Google Review for Danella Dutton Hi All, Approximately 14 months ago, I stumbled upon Danella at a Monthly Salsa Event while teaching a beginner/intermediate salsa lesson prior to social dancing. Since I arrived early, I decided to participate on the lessons. In turn, her style of teaching appealed to me. I was hooked and i wanted to learn more from her, therefore I inquire on her group lessons, which I have been taken since then. As a current student, I could state with certainty that she brings 100 % to her classes every time, while being mindful of EVERYONE specially those attending for the first time. In addition, her passion to teaching is contagious which inspires you to bring your 100%. Moreover, she is always providing feedback, asking questions, and interacting with the students, therefore you are not alone. Her choice of great music mimics what you will hear in the social dancing arena. The opportunity to see those recorded lessons over and over and over again, proves that she cares about your learning experience!!! The advantage of dancing side by side with those students that have been in your shoes before and have grown so much thanks in part to Danella's lessons is simply inspiring. Season students are very helpful as well!! In case you ever wonder if Danella can help you become a better dancer, I can truly attest to her classes being challenging which inspires you to practice her lessons by a combination of solo dancing, social dancing and/or private lessons-which i'll return to later. Her choice of patterns will help you build the foundation needed to become a better dancer. Her footwork sessions will challenge you, which will feel so sweet once you push and eventually get them. The people you interact with are among the best I've come across in the salsa world, simply first class!!! Furthermore, recently I've put in more time into dancing and decided to take private lessons. Although, Danella does provide plenty of feedback, interaction and opportunity for questions during group lessons, the one-on-one attention is very helpful as well. Needless to say, it has been an extremely rewarding experience!! I have been excited to attend every single lesson, ask questions and learn some those of the details that eventually make you feel a better dancer. Considering group lessons, private lessons and social dancing, I feel MUCH more comfortable on the dance floor!!! Countless times, I have received compliments on my "leading" yayyyy (I was really BAD on this one before lol), and on the social dancing enviroment, I feel a better connection when dancing with various partners. Finally, I continue to enjoy the music and the opportunity to put in practice those valuable lessons. I still have much more to LEARN, though I can assure you that If you truly want to become a better salsa/bachata dancer, Danella's group and/or private lessons will hep you tremendously!!! Thanks!! read more

I've taken Danella beginner salsa classes for two months, and it's always a delight! I look forward to going to her classes and deeply appreciate her energy. She's an incredible dancer, but also a truly engaged teacher who wholeheartedly tries her best to help her students improve. Her voice reminds me a bit of a drill sergeant (haha), but she's very approachable and I'm delighted to work with her. If you're completely new to salsa, try starting in the beginning of the month, as Danella starts fresh every month. It also feels wonderful to finally learn salsa from ground up and to develop a strong foundation in salsa. read more

Fantastic classes and an incredible teacher! I've had many instructors in my life and Danella is one of my favorites. She keeps things moving, challenges you, and is very patient with everyone's learning tempo. I highly recommend all of her classes. read more

Love Danella's class! She explains every movement in so accessible way, so it's simply impossible not do it right. Also love the atmosphere in her class: the students are really friendly, I always come to dance with pleasure and leave with a great mood and positive emotions) read more

If you're a total beginner to dancing of any kind, but are interested in getting started--in particular with Latin styles, such as Salsa and Bachata--Danella Dutton is the FIRST and FOREMOST person I would recommend seeing! If you're a total beginner to dancing of any kind, but are interested in getting started--in particular with Latin styles, such as Salsa and Bachata--Danella Dutton is the FIRST and FOREMOST person I would recommend seeing!ubue dance between the two people). And boy, was he spot on. I began taking Beginner's On1 Salsa every Thursday a few months back, and while there is still so much to learn and master, I've had the confidence, ability and knowledge to go to dance socials, use my newfound moves and become substantially more competent in this style of dancing. After the first 6 week class ended I entered the intermediate but also rejoined the beginner one just to cement the fundamentals in mind. While I still consider myself a beginner, I've gotten a variety of compliments from both newer and more experienced salseros/salseras on some of the details that I've learned to apply--and that's really one of Danella's core strengths. She doesn't just teach the movements, she teaches the details, the reasoning and the timing behind the movements--everything you need to become a wholistic dancer! Plus, it helps that she's very cool, generous with her time/knowledge and just plain fun to study with. Trying to dance? Do not hesitate to sign up! read more

