So fun, great deal, great instructors and learned a lot! They explain things step by step

My fiance and I bought the 8-week salsa bootcamp and after taking the first class, I really wish we hadn't. First of all, the bootcamp isn't taught by Joel or his wife but rather another instructor (or student, I'm not sure). Ok, that wasn't a deal breaker but what was a turn-off for me was that he and his wife were both there the day we took the class but didn't bother to say "hey guys, I'm Joel, thanks for joining us. This will be your instructor, she's great and you're in for a treat" or something along those lines. If your name is in the business, try to add a personal touch. As far as the class itself, it was more of: try to follow what I'm doing, if you get it, great, if not, too bad. After the class, I went home and pulled up some videos on youtube and they were so much easier to follow. It's not that the instructor was bad, but they pack as many people in the class so you can't really get proper instructions. read more

Joel Salsa is one of my favorite Latin Dance Studios in Manhattan. Joel and Maria are incredibly talented instructors, phenomenal dancers and all around good people. They create an atmosphere of family at their studio, welcoming and encouraging new students to keep at it. Their classes are based on cycles (Salsa Bootcamp level 1 and 2; eight weeks long). Beginners cycles last a few weeks before you can upgrade to the next level of bootcamp. Quite often, students will repeat cycles to master the basics before going on to intermediate or more advanced levels. I love that the studio focuses on technicality, timing, musicality and being original as a dancer. The instructors will teach certain steps in different ways or with a unique flair and the student is left to and make it their own. Maria will also sometimes offer a ladies styling workshop which is incredibly useful for girls looking to add a sexy touch to their salsa and bachata dancing. They have one of the best bachata instructors, probably in all of NYC who is leaving - but will definitely be around for workshops and special instruction. All in all, I would highly recommend Joel Salsa for the beginner who wants to get their feet wet or the more advanced dancer who wants to unlearn bad habits and train with some of the best Salsa instructors in New York City. I cannot recommend Joel Salsa enough! What are you waiting for? :) read more

Oh this is so much fun, Joe & Maria rock, great energy in every way, Time flies by! & you really feel as if you learnt something. read more

Joel and Maria are great instructors with the way they break everything down for everyone in class. For someone like myself who has no experience dancing their instruction during the classes I've taken has helped me tremendously in understanding both the moves and timing involved in salsa. The staff are all supportive, helpful, and patient with all of the students, making it a great enviornment for anyone interested in learning how to salsa dance. I've taken a few private lessons with Nancy who is a great instructor herself, anyone who wants to enhance with they learned in classes further I highly recommend taking the private classes. The customer service is also great, any questions I've had are always quickly answered by Sandra. read more

As someone with lifelong dance experience in styles other than salsa, Joel Salsa is a great fit! There is a variety in the class of people with experience, and most I would say have none - which makes it all very welcoming! Joel has been an excellent teacher as I've had him teach for both bootcamps and and am looking forward to level 3! read more

The bootcamp classes are a good way to learn the basics. The format is well laid out, and instructions are pretty clear for the mast part. However, the last of the 4 classes (2-hr weekend sessions), appears to be very rushed on purpose, so that you feel flustered and end up signing for another bootcamp, as is advertised after the last session. The material can easily be well spread out amongst the 4 classes rather than taking a very laid back pace for the first three, and rushing everyone on the fourth. It well might be their strategy, but appears to be unprofessional. I might be wrong, but it was pretty apparent. Most of the instructors are good (especially Nancy and Sandy who are perfect for beginners since their instructions are clear, they are patient and professional), however, there is a certain male instructor (likely an advanced student; they sometimes appear to teach beginner classes) who took the last class and who is clearly out of his depth and does a very poor job instructing. He cannot manage his classes, the housekeeping is poor, the instructions are unclear, his callouts are delayed/incorrect, and he is frazzled and tries to cover it up by bringing in ill timed enthusiasm and rushed instructions. He well might be learning his trade, but this shouldn't be experimented upon for almost an entire session. The final class was very disappointing. read more

