fact, many of our students eventually learn both roles to become more versatile and confident dancers on the social floor. 🔁

In group classes, we rotate partners regularly so you can improve by dancing with different people. If you’d like to switch roles or try something new, just let us know—we’re here to support your growth every step of the way. 🫱🫲

Your first class at Dancer University will be fun, beginner-friendly, and zero-pressure. 🌟 Our instructors are trained to guide you step-by-step so you feel confident—even if you’ve never danced before.

Here’s what a typical class looks like:

• 🔥 A short warm-up to get your body moving

• 🧭 Clear instruction on foundational steps and partner technique

• 🔄 Partner work (with rotating partners unless you prefer to stay with your own)

• 😄 A welcoming, supportive group of students

• 🎶 Great music, positive energy, and lots of smiles

You don’t need special shoes, prior experience, or a partner. Just wear something comfortable, bring a water bottle, and show up ready to have fun. We’ll take care of the rest.

Wear something that allows you to move, stretch, and turn comfortably—think workout clothes, dancewear, or anything breathable. 🩰👕 There’s no dress code, but we recommend avoiding shoes with heavy grip or rubber soles, as they can make it difficult to spin.

🥿 Shoes with suede or leather soles offer better control on smooth floors, but they can’t be worn outside and typically require changing at the studio.

For most students, we recommend Fuego dance shoes. They’re stylish, sneaker-like, and designed to spin on almost any surface—perfect for salsa, bachata, kizomba, and tango.

🎟️ Use code: DancerU to get 10% off your order at Fuego.

We also recommend bringing:

• 💧 A water bottle to stay hydrated

• 🧻 A small towel or extra shirt if you tend to sweat

• 🌬️ Gum or mints to keep your breath fresh

• 🧼 Deodorant (and a reminder to shower or freshen up beforehand)

• 😊 Most importantly: a positive attitude and a willingness to learn!

We offer two main types of classes, each with a different format and time commitment:

• ⏱️ Drop-In Group Classes
  • 50 minutes long
  • Run Monday through Thursday at our Westwood studio
  • Available for all levels
  • Flexible and beginner-friendly — great for trying out salsa, bachata, kizomba, or tango without committing to a full program
  • Perfect for staying sharp, learning something new, or dancing just for fun!

• 📚 Progressive Programs
  • 12-week structured courses
  • Meet once per week for 2 hours
  • Dance directly with the instructors each session, with a built-in mini private lesson included
  • What Dancer University is known for: structured and curated to improve your dancing no matter what your level is
  • Designed for students who want deeper, more immersive training in salsa, sensual bachata, tango, or kizomba

Each dance style has its own unique origin, rhythm, and expression:

🕺 Salsa
Salsa dancing originated in the Caribbean—particularly Cuba and Puerto Rico—and later evolved in New York, blending Afro-Cuban roots with jazz influences. Known for fast footwork, spins, and dynamic partner work, salsa classes are high-energy, rhythm-driven, and incredibly fun.

💃 Sensual Bachata
Bachata began in the Dominican Republic as a romantic, guitar-driven street dance. Over time, it evolved into styles like Sensual Bachata, which originated in Spain. Sensual bachata classes focus on body isolations, fluid movement, and musical connection, blending traditional steps with influences from Brazilian zouk.

🎭 Tango
Tango was born in the late 19th century in Argentina and Uruguay, shaped by African, European, and local traditions. It’s dramatic, precise, and emotionally expressive. In our tango lessons, you’ll develop posture, balance, and a powerful sense of musical phrasing.

🌊 Kizomba
Kizomba originated in Angola in the 1980s, evolving from semba and zouk music. Known for its smooth, flowing movement and strong partner connection, kizomba classes focus on grounded control and subtle rhythm, offering a calm and connected experience.

At Dancer University, our focus is on social dancing—the kind of dancing you can do with anyone, anywhere. 🕺💃 It’s spontaneous, leadable, and rooted in connection and musicality.

Social dancing is:

• Improvised and responsive to your partner

• Meant for parties, socials, festivals, and casual dance floors

• Focused on connection, timing, and fun—not choreography

Performance dancing, on the other hand, is:

• Choreographed ahead of time

• Created for stage or showcase with flashy tricks and patterns

• Often includes moves that aren’t leadable in a real social dance setting

If you’re just starting out, we recommend watching social dance videos—not performances—so you can see what real-world dancing looks like. You can check out examples on our YouTube channel. 🎥

You may have heard that bachata is one of the easier dances to start with—and that’s often true for beginner bachata classes, which focus on timing, basic steps, and partner connection. But once you step into sensual bachata, it becomes more physically and technically demanding. 💫 Body isolations, control, and musical interpretation require time and guidance—but our instructors are among the best in Los Angeles and are highly skilled at helping you build the right foundation.