I've been taking Danella's group salsa class for 6 years now, starting with beginners and moving up. Danella is both a skillful dancer and teacher, a rare combination in any performing art. This is evidenced by her loyal student following, and her group classes which are always full. She follows up with practice and review videos, and even shares her music. Her routines are challenging in both the choreography and the detail of technique she teaches, which mean than you are guaranteed to become a better dancer if you stick with her. She has unstoppable energy in each class. But the best part for me: her group classes are FUN! read more

Danella is an amazing instructor. she is very dedicated and patient. I took 2 salsa classes with her and I enjoyed it a lot. In fact, I am willing to sign up with her again in the next few months. I recommend her to all my friends. read more

Danella is just amazing. So nice, and funny and energetic. Everything you would want in a dance teacher. She has incredible patience and explains dancing in such a fun and different, yet very useful way. I have found her classes so fun and have learned not only dancing but also, industry and performance advice which is so helpful! read more

Danella is honestly an amazing teacher and I can recommend her over other studios in the LA area. Around a year and a half ago I took 6 weeks of salsa classes at a studio in Santa Monica. The classes were fine but the atmosphere wasn't great or particularly energetic, and it was pretty expensive considering I didn't feel like I learned much, so I stopped going. (I also received info I've now observed firsthand to be false, like that it's not possible to salsa dance in tennis shoes...) Anyway... After a year and a half of going social dancing every once in a while with my friends and not being able to keep up, I finally decided that I wanted to try to learn again, but this time from Danella. Although it's not the closest salsa studio to me, I'm *so* glad I decided to go back to Danella's class! After only a month and a half of consistent classes, I have gained so much confidence and knowledge, and I'm having so much fun! Danella has an amazing energy and she really wants her students to learn and have fun dancing -- she encourages us to go to events and she is overall just a very warm and encouraging person. There's a reason why people keep taking classes from Danella over years and I can't recommend her more for anyone in LA! read more

After my first class with Danella I was convinced that she was the dance instructor for me. From the start, I felt very comfortable and at ease. She teaches with energy, flair, and confidence. She gives you just enough each time to keep you intrigued without making you feel overwhelmed. She encourages one to dance and not think about the steps. Although I do have (Quick Quick slow, quick quick slow) stuck in my head. The fact that you don't have to come there with a partner is also a plus. Danella has three rules in class: 1. Have fun. Which we always do 2. Ask questions. 3. jajajajaj, You'll have to take the class to know this one. Danella often walks around the room while you're dancing with various partners. That enables her to give you feedback on your dance moves and techniques. This is very important because she gives us constructive advice on the spot. Therefore, shortening the learning curve. Her music is inviting and easy to dance to. Never to choppy or wild. At lease not in the beginners class. Also, she allows intermediate level student to mix with the beginners. Therefore, the learning curve is shortened. In all, this is one of the best Salsa classes I have taken and I will continue to learn how to dance with Danella. Thank you Danella. read more