This is a long review, and for those of you who don't have the time, this is the gist: Taking Salsa lessons at Joel Salsa rocks, is a lot of fun, and you should not think about it twice! Seriously, I wish I could give them more stars! Now the longer version: I've been taking Salsa lessons with Joel Salsa and Claudia Sol for just about two months and I kid you not, the decision to start taking Salsa lessons with them is one of the best decisions I've ever taken. I signed up for the 8 week bootcamp, two weeks after starting the bootcamp signed up for private lessons with Claudia to supplement the group classes, and just last week I upgraded to their VIP package, which allows me to take all their regular weekly classes within my level, and gives me free admission to their social dance events. My point is that the longer I spend time with them, the more I want -- I just can't get enough! Why all this enthusiasm, you ask? I'll tell you why. - You get to learn Salsa! - You get to meet different people! - You feel welcome (you see all kinds of people in the group classes)! - You get to do some exercise! - You get to listen to music! - You get to dance! - The instructors are awesome! I've taken lessons with almost all the instructors at Joel Salsa, and all of them are super awesome! They make it impossible not to have fun! They are professional, courteous, friendly, and charismatic. I always see them smiling, laughing, and telling jokes. It is so much fun, it can feel like a party! My personal favorite is Claudia Sol, because she is full of charisma, and shines with joy when she is leading the class, especially when she makes us dance at 100 miles per hour! She's also great as an instructor for private lessons. She is just as fun in a private setting, but for private lessons she uses your input, such as your goals, to develop a personalized lesson plan. She also makes herself available, takes the initiative to provide tips or share Salsa resources, and is quick to respond to questions. Seriously, Claudia is awesome! In my case, I gave Joel Salsa a shot because I'm interested in learning Salsa to a sufficient level of skill that I feel comfortable social dancing. This is a medium term goal that will take several months to accomplish; however, Joel Salsa is so much fun, even if you have different goals, I would recommend trying Joel Salsa. If you just want to have fun in a different setting, give Joel Salsa a shot! If you want to exercise but hate the gym, give Joel Salsa a shot! If you are planning a team building activity for your team at work, sign up everyone for a class at Joel Salsa! If you want to meet people in a fun setting, sign up for a class at Joel Salsa! Thinking of getting your friend(s) a gift? Give them a class at Joel Salsa! Seriously, you won't regret it. Preguntas? Questions? read more

I have always wanted to learn salsa (all that fancy footwork, twists and turns) so when I saw the one-month-unlimited deal at zozi, I saw my calling--at least for a month. Since I already knew the basic steps, I took the beginner AND the advanced beginner class the first week. I was HOOKED from day one. So much that I was there every day, every class. The instructors, Joel and Maria, are really down to earth. They always make sure all the students understand each move before continuing to the next. They also break down the steps for you, specially when they see our CONFUSED FACES followed by COMPLETE SILENCE after they had asked if we "Got It". No one wanting to be the first to admit that we "Sorta Got It But Not Quite There Yet" Oh, and they are FUNNY. You always get a laugh--or two--while trying to figure out the right/left turn, inside-outside turn and cross-body lead. The BACHATA classes were great as well. Edwin, who is an expert, shows you how to move like a pro. He brings a new choreography as soon as you learn the previous one--so no more THREE STEPS and A TAP when dancing at socials... You DON'T NEED A PARTNER for any of their classes. They rotate the students very often so you don't get stuck with the-guy-that-needs-a-strong-deodorant! Best of all, if you still can't remember or do the steps, they allow you to record it towards the end of the class so you can practice at home. They also send you links to their practice videos as well! So... Ladies bring your dance heels... Guys don't forget to put on deodorant/cologne and... LET'S DANCE SALSA! read more

