I have always wanted to learn salsa and I put it off for years! I finally committed and started taking classes 7 weeks ago at Studio Maesto. I regret waiting so long because I am having so much fun. The beginner classes are for anyone who wants to learn. Zero experience required. Rodrigo breaks down the moves so it's not intimidating and it's actually really easy to learn. Classes are affordable and I have made some good friends since being there. Private classes are great excelling quickly and correcting bad habits. They always have fun parties and are very warm and welcoming. Parking has never been an issue. I come from Echo Park every Monday and Wednesday to Santa Monica and the commute is not bad at all 35-40 minutes max. I have been recommending it to everyone! read more

We attended a quince there last Saturday. There was no air conditioning, and it wasn't ADA accessible. There weren't even any fans downstairs. Mind you this was the last weekend in June. read more

I was searching for somewhere to work out and take classes when I stumbled onto this place in my neighborhood. Love the vibes and the friendly, familial atmosphere. They also have a wide range of classes, although more are centered on Latin dancing. I love that there are workshops of different types, including photography! Really has a sense of community, and the studio itself is beautiful. They also hold socials and have guest instructors, with a very easy class sign up system. Special deal: unlimited classes for new guests $49. read more

My husband and I have taken salsa lessons at a few spots around town, and this is the first studio that we've fallen in love with. There is a vibe and a dance "community" that is palpable from the moment you walk in. From beautiful Rachael at the front desk, to owner Tony and his team of seriously talented instructors...we love this place! If you're secretly yearning to learn new dance skills or hone existing ones in a warm, welcoming, authentic environment - this is your place. read more

from one LA-transplant to another, or, to anyone looking for a place to come home to and dance - YOU DESERVE THIS!!! LA is fun, but the best time I've had since getting here is at Studio Maesto- it's given me a "home away from home" in a huge, transient city- Jose coordinates our private group class to teach Swing Dancing tricks to my husband & his rugby buddies; and Rodrigo's Salsa class brings me back to the beach after-parties from my Miami Dolphins dancing days. My {friendly, clean, non-barking!} dogs have a nice little park area to enjoy nearby; and Tony throws parties for everything worth celebrating, and whatever else you can come up with - Trust me, it's worth it, come on over and dance! read more

Class in Studio Maesto is like a special event that I'm always very excited about!amazing natural style full of light space, water with lemons or cucumbers and deep feeling of Connection with all the people you meet there make you miss this studio while you away. Huge thanks to Nikka for her yoga lessons, which are different, challenging and mindful all the time! And of course to Tony for setting up and ruling such a wonderful place! This is exactly how I think yoga and dance classes in Santa Monica should look like! read more

Havent taken a class here yet but was here for a special event. Beautiful venue. The artists whose work appear on the walls were introduced. Love their work! Inspiring owner. If you get to meet him maybe he'll tell you his amazing story! read more

Corazon Entertainement - Dance Studios Near Me

Ten "Ten Consecutive Day Special" is TOTALLY MISLEADING. They only offer classes 2 out of seven days! You can only find this out after you sign up and accept "Terms and Conditions" Im soo dissapointed. read more

i really wanted to sign up for a class here. Unfortunately their administrative infrastructre needs a bit of tweaking. Although she was polite enough the "receptionist" Is also a dancer at the studio and so she seemed a little bit split focused when I walked through the door, and I didn't feel she was present enough to engage with me, or help with the process of signing up. I may try again, however there are other dance studios in the area with better service and I may just sign up with them. PS Good first time deal going on. If you would like to try for yourself. read more

Studio Maesto is a gem in the downtown Santa Monica artistic landscape, boasting a roster of high caliber teachers, a non competitive vibe, & just a certain "realness" steeped in unique artistry & a focus on community arts (underscore community). Among the range of classes (salsa & bachata, ladies styling, pre ballet, ballroom), my particular love is for the Afro Cuban class/workshop. Each class feels like a journey into the recesses of Cuban culture that uncovers Cuban rumba, Orisha dances, and myriad other dances quintessentially Cuban. Nayara, a transplant from Cuba, is a terrific dancer & teacher who is always eager to share elements of her culture & push her students to their full potential. One of the most enriching & challenging classes I have ever taken, this class is not to miss. As an aside, Tony, the studio owner, throws the best studio parties & is a pretty damn good grill chef. Stop by one of the parties if only to get a feel for the vibe! read more

A real gem!!! I finally found a great dance/yoga studio on the westside in Santa Monica. This studio is very bright, open and spacious. Tony, the owner is super sweet and welcoming and he also has art socials and other community gathering to help those in need. I'm so grateful to have found studio maesto!! read more