Danella is the best Latin dance teacher in LA! I started taking her classes back in 2017. I've tried out other studios, but they don't compare to the environment and skills Danella brings to every class. She is truly passionate about her students and teaching. Danella will challenge you like no other, and that's a good thing. She has a tight-knit community of students that are so kind. They've been going to her classes for years for a reason. I also appreciate how welcoming she is of women dancing lead or men dancing follow. It was tough to find a studio that was okay with me learning the "man's" part. Now, several people are switching, and no one cares! Other studios would say they're fine with it, but I still wouldn't feel comfortable with the crowd. The people that take Danella's classes are so supportive. I was part of her Bachata dance video in 2018 dancing lead, and it was an incredible experience. Even though it's been a while since I've gone back, I'm so grateful to know I have a salsa family and teacher/friend I can come back to. You won't find a Salsa community like this in LA. Take her class! She will push you, you'll meet some great people, and you'll be a better dancer and person for it! read more

I've been taking Danella's bachata class on and off since April(a little over 10 classes). I've also been taking salsa since January elsewhere(twice a week). Ironically, I feel like I know more bachata than salsa when I dance with other people. I suppose this is why people have been saying Danella teaches you how to dance not just the routine. I really like how she dances with every student(yes male and female) to show you what you need to do. Makes me more aware of what's going on when I dance with others. Unfortunately, the salsa lesson doesn't fit my schedule. I hope in the future classes would be available on the weekends too. Parking is not too bad and often free if you don't mind parking on the street and walking a few blocks. If you want to learn salsa or bachata but not sure, I'd say go check out the event Danella hosts every 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Sandbox Melrose. No cover. Free salsa/bachata lesson at 8:30PM. You'll get a taste of how she teaches, although the classes are way better at the studio. Utilize the great deals on Groupon and Livingsocial! read more

Seemed promising and I was excited to take my husband just so he could at least learn basic salsa but I guess it wasn't for us. I've taken salsa classes before up to Mid level (no advance) and remember feeling excited after that first class but unfortunately this first class felt everything but that. All the beginners were lost and my husband couldn't wait for the class to be over. We were being introduced to a new step before he could somewhat learn the first one and no matter how many times I said that we didn't get the steps and we wanted to repeat them, advocating for my husband and others in the back that looked frustrated and lost, the class just continued as if we weren't there. It didn't help that there were many students that were obviously not beginners and were showing off their skills. It's nice to see them dancing, don't get me wrong, but in a beginners class it just makes you feel like you are in the wrong class. Thank God I knew how to dance because every time I followed the class instructions I would get really lost which was weird. When it came to dancing with a partner it got even worse. There weren't enough followers and many didn't get that chance to practice a step with a partner. You basically had one try before you got switched to another partner or "no partner" if you were a lead. Unfortunately, I couldn't continue coming back and I lost the money paid for me and my husband's classes which was a lot. My husband refused to come as he said it was everything but fun and he didn't understand how that could be a beginners class when so many students were dancing like they've known for years. He'd rather try watching youtube videos than come back. I'm just being honest here and wrote what was our experience. Based on others reviews it seems like it just wasn't for us which is why I only took one star. I hope everyone else continued coming back and learned the steps eventually. Salsa is my favorite dance style and I've been dancing for years now so I was hoping to be able to dance with my husband just for fun and hoped this class would do that for us. Maybe Danella can send me a copy of the recorded classes as I couldn't even use the links provided as they expired before I could even bring up the word "salsa" in my home again. Haha. Thanks for reading and don't be like us and just keep trying until you get it. read more

Actions speak louder than words!!! I dont want write about how professional and nice person Danella, just come out for the best social salsa clubs and you will see how I do dance! FYI, I have been learning salsa/bachata since October 2017, everything what I know taught me Danella, I had never ever danced salsa/bachata before. read more

My husband and I took private lessons with Danella before our wedding and it was the best decision we've made! She helped us perfect a dance that we wanted, she created new choreography combined with the already existed choreography just to make it a bit easier for us and it was perfect. She was patient and very helpful with moves we weren't great at. The result was an incredible first dance everyone is still talking about after the wedding. Highly recommend her! She's the best! read more

On a whim decided to take salsa lessons. Originally booked just a session of three but I will continue taking classes with the wonderful and effervescent Danella!!! She's taught me so much about dance in such a short time but she's also helped me "learn how I learn". If you are thinking of taking dance classes run, don't walk to Danella! read more