First: this is not just a Salsa school, it's Bachata and Zumba too. The instructors are well-known in the dance scene. The school is small enough that the instructors actually care about each student and know them by name. However, it's big enough that no matter where you go to dance socially - you'll always see a classmate of two - instant party! Joel is a smooth and creative leader, Maria is a beautifully-styled lady. Together they are a perfect pair to teach every level from Absolute Beginner Bootcamp (I mean, if you've never taken a salsa step in your life - they'll get you dancing), to Advanced Beginner, to Intermediate turn patters. They are always coming up with new challenges for us. Most recently they've created an Intensive Salsa Training, which really focuses on giving the students tools they can use in their dancing (floor drills, musicality drills, turn patters, etc). They take pride in their students and it works. How do I know? Because once they take that first Bootcamp - most of their students stay with them for years. The class is usually split into shines and partner work. Joel's shines get creative, so make sure you don't miss a beat. If you get to Intermediate level and you like your shines fast and furious - this is your playground! Maria also teaches Ladies Styling - which, BELIEVE me, you will want to experience. It's just so on-point and user friendly. Never thought I could do a "booty roll" for lack of... well... BOOTY. But I think I can after taking Maria's styling! Just substitute booty for some hip action! Edwin is a challenging and lively Bachata instructor. If you've seen him dance socially and in performances, you know he's someone you want to learn from. If you're looking to expand your bachata repertoire beyond the basics - he's your man. Students that come here enjoy a friendly atmosphere, which encourages lots of laughter and excitement. You have the option to come to class, follow instructions and leave. But you also can become a part of this group of people, who actually share their love of salsa. There are group outings to dance clubs pretty much weekly. You can participate in a monthly practice session. Sometimes you'll find yourself at a classmate's birthday party. There's even a latin cruise once in a while that the students get together for. Oh, and of course there's La Vieja Guardia, one of the most coveted salsa socials in the city! So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer - there's something for everyone here. read more

I have no idea what I was waiting for to write this review! This is long overdue. There is so many great things I can say about Joel Salsa but it means nothing unless you actually come out and experience this for yourself. Besides the instructors being great, (Joel, Maria, Edwin, and Daniela) my fellow classmates are just as wonderful and supportive as the instructors. Which makes the experience that much better. No one is competing or judging, everyone is friendly and encouraging of each other. Now, back to the instructors; Joel: He is the fantastic salsa instructor in which the school is named after. Not only does he break down the steps effectively in a way that makes learning easy, he also spends time on steps in which are more complicated if he feels more drilling is necessary. He is extremely patient and has a wonderful sense of humor that makes traveling down to the heart of the city in rain, sleet and snow worthwhile. Maria: Joel's other half who is equally talented. She is inspirational for us ladies who wish to move as fluidly and sensually as she does! She makes every move look as easy as pie. Her Ladies Styling Workshops are absolutely the best and I recommend that all ladies should take this workshop if you want to know how she incorporates style and flavor into her every step. Edwin: Phenomenal Bachata instructor with tons of flavor in his movements I am still trying to figure out where he keeps it all! There is no one more passionate about his love of dance than Edwin, and I have only taken bachata with him for a month and it's still so very obvious. Daniela: Edwin's other half, Daniela is also a very passionate and talented dancer. She too teaches the ladies how to use hands and body rolls to spice up even the most basic steps. She follows her partner with ease and executes each move with perfection! Sexy and inspirational! Overall the environment is welcoming the instructors are amazing and knowledgable of musicality. They are constantly giving their all in each class that they teach. You have to go and check it out for yourself. AND the most important thing for me which is what convinced me to give them a shot was the affordability of their packages. I mean seriously, it doesn't get better than that! read more

My experience with Joel Salsa was great, and my friends and I plan on coming back! I decided last minute to see if there were any Salsa studios in Manhattan that could accommodate a private class on a Saturday night for my boyfriends 30th birthday party. Maria responded to my e-mails quickly, and we were able to set everything up with ease. Claudia provided a fun and energetic private class to a bunch of beginners. We all had a great time and were practicing our moves throughout the rest of the night. Thanks for such great service! Can't wait to learn more. read more

I can't recommend Joel Salsa enough. Joel, who is the owner and main instructor for my beginner's salsa bootcamp classes, is a friendly, funny, and engaging teacher that structures the classes in a way that has us actively practicing old and new techniques while moving lessons at a good, fast pace. Classes are also broken up into 4-week cycles with each class in each cycle appropriately labeled by level, which helps newcomers like me understand which cycle and class is for me. In short, the classes are great, and if you want to salsa, Joel Salsa. read more