Salsa can feel fast at first, especially with its turns and spins, but much of the footwork becomes intuitive with practice. Our beginner salsa classes are designed to help you build rhythm, confidence, and muscle memory from day one. 🔄

Kizomba is slow and smooth, with a deep focus on connection and timing. It’s beginner-accessible in its tempo, but it also asks you to develop subtle control and sensitivity to the music. 🌊

Tango is more structured and detail-oriented. It emphasizes posture, precision, and musical phrasing. While it can feel technical at first, it’s a powerful and elegant dance for those who enjoy depth and nuance. 🎭

Still unsure? We recommend watching social dance videos or checking out our YouTube channel to see real dancers in action at socials—not performances.

The best way to decide is to listen to the music and watch social dance videos. 🎵 You can search YouTube for phrases like “salsa social dancing,” “bachata social dancing,” or “kizomba social dancing” to get a feel for each style. Be sure to look for real social dancing, not performances—those often include pre-planned choreography that may look great on stage but isn’t leadable in a social setting.

Ask yourself: Which music do I connect with the most? If you love the music, you’ll love learning the dance. 💃🕺

At Dancer University, we offer beginner-friendly group classes in salsa, sensual bachata, kizomba, and tango, so you can confidently start with whichever one excites you most.

Yes! Dancer University offers several flexible and affordable ways to keep dancing regularly. 💃🕺

📦 Drop-In Class Packages
Perfect for casual dancers who prefer drop-in group classes without a long-term commitment. Passes are valid for 3 months.

• 2-Class Same-Day Package

• 5-Class Package

• 10-Class Package

🔄 Unlimited Memberships
Ideal for dancers who want to take multiple classes each week across different styles like salsa, sensual bachata, kizomba, and tango.

🎓 Student Discount
College students receive 20% off with valid student ID.

🤝 Referral Program
Refer a friend and once they spend $100, you get $25 in credit, and they get $15 off their first package or course.

Yes! 🎉 We offer free weekly salsa and bachata classes every Saturday at our Westwood studio—a perfect way to try us out or invite friends to start dancing:

• 🕔 5:00–6:00 PM – Free Salsa Class

• 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM – Free Bachata Class

No registration is required—just show up, bring comfortable shoes, and enjoy the music and movement!

We also run special promotions and discounts throughout the year. To stay in the loop:

• 📸 Follow us on Instagram

• 📨 Subscribe to our email list

• 🌐 Check the homepage or Events tab on our website

🎓 Student Discount: 20% off with valid student ID
🤝 Referral Program: Your friend gets $15 off, and you get $25 in credit once they spend $100

es, we offer flexible options to make our Progressive Salsa and Bachata courses in Los Angeles more accessible.

💳 Payment Plans

• Available for all progressive courses.

• A credit card on file is required, and payments must be made by credit card.

• The total is divided into three equal payments, billed every 30 days.

🎓 Student Discount

• College students receive 20% off with a valid student ID.

🤝 Referral Program

• Refer a friend and once they spend $100, you get $25 in credit, and your friend gets $15 off their first package or course.

You may cancel your drop-in class by logging into your Momence account at momence.com/login or by contacting us directly.

• Class Credit: When you cancel, we’ll issue you a class credit equal to the value of your cancelled drop-in. Credits may be used at any time in the future for any of our drop-in classes.
• Package Enrollments: If you registered using a previously purchased class package, your credit will return to that package. The original expiration date of the package still applies.
• Flexibility: Credits never expire for single drop-ins, and can be redeemed for any style or level of drop-in class.

No Refund Policy: All event and special workshops registrations are non-refundable.

Events include socials, parties, and other one-time community gatherings hosted by Dancer University.

Special workshops refer to unique, limited-time learning opportunities such as guest instructor intensives, masterclasses, weekend bootcamps, or one-off training programs that fall outside of our regular monthly courses. Registrations for special workshops are non-refundable but may be transferred to another person as long as the same role (lead or follow) is maintained.

All course registrations are non-refundable. Each enrollment secures one of our limited class spots, ensuring your place in the program and preventing others from registering in your place. For this reason, once you’ve booked, we cannot issue refunds. Dancer University also reserves the right to adjust course details as needed—including instructor assignments, studio location, dates, or times—without altering the value or structure of the course. Any such changes will be communicated in advance.

If you know in advance that you will miss a class, we can place a credit on your account. This credit must be used within three months and may be applied toward any of our drop-in classes. For the current schedule of drop-in classes, please visit: https://danceruniversity.com/classes/.

Yes! 🅿️ We offer convenient parking at both of our studio locations:

[du_class_place_name studio=”westwood”]
[du_class_parking studio=”westwood” html=”1″]

[du_class_place_name studio=”pico”]
[du_class_parking studio=”pico” html=”1″]

Whether you’re coming for salsa class, sensual bachata, or one of our weekend socials, parking is simple and accessible.

Absolutely! Our socials are open to all levels, and beginners are more than welcome. They’re a great way to practice what you’ve learned in class, meet new people, and enjoy the music in a supportive environment. Many of our students attend their first social within weeks of starting, and our community is known for being welcoming and inclusive.

Yes! Dancer University hosts the most—and the most popular—social dance events in Los Angeles. 🎉 Whether you’re into salsa dancing, sensual bachata, kizomba, or tango, our events are the perfect place to meet people, dance to great music, and apply what you’ve learned in class.