Danella is a fantastic teacher. I came in with no -- truly zero, negative maybe -- dance experience, and signed up for the group beginner class on a lark. I enjoyed the class so much, and Danella's fun and patient teaching style, that I've continued going for several cycles. It's really a blast, and very beginner-friendly. read more

Re: Hi Danella! Thank you for your response! I think an app is a great idea and a big help. I don't like or dislike how you run things, I just happened to have an issue and put it out here because i was excited to attend the class and was anticipating for the whole weekend. Also, purchasing a single class is not beneficial as single class cost is $4 cheaper then a 5 class Groupon. And I think there could be a slightly different treatment and allowance for certain things towards people who committed vs one time visitors. It's always a good practice. And nowadays in 2019 most of our experiences are digitized and businesses as well as individuals more and more use their phones for daily tasks and events. Leaving this review not for the teacher or the class itself but for her assistant and the whole service. I came for a second class and forgot the stupid card that you guys gave at the first one that you need to stamp or whatever. The "front desk" guy refused to let us in, even when I showed that I purchased a 5 class package and for some reason you can't see anything in the system while forcing people to sign up on the iPad every single time! What's the purpose of it? Nor did my suggestion to bring the card after the class satisfied the sophisticated requirements. What's the point of registering for class at all if all it comes to is a stupid piece of paper...this really took any excitement of joining the class away, just felt disappointing. I planned my whole day around this class and left work earlier specifically for making it on time and all was to be turned away. And that may not sound like anything to you but this is my experience and my time wasted, why do i need that? One thing if a homeless person tried to sneak in for free or something like that (I don't know what reason is behind this whole thing), but when you see my registration for 5 classes a week ago and have my name in your mighty iPad ( this is why you ask for my info right?) why do you not let me in? Why can't you stamp my card twice next time? read more

Danella is a fantastic teacher and also just a great person to be around. Not only does she know her stuff, but she also has a really great grasp on the pedagogical aspects of being a dance instructor. I learned a lot despite knowing NOTHING going into it. Not only that, but Danella was also just really fun and our private lessons always flew by. We will definitely be signing up for more! read more

I found Danella on Groupon and I've never looked back. I wanted to take up dancing for a while but was intimidated at the idea of group classes. I was shy and quiet, but Danella made me feel right at home. Everyone was so nice, welcoming and just so much FUN. You'll be laughing, making friends, dancing plus it's a great workout. Thank you Danella for the beautiful community of dancers you've created! read more

Took this with my boyfriend, and in just two classes he already has picked up so many moves and is learning the basics of how to hold me in the salsa form and I friggin love Danella, we just bought a pack of classes, so excited to keep going!!! Also very fun to go on your own without a partner. Everyone dances with everyone!! read more

I don't know if I can leave a more glowing review for anyone else like I can with Daniella. I'm finishing my third round of beginners salsa and have loved every second of it. Daniella's energy and enthusiasm matches her incredible talent and skill. She's so passionate about salsa and knows how to get the whole class going! Highly recommend for anyone who wants a little more pep in their step. read more

Danella is great! My boyfriend and I (who have zero partner dancing experience) started taking classes after a recommendation from a friend and we now feel at least somewhat comfortable on the dance floor. Danella's classes allow you to rotate and dance with people who have different styles, so you get to meet a lot of people and everyone helps each other out. She also does a great job of teaching to your level and looking out for all of her students, even in a group class. We bought a package of 5 classes but will definitely be going back for more! Highly recommend. read more

My husband and I are taking beginners group salsa classes with Danella and we are having so much fun! Danella really seems to care about her students and her lively energy is infectious. Each class is round-robin style, so you dance with multiple partners which really heightens the learning curve. Advanced students show up early for their classes and end up helping the newcomers because they love class so much. It's amazing how much we have progressed in only a few short weeks. We can't wait to go out social dancing together! Thanks Danella! read more