After taking many salsa classes at a different studio, I thought it was over for me. I could barely hold my own on the dance floor...until I decided to give it one more shot and sign up for Joel Salsa! Joel is great at breaking down the moves, explaining the counts, the musicality, all with a great positive attitude, a genuine love for dance, and great classmates to cheer you on along the way. This isn't a studio bribing you with some ridiculous deal that you can't afford after it ends with many students crammed in a tiny, sweaty room. They also have a great way of checking into each class, as opposed to signing your name, which can waste many valuable minutes of teaching time. Though my classes are full, it is not uncomfortable or restrictive to learning. The social they encourage at Copacabana is also really fun and many times we'd form a group and walk together after class. Even though I've just been taking classes for two months, I already feel more confident, and I'm excited to take more classes! read more

Some of the nicest, most welcoming and accommodating / decent people I've dealt with in a long time. I couldn't pay them a high enough compliment. Thank you. read more

We booked private classes with Nancy for the past 3 months to prepare for our wedding and she was amazing!!! We were able to learn three styles of dance (Salsa, Merengue, & Reggaeton) and she also choreographed our first dance song. We cannot say enough great things about her or our experience. Would highly recommend to anyone regardless of experience level! read more

So far I have taken the first class in the bootcamp series and it was so much fun! They do an excellent job breaking down the steps. I was also impressed by the amount of men taking lessons so that we could partner up. Joel and Nancy have great attitudes and I'm really excited about taking the rest of the classes in the series! Also, if send them and inquiry, they respond FAST and answer all of your questions. I recommend coming here! read more

Claudia is an amazing instructor -fun, energetic, knowledgeable and she breaks down the steps very well. The structure of the class is well thought out as well, first half you learn the steps and second half you out it into practice with partner work. read more

I've only had one private lesson so far but I'm already totally hooked. I had a lesson with Claudia last night - I used to be a competitive ballroom dancer and just started taking lessons again after a decade-long hiatus. I was totally nervous about being critiqued again but the lesson couldn't have gone better and Claudia couldn't have been more wonderfully fabulously amazing. She was so supportive and complimentary and patient and knowledgeable and by the end of the session I booked 5 more classes with her. I've been blasting salsa music and watching YouTube videos of performances nonstop ever since, and it hasn't even been a day! My friends and I are going salsa dancing tonight too. I cannot adequately express how excited I am to be dancing again. I cannot sing this school's and Claudia's praises enough! read more

Loving my classes at Joel Salsa. The instructors are very clear and precise and you don't feel uncomfortable at all. Highly recommend if you want to develop a new hobby and dance dance dance. read more

Joel Salsa is a great place to learn salsa if you don't mind repeating classes and are proactive at learning. The price is consistent with most dance schools in Manhattan at $15-20 a class and the instructors do care about your lea. The downsides are the huge class sizes (40+ people for a pair of instructors at the beginner levels), the lack of practice opportunities, and the short 1 hour instruction time. I'm an intermediate on1 salsa dancer who's taken group classes with different instructors in LA, Austin and private lessons in Mexico and Guatemala. After moving to NYC recently and out of the dance scene for a year, I decided to take up salsa on2 and start over at level 1 of the beginners class. I noticed that the amount of material covered per class is immense. When they say it's a boot camp, it really is a boot camp! They go over about two normal classes worth of materials in one hour. I'm not sure what the rush is, but maybe you'll feel more accomplished at the end of level 1 after just 1 month. By week 3/4, it seems like half the class is lost at any given moment. Unfortunately, they don't enforce the levels so people who should be repeating 1 are sometimes struggling in 2 and slowing down the class. The class is only an hour long, which means you spend the first 5-10 minutes getting settled and taking attendance, 15 minutes for warm-up and review, 20 minutes on new footwork, and only 15-20 minutes left for partner work. You may be introduced to a new turn, use it five during class, and still be expected to know it by next week. Personally, I find 1.5 hour classes or 1 hour classes followed by practice sessions more helpful. I do love how all the instructors put footwork and musicality first. Without the footwork, you can't progress pass the simple turns. I still struggle sometimes with the salsa beat as well so I really appreciate the emphasis on the conga beat for on2. If this is your first time at salsa and you came with two left feet, here's what you need to do at Joel Salsa to succeed: * Pair of comfortable shoes that don't grip the floor. No snow boots, hiking shoes, stiletto heels, etc. There are salsa shoes but you can get by with sneakers for a while. * Attend every single class, twice! They offer the same classes twice every week so go to both. * Practice at home. If you don't have a partner, practice the footwork. Footwork is the most important part of salsa and I notice people in level 2 still struggle with a basic turn from week 1. * Ask questions and clarifications, grab the instructor at the end of class if you aren't clear on something. * Go to practicas. Joel doesn't have a beginner specific practice session, but Piel Canela Dance School across the street does. * Occasionally take private lessons. I know they're expensive, but it's the only way someone will point out your mistakes. In NY, its about ~$100 an hour but if you find yourself in Latin America, private instructions are sometimes only $10-20 an hour. * Don't feel bad about switching instructors or dance schools. Different instructors emphasize different things and have different teaching styles. It's to your benefit to learn from the many excellent instructors available to you in NYC. If you're a guy, know that there's something called "salsa hell". It's very real, just google it. You are basically useless on the dance floor until the end of Joel's level 2 curriculum. Even then, unless you are amazingly good looking, few ladies will want to dance with you and your limited dance moves. This will continue at least until you have enough moves and experience to combine everything into a cohesive lead. From my on1 experience, this took me no less than 3-4 months of classes at least 2x a week with the occasional private lessons to get to a place where I'm able to flow through the different patterns and lead effortlessly. I hope you're not looking to pick up girls with salsa or any other partner dance, because you've found the hardest and most painful way to seduce women known to mankind. If you came from a different dance school and you want to know which level you're at: Level 1: Basic footwork, left turn, right turn, partner left turn, partner right turn Level 2: Fancier footwork, cross-body lead, cross-body lead with inside turn, cross-body lead with outside turn While the instructors and class materials at Joel Salsa are great, the execution of the lessons and the learning environment are less than ideal. I understand that Joel and Maria need to make money, but this place feels a bit too commercialized for me. Expect to receive lots of marketing emails/texts when you sign up but do check out their free supplemental videos online. I probably won't be continuing after level 2 just because Piel Canela's unlimited classes plan seems like a better deal personally. They have a lot more classes and dance styles to choose from and I'm much more likely to go there 3-4x a week. read more