I've only taken 1 class here, so that's why I'm rating it 4 stars for now. But based on Rodrigo's Salsa class last night, this instructor is a 5Star!!! When I first arrived at this location, I was like ehh because originally I thought I was taking a Cha Cha class, but then the moment the class started and Rodrigo spoke, I felt his energy and I felt excited to try Salsa! SO at first I thought that Salsa has you partnered up the entire time. no, not at all. Rodrigo gets you comfortable with the basics first going solo. His partner Nayara was there so it was so helpful to see how a female would move to the salsa moves. He led us step by step that I found myself smiling. We he IS entertaining and funny too, which made the class so fun! So the first part of class he's going step by step, slowly with the movements and then 2nd part of class we get partnered up, but we do the moves in rotation. Which means we start with Partner 1, then those inside circle stays, those outside circle rotates right. This was pretty awesome because it took away the feeling of being intimidated of being paired up with 1 person, (like if you went there solo, or that feeling of being the last one picked as a partner) well here we are retaining and dancing with everyone. Which made the might so much fun. As for parking, its in a residential area, and they recommend Santa Monica Place parking structure, its just 2 blocks down, so if you park there, make sure you make room for the walk there. I had a great time and would definitely take a another salsa class again. One last note - there were few guys in the class, 3 to be exact out of a room of 30women. So men - if you're reading this, take a Rodrigo Salsa class because there are lots of ladies there that would be appreciative to have a dance partner. read more

On a whim, I decided to sign up for an 8 week package of beginner salsa classes. I Cant believe how much I've learned over the short 8 wee course. The instructors are true masters at teaching dance. Its a whole different party when you're able to step to the beat at the salsa clubs! read more

I go there for the Kizomba class and social!! I love it. There seems to be only one main studio and the entrance is on the side. Brings me back to my training in dance. There's a patio area outside for sitting, eating and socializing. Nice space inside too. Good lighting. Hardwood floors. Large bathroom parking can be hard as its juxtaposed in between a busy restaurant and several apartment buildings. read more

Beautiful studio, I came here for the LA Kizomba Weekend that was being held here. Friendly staff, clean, spacious studio. They seem to have good classes and variety too from their class lists I saw. If I was living in the area I would definitely check them out. read more

Studio Maesto hands down is the best Dance studio in Santa Monica! It's extremely clean, the teachers are professionals with years of experience and with each class I continue to learn something new. My absolute favor part is this dance studio incorporates yoga, and photography. So, It has multiple benefits for a dancer like myself. read more

Come for the dance, stay for the community. The people here are so nice and welcoming. The studio has become like a second home to me. I have been to other dance studios and feel that this place is unique in its special community atmosphere. As far as the dancing goes, the instructors are extremely talented (both as dancers and as teachers), and they make the classes really fun. The studio offers different levels of instruction to tailor to varying levels of competency, which keeps the classes accessible and challenging. Their 8 week courses are so helpful for social dancing because they introduce moves that are easy to replicate on the dance floor and they give plenty of opportunity for repetition so you can really get it into your muscle memory. As a beginner lead, I was able to lead a girl through a whole song after only one 8 week course! Awesome!! The studio also doubles as a cafe, and their coffee is DELICIOUS!! read more

5 stars for excellent work on every aspect of this place. I can not say enough about how welcomed I felt and totally comfortable. Tony the owner was a total doll. Loved him the minute I saw him. He has wonderful positive energy anyone coming here will be treated with the upmost kindness and respect I am sure of it. I watched Tony interact with everyone in the class the same way. The salsa class was led by Rodrigo and his partner. Rodrigo is a great communicator he explains every step throughout the entire class. He is excellent at reading the room meaning where the students are in their abilities. He will not push you further than you feel comfortable but enough to make you feel like you learned and grew by taking the class. I was fortunate, he agreed to dance with me after the official class for a few minutes. I am very grateful for the time he spent with me. When you take a group class it is sometimes hard to learn from people that are learning at the same level with you. So that being said. I do think it is best to have private classes along with group if you really want to improve your skills. Wonderful experience. I will be back. read more

Studio Maesto is simply a wonderful and powerful venue. A unique and uncommon blend of diverse and exotic dance, blissful yoga, captivating photography with art collections that blend originality and compassion. The Salsa dance instructors Jose Valencia and Rodrigo Guzman are both great teachers. Delivering easy to understand dance moves with a level of fair patience. Making for fun, vibrant classes that I constantly come back to with much enthusiasm. The Afro-Cuban instructor Nayara Nunez Oliva a class with a welcoming attitude and an energetic soul. While I've only taken her Afro Cuban class once, I would highly recommend it you're looking to move and spin your bodies in a way in which you never though possible. Not to mention, Nayara and Rodrigo's live dance performances are what you might see at a Cirque De Soleil show in Vegas. NOT to be missed! Finally Nikka Pamenter, the one of a kind "funky flow' yoga instructor. Facilitating a live and upbeat yoga class with a delicate Midwestern touch. Her class is a must do for all yoga types. TONY MAESTO!! Well done my friend! You know how to create and mingle people of great value! read more