Danella is an amazing instructor. She really knows what she is doing but most importantly she knows how to break it all down into steps anyone can understand. I've been taking group classes with her for a year now and I'm always learning something new each class. She always comes around during the group classes to give you one on one pointers and those are the best. Everyone at her classes are also very nice and welcoming. I highly recommend her classes. read more

Not that she needs another A++ but Danella is an excellent teacher. She creates amazing leads, in particular, I think because she knows how to talk dude, and has also been a follow for a long time. She's full of energy and I love all the people in the class and the community she created! read more

I've been taking Danella's classes for one to two months, I think. I forget how long, but I do know that I've learned a lot from her for both salsa and bachata. She's great at teaching technique and how to mentally and physically approach the dances. The Connection Workshop was the key for me to understanding framing and moving. I like that for each monthly series, she uses the same routine across all of the levels, just making them more intricate with each level. I was able to use the beginner class to help me click with the beginner intermediate class routine. These classes are high energy, very personal, and a great place to learn. Learning is exponential with this stuff, and is so worth the time and effort. The only pain about the area is the traffic and parking. Hollywood and Highland at 7PM on a Friday (and Tuesday). Be prepared! Oh and take advantage of the 5/10-class cards w/ cash. Heading to the spins workshop in a few minutes! read more

I came as an absolute beginner, and never felt lost or left behind. After 3 classes with her, I was able to hold my own on the dance floor at a Salsa club with live band. I also assumed there would be more single gals than guys, so we'd be short dance partners. But, Danella makes sure that is never the case by having her more advanced students come in to dance with us. Great teacher; great fun! read more

I started salsa with Danella in March, and since then I haven't missed a class. Price is one of the best you can find for salsa groups and her classes are AMAZING!! She is dynamic, energetic, fun and a really good instructor. People in class are mostly young and really friendly. She send the videos of the classes, which helps a lot to remember the routines. She does one loooooong routine a month (in intermediate), we are pretty much repeating until we master it, she add cools moves every week too. Thanks to that we remember the routines much better and I can say that they have become my own personal moves when I hit social clubs. I definitely recommend this place for all levels, the more advanced you are, the more fun it is but everyone has to start from some point. If I eventually come back to LA, I am pretty sure I will stop by her classes again. read more

Danella has a dynamic ability to fuse her infectious enthusiasm, passion for dance and teaching with her own advanced skill sets as both a lead and follow. She creates an environment in her classes where students feel free to grow and learn at all dance levels and have a great time doing it. Combined with her talents as a dancer and her attention to detail, she has an innate ability as a teacher to read the needs of her students and figure out what will help you specifically become a better dancer. She somehow manages to do this in both group and private lessons. I believe this beneficial aspect of her teaching is best gained through a combination of private lessons with group classes. I've been a student in her classes for a few years now. Throughout this time, I've observed though extremely talented, Danella is never so comfortable that she stops pushing her self or her students towards growth and is constantly coming up with new ways and methods to advance her teaching and therefore her students training. She accomplishes this in classes and the Performance Group projects she creates and choreographes for her students at different points throughout the year. Danella should be your #1 choice for classes/private lessons in LA whether you are a beginner interested in trying salsa or bachata for the first time, or looking to take your existing dance skills to the next level. read more

Danella is amazing. Passionate about dancing and truly cares for people to learn the correct techniques. Even though Tuesday night classes get pretty crowded, she takes the time to explain each move and makes everyone in class comfortable to ask and screw-up. I love going to her Salsa lessons and hope to continue to improve on my moves and techniques. Highly recommend her if you like salsa dancing and are too shy or afraid to dance! read more