I never expected to enjoy this class so much after my first couple classes! I was referred by a friend to contact Joel (since I wanted to take salsa courses); I was immediately impressed with Maria & Joel's professionalism, expertise, and passion they had in their teaching of Salsa. It's very important for me that a teacher is clear with their directions/instruction of the basic salsa steps, that they are experienced with mistakes beginners and novices' usually experience on the dance floor, and are patient with all levels of dancers during class. Not only where they did they have those qualities, but they do care about each individuals progress and understanding. They are both personable with everyone and make you feel comfortable in the studio! I took the opportunity and completed the 8 week program for beginners salsa and several advanced beginners courses, and it has made me feel very secure in my dancing skills when I go to a salsa club with my friends. Also, after you get the basic steps down, I recommend attending their "Practicas" (monthly practices where everyone is encouraged to attend) and learn how to dance with fellow beginners to advanced people. It's the best way to anticipate others movements and learn new styles-in the comfort of others who are learning like YOU! I was taking their classes starting Oct2012-spring2013 until I had to move away from NYC (for the husbands J.O.B), and wish I knew about Joel & Maria years ago!! This is definitely a very special and unique class that I was very lucky to be part of. Well, I can go on and on about these two, and why you should take advantage of their amazing program, but go check them out-even if it is just taking one beginners class! One more thing. I purchased a pair of dancing shoes from Maria, and made a HUGE difference in my dancing movements! With all the cool footwork you'll learn, boots and sneakers will slow-you-down. read more

I've attended salsa classes here for almost two years. After initially trying about 3 other studios in NYC, I landed here and it's been my favorite. I've found this studio to be the most friendly and positive. It's been so important to have an an environment where both the instructors and crowd are welcoming. They teach with a gradual, deliberate style which ensures you learn moves and combos piece-by-piece, and this has ultimately helped me remember much more of the content.They recently added a "Salsa Intermediate" class which has been perfect for bridging the gap between their advanced beginner and int-advanced course which I previously found to be a bit too large of a jump. If I had to give one recommendation it would be to make the partner-work session of the classes a bit longer to make sure to get those repetitions in. It's still the best studio I've found around NYC! read more

I signed up for Salsa Level 1 and 2. The instructor Andrea is terrific. She is patient, fun, nice, and great with techniques.