We offer several event formats:

• 🎵 50/50 Salsa & Bachata Events – both styles are featured equally throughout the night

• 🪩 Dual-Floor Events – separate rooms for salsa and bachata, so you can choose your vibe

• 🌍 Pop-Up Kizomba & Tango Rooms – occasionally added based on theme or demand

🗓️ You can find our full weekly schedule under the Events tab on our website.

We also host a free student practice session every Sunday from 3:00–5:00 PM at our Westwood studio—open to anyone enrolled in our group classes or progressive programs. It’s a relaxed space to review material, ask questions, and build confidence.

We carefully curate the music in both our classes and socials to match the energy, style, and skill level of each dance. 🎶 Whether you’re in a beginner lesson or an advanced social room, you’ll always hear music that’s leadable, inspiring, and fun to dance to.

Here’s what to expect:

🎷 Salsa Room
A blend of salsa romántica, mambo, pop salsa, and timba. These tracks are smooth, energetic, and perfect for partner connection.

🎧 Bachata Room
We focus on modern bachata music—clean, contemporary tracks with strong romantic or rhythmic elements. We intentionally avoid most remixes to keep the vibe authentic and leadable for social dancing.

🌊 Kizomba & Tango
We occasionally feature pop-up sets or dedicated mini-rooms for these styles, depending on the night and the theme.

All of our DJs are selected for their ability to elevate the social dance experience. We don’t play performance-only music—every track is chosen to help you feel the rhythm, connect with your partner, and move confidently on the floor. 🔊❤️

Yes! 🥳 Both of our studios are available for private rentals, and we’ve hosted everything from birthday parties and dance workshops to fitness classes, video shoots, and corporate events.

Each location includes:

• 💃 Spacious, clean dance floors

• 🪞 Full-length mirrors

• 🔊 High-quality sound systems

• 🛠️ Flexible layout for various event types

You’re welcome to host your own private salsa or bachata class, use the space for rehearsals, or bring your community together for something fun and unique.

📩 To inquire about availability, pricing, or to book your event, email us at contact@danceruniversity.com or call (424) 360-1454.
📸 More rental info, including photos and rates, is available on our website.

Yes—and it’s one of the biggest things that sets us apart. 🌟 All of our instructors are active members of the social dance scene. They regularly attend socials, festivals, and dance events both locally and internationally.

Why does this matter? Because we don’t just teach patterns—we teach you how to actually social dance with anyone. 🫱🫲 Many studios claim to teach social dancing, but their instructors rarely show up at real events. That gap means what you’re learning in class might not work on an actual dance floor.

At Dancer University, we practice what we preach. We’re passionate about teaching movement that is leadable, followable, and musically connected—because that’s how we dance, too. 🎶💯

Yes! We offer private lessons for salsa, bachata, sensual bachata, kizomba, and tango—perfect for students who want personalized attention, faster progress, or coaching for a special occasion. 🎯

Private lessons are tailored to your individual goals and can focus on:

• 🧠 Technique and fundamentals

• 🎶 Musicality and connection

• 💃 Styling or body movement

• 💍 Wedding choreography or performance prep

You’ll work one-on-one with one of our experienced instructors at your own pace. Private lessons are especially helpful for refining details that are harder to catch in group classes.

📩 To book a private lesson, email us at contact@danceruniversity.com or talk to one of our instructors in person—we’ll match you with the best teacher for your style and goals.

Yes! 💚 What makes Dancer University even more special is the community connection that extends beyond the dance floor. Every few months, we host fun, casual events to bring our students together and deepen the friendships formed in class.

Some of our recent community events include:

• 🌸 Celebrating cultural holidays like Holi at the park

• 🔥 Beach bonfires and sunset dance jams

• 🥾 Group hikes with DU friends

• 🎉 Welcome parties for new students

We believe that dancing is more than just steps—it’s about belonging. Whether you’re in class, at a social, or hanging out on a beach with fellow dancers, you’re part of the DU family.

Yes! At Dancer University, we’re deeply committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone—both in our classes and at all social dance events. 🛡️

We uphold a strict zero-tolerance policy for harassment or inappropriate behavior. All instructors and staff follow a clearly defined code of conduct, and we actively encourage students to speak up if they ever feel uncomfortable. 🙋‍♀️🙋

Creating a positive, supportive space is at the heart of what we do—so you can focus on enjoying your salsa, bachata, kizomba, or tango journey with confidence and peace of mind. 💚

We truly believe Dancer University is the best dance community in Los Angeles—because it is. More than just a place to take salsa classes, bachata lessons, or tango and kizomba classes, it’s a vibrant, welcoming space built on connection, culture, and self-expression. 💃🌍✨

Our environment is incredibly supportive, where dancers of all backgrounds grow together—and grow into lifelong friends. 🤝 From weekly socials across LA to student practices and international dance festivals, our culture celebrates not just the movement, but the people who move with it. 🎉💚