Amazing space!! I've been coming here since the place opened and all I can say is that I'm addicted to the energy that the instructors and students bring to the space. My dance skills and overall health have greatly improved over the last couple of months for a lot less money and a whole lot more fun that I could ever have at any gym! read more

My daughter attended the creative movement class led by Ellen and she absolutely LOVED it! It was just precious. Everything your young girl would enjoy; the playfulness, the creativity, her loving energy - FABULOUS! I got such a kick out of watching it through the window from a very cozy courtyard. I highly recommend Studio Maesto if you are looking for a good dance class to get your young girl interested in dance of any kind. read more

A M A Z I N G place! From the instructors to Rachael who is at the front. Such an amazing place to learn new dance moves and meet awesome like minded people. Tony has built a great community and vibe and you feel it as soon as you walk in. 100% recommend. read more

Studio Maesto is such a cool concept: yoga, dance and photography all in one. The studio itself is open and airy, great chi flowing through. The courtyard is peaceful and inviting so after class you can have a seat on the bench and collect your thoughts. Tabitha is such an amazing teacher. She teaches a beautiful flow, she takes your mind onto another level. You leave her class calmer, lighter and more at peace. I haven't tried the dancing portion of the studio but I look forward to taking Salsa 1/2 on Monday nights. Great new studio to try out that feels like a second home. Everyone who works there is really open and welcoming. read more

Took a total of 6 classes with 4 different instructors in one week, fully taking advantage of the monthly membership deal. Jose makes the Bachata class so much fun on Monday nights. Diana's "Hairs, Hips & Heels" is a must for all women learning to bring their sensual side out. Rodrigo does an awesome job teaching the Salsa + Bachata classes on Wednesdays, it's a bit faster but he also teaches you how to pose/ style. For someone who is a complete newbie and always disliked dancing to hip hop, Matthew made the hiphop class my new favorite. His talent and story telling really helps you feel the music + choreography even though it might take me a long while to make it as smooth as he does. read more

Love this studio specifically because of the sound system and the lights in the larger room. After class for social dancing we get that club feel which is nice. I have been taking Kizomba classes for a while now and I love it there. Instructors are awesome and the owner is very friendly and attentive. Even though my kizomba instructor teaches at a closer studio DTLA only 15 minutes away from me, I prefer to drive to Santa Monica which takes me about 45 minutes. I am looking forward to Kizomba Weekend in February! and after Kizomba I am signing up for Bachata Classes read more

Awesome space, great variety of classes, and each class I attend is welcoming. Workouts are fun and if your taking the dance classes you'll have somewhere to show off what your learning during a special event. The special events turn this Studio into a community! read more

This place is such a gem! The space is beautiful and offers such a variety of classes! The teachers are amazing too ! Nikka's yoga class was the best yoga class I've ever taken by far. She takes the time to motivate and challenge you so by the time you leave class you are refreshed and ready for the day. I can't wait to take all of the classes they offer! read more

I absolutely love this place!! Amazing instructors and beautiful studio! The owner is so welcoming and kind. Yoga, dance, fitness, and photography :) read more

So happy I found this place. As a former dancer, I've been looking for a place on LA that has a variety of classes...studio Maesto is it! The hair, hips, and heels class is great for channeling your inner Beyonce and my favorite. I still have other classes to explore but I highly recommend the studio and classes!! Come dance with us:) read more

Great experience at my first class here. The instructor was very attentive and the studio has a great look and feel! I thought it was a nice change of pace from the other studios in the area that are packed so tight you can't move. read more

Love this beautiful studio in Santa Monica!! Studio Maesto has welcoming, bright, artistic and majestic environment that offers amazing dance, dance fitness and yoga classes and photography workshops. This studio also hosts variety of special events such as cardio dance parties, community yoga &fashion pop up and art gallery social on weekends. I feel very blessed to visit Studio Maesto each time and experience owner Tony's creative and exquisite taste in art, dance, music and photography. I'm looking forward to taking more dance and yoga classes in this lovely studio!!! read more