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to take salsa lessons. With a little research on Yelp, a great deal on Living Social, and the amazing Danella Dutton I may just accomplish my goal soon enough. The initial fear of walking into a dance studio was immediately replaced with comfort and ease by Danella's infectious smile and southern charm. Her approach to teaching is so effortless, and she gets you moving right away. The beginners class is a great mix of levels, and the intermediate students are always so helpful. She also provides follow up emails with links to videos of what you learned in class as a refresher. What really draws me to Danella's class is the vibe. Being so far out of my comfort zone, I'm really happy to be in an environment where you're encouraged to learn the technical aspects and also have a great time! read more

Just got back from my first salsa class ever and Danella is amazing. She is upbeat, super sweet, a great teacher and leader. And she is not afraid to call anyone out. After only my first class I feel I have learned some of the basics. The class is a little fast paced, but you are encouraged to jump right in. I was one of the only newbies, if not the only newbie, but had a great time! Not only is Danella awesome but so is everyone else in her class. Clearly, they had taken many more classes than me but they were patient and willing to teach me and lead me. Amazing energy and good people all around. I can't wait to go back! read more

I am so uncoordinated and was very nervous about taking a dance class. Let alone salsa!! My friends were all about it so I went. It was such a great experience! Danella was so patient and really made me feel like I could do it. She's more than willing to take a second with you to break it down in a way that might be easier for you. The rest of the class continues the steps, so I never felt pointed out or anything. Wonderful class! I highly recommend it. Especially if you're like me and timid about dance classes. You'll love it! Thanks Danella!!' read more

Love her!! Danella is so so patient, super outgoing and knows what she is talking about when it comes to salsa! I could go on and on about how awesome and funny she is ... IDA is a great location, too. You can park in the highland center and get validation .. or as I do, take the metro. so close & convenient. As soon as my Tuesday nights are free again, ill be back every week!!! read more

Danella is a fantastic teacher. I moved to LA earlier this year to become an actor as part of building my skills I decided to take up dance classes. I was referred to Danella by a friend and groupon. I had only planned on taking the 10 classes but 6 months later I still attend her classes regularly. Her group lessons are open to all levels and she creates a comfortable environment for all. Her fun and energetic personality makes it easy to learn. Even in groups of 30+ she still finds time to work with every student individually on little things they need to adjust. Danella does not teach from one point of view. She can help with both the lead and follow. Her experience in Salsa and knowledge in other styles such as Bachata, Cha Cha, Ballroom, Waltz, Merengue help her teach her students in variety of ways. Her classes are super affordable and at a great location, International Dance Academy on highland and hollywood where parking is free on highland after 7 or available for cheap at the mall on highland and hollywood at $2/hr with valuation that IDA provides. She also offers private lessons for students that want the one on one attention. I highly recommend Danella for anyone that is looking to start learning Salsa. read more

I have been taking salsa lessons from Danella for nearly two years, and to this day, I am still amazed at her ability to teach the nuances of dance, while keeping the atmosphere fun and inviting. She doesn't just teach the steps or push patterns, She emphasizes the importance of framing for leads, relaxation and body awareness for follows. She highlights the importance of muscle control and "just go for it" attitude, while giving us detailed corrections and techniques for promoting connection with out partners. More than anything, Danella wants her students to DANCE salsa, and be able to enjoy the dance; in class and out. Memorizing steps and patterns isn't the goal of this class. I would recommend Danella for anyone who truly wants to learn how to dance and enjoy salsa. read more

I'm from Americas Best Dance Crew, I just need to say......HER CLASS IS DOPE!!!! Thats all you need to know!!!;D read more

After my first lesson, I got a compliment from some strangers that were watching outside the studio. Great teacher! Fun with Groups! Go sign up now! read more

I started group lessons with Danella last month. I've never been a dancer, but I don't want to turn down outings to salsa clubs any longer. I've only been a few times, but I really like the vibe and teaching method. I've never been embarrassed or completely lost as Danella is a great teacher. I look forward to continuing lessons through the Summer and beyond. :-) read more