Love Studio Maesto! I've been taking group classes at Studio Maesto for about 6 months now and it's fantastic. The instructors really know how to make group classes fun and the whole class picks up on their enthusiasm. It's a really supportive environment and everyone can just learn at their own pace with their own abilities - that was really important for me when I was starting out! The owners and front desk staff are super welcoming and you feel very appreciated from the first time you walk in. The instructors teach a very good blend of technique and patterns so you learn a bunch of steps to do in dance clubs and also learn how to look good doing them! Tony the owner really listens to the students and offers the classes that people want including Salsa, Bachata, Hip Hop, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, and he's always thinking of adding more. I would never choose a dance studio only based on price, but it also helps that Tony's prices are very reasonable! HIGHEST recommendation! read more

Beautiful sacred studio hidden in the back trail of a busy noisy Santa Monica city streets. This studio is actually behind a section of the street with quiet peaceful sounds of birds chirping and very small. The owner is very approachable and there is soft lighting and a similar studio energy of the Big Island Hawaii, my former residence. I was searching to find a studio without commercialism as the dance and yoga industry is filled with in Santa Monica. I have literally had to walk out of Yoga Works due to the desk assistant just glaring at people, without any smiles or good vibes and a robotic attitude. I question about 75% of the industry today as Ive seen lots of plastic attitudes but this studio is 100% good vibes & have not yet worked there, but hope to soon. I encourage any to stop by and try it out, it is intimate and sincere and good vibes and obvious the classes will be as well special without commercialized vibes. read more

This studio has a great atmosphere. The chalkboard of appreciation is one example of the positive vibe this studio creates. The instructors also make the classes very fun and the owner is super friendly and inviting. Additionally, this studio also has several events that benefit the community, yet another example of how great this studio is. read more

I took five private salsa lessons at this studio with Nayara, including one which was with my girlfriend as well (no extra charge for private lesson when it is two people), and am absolutely planning on returning and purchasing group class packages. It has been a great experience so far, and this is coming from someone with no dancing experience whatsoever and was very nervous to start! First off, the owner Tony is always very friendly and welcoming when you get to the studio. I always enjoy chatting with him and hearing what events are going on. The studio itself is beautiful and provides for a great environment. Well lit, beautiful flooring, spacious, etc. While I have never taken a group class, the groups here always seem very friendly and seem to have a great time with one another. And as for my private lessons, Nayara was an incredible teacher! I was worried about taking beginning lessons from someone who is likely more accustomed to working with experienced dancers, but she has been very understanding, patient, and always looks out for the smallest details I can improve upon during our lessons. After five lessons I was very surprised with how much I learned, how much I enjoyed dancing, and am excited to come back to learn more. Overall I've been very happy coming here and look forward to future visits! read more

I've been going to this studio for 2 months now and can't say enough good things about it. I came to the studio as a novice dancer who'd been out to salsa clubs a handful of times but had a limited understanding of what I was doing (and not doing!) technically, but all I knew and still know is that I love the empowerment I get from dancing. Rodrigo is a phenomenal instructor with a very supportive and affirming approach. I took a couple private lessons with him at the beginning in addition to his group classes, and he broke down the science of the rhythm (synchronization of hip, rib cage, hands, and feet movement to the quick-quick-slow musical rhythm), and I got really valuable insight into improving my dance movements. I read a negative review about Jose's classes on here, and while I will admit that I was initially intimidated by him (he was clear that I had to work on not taking the lead... which is honestly what the guys I had been dancing with in the clubs were already telling me when they were stopping me mid-dance and shaking my arms like the reins on a horse), he has been so supportive of the progress I've made, and I really love his classes and challenging myself with the additional accountability that comes with learning from a teacher who expects you to bring forth your full effort every class, take pride in your own dance practice, and have fun while doing it. Last but not least, Matthew is the best hip hop instructor I've ever seen. He creates such a welcoming space, is full of humor and amazing choreography, that even if you only nail the first four counts and are a step or two behind on the next 400, you still feel like a rock star. read more

Great vibe, nice people, great dancers and classes. Amazing studio where you don't feel judged but supported. Love this place!

This is a the perfect dance studio! It's beautiful, a great place to make friends, you get a good work out, learn from exceptional instructors and you GIVE BACK by giving them your business! Studio Maesto runs the Maesto Arts Collective Program benefiting children who don't have access to arts based programs. They run workshops that provide dance, arts and photography classes to teens. I have seen these kid's faces light up while participating and I absolutely love that while I'm learning and having fun, I am also supporting a business that gives back and cares about our youth. read more

I can't say enough great things about Studio Maesto. Tony the studio owner and all of the instructors are great at motivating all the students! If you are looking to learn salsa + bachata this is the place to be! You will definitely leave with a smile on your face! read more

I went to an Afro-Cuban class here last week and it was phenomenal. I went with certain expectations, and all of them were totally blown away! Our instructor was so enthusiastic and gave us so much cultural background into the dance -- it was almost like taking lessons in Cuba! I'm looking forward to coming back to this studio and bringing a friend, too! read more