I had trouble signing up and the team was super helpful - they went out of their way to make sure I can get the classes I wanted. Highly recommended it! read more

My experience at Joel Salsa has been excellent. I find both Joel and Maria trustworthy, honest, and complete professionals, which is why I continue returning to their classes. There is a sense of camaraderie among the students in their studio, which makes stepping into their classes easy and enjoyable. Joel and Maria drill the basic techniques and concepts to ensure that their students have mastered the steps before moving onto more advanced concepts. It is clear to me that they love their profession, their students, and teaching. read more

In addition to the dynamic and comprehensive group classes offered at Joel Salsa, I began my Salsa journey with private lessons with Claudia Sol a few months ago. Claudia strikes the rare and delicate balance between ensuring the appropriate development of Salsa fundamentals while also constantly providing new and challenging material for the intrepid learner. I've also enjoyed delving into Bachata and ChaCha in some of our lessons. She is unwaveringly patient, yet also progress driven, as are many of the instructors at Joel Salsa. In my mind, private lessons are imperative for both beginners and advanced dancers, and are the perfect compliment for the group classes. All in all, in case you missed it, I cannot speak more highly about my experience. read more

I've been taking private lessons with Claudia for 5 weeks and have received clear instructions, and unquestionable demonstration. She's an incredible dancer and teacher. She has a sense of humor and knows when to pressure me and when to make me laugh which maximizes my learning ability. She has a key quality that I hope for in a new teacher and that's her ability to make me want to learn for myself rather than for the sake of leaving an impression. I suggested a slower song at one point because I was at the brink of learning some footwork, but kept slipping on a detail. Rather then acquiesce she genuinely suggested that I could perform at the current tempo and challenged me and she was right. That foresight, her ability to see my potential and drive me toward it with her, let's call it "energy" is why I've given her 5 stars. She'll meet you halfway between what you're looking for and what she knows you need. This maximizes her value as a teacher. She's a badass. read more

I took my first private Salsa lesson with Darrah at Joel Salsa. I was nervous and self conscious (as I am a complete beginner). Darrah immediately put my mind at ease and refocused my thoughts on having fun while learning. She has an awesome personality and while her teaching style is very structured, she focuses on connecting with the dance and your partner. I truly enjoyed this lesson and left feeling more confident and excited to return the next day. read more

I've taken bachata lessons here. The instructor, Edwin, is by far the best bachata teacher ever. His patience is unmatched. His teacher skills, for his age are commendable. I love meeting teachers who will not tire to teach you until you get it. You can expect the same level of passion and enthusiasm the first time they teach you something to the 105th time. More than their dancing, its the good attitude that I will always remember. I strongly recommend them. Especially for those who think they were born with 2 left feet or have any sort of hang up social dancing, go to this place. You will not feel out of place, you won't hear anything such as negative criticism from these teachers. read more

Joel and Maria are amazing! I always felt very shy about dancing salsa, despite the fact that I loved it. My friend and I decided to do the 8-week bootcamp and figured we had nothing to lose. It was simply wonderful. Not only was I able to learn basics and build confidence, the other participants were so nice, too! There is a strong sense of community within the group and I felt very comfortable. They hold socials and workshops and that was super helpful when it came to practicing. I think Joel and Maria are amazing instructors and I can't recommend them enough. read more

Joe is a good teacher. I attended his classes for a few months with monthly membership plan and learned Salsa and Bachata. Keep it up, he helps newbies go from level 0 to 100 pretty seamlessly. read more

Amazing school. 2yrs and counting. Definitely recommend it. I would give it 10 stars. Maria & Joel make it happen.

My wife and I love the private dancing lessons. We have hectic work schedules and are unable to take scheduled classes. Joel Salsa has been able to accommodate us through private lessons and we look forward to it! We love our instructor Claudia and after 5 lesson package we bought 5 more and plan to get even more! Definitely recommend! read more

As a composer and musician, I love Joel's focus on timing and rhythm. He sings/speaks the conga rhythms we need to hear and feel--a very clear and musical way to teach dance. He and Maria are crystal clear in their instruction of shines and turns. They also sent links to an easy-to-understand group of brief videos of various steps/shines: a great way to help us practice correctly at home. I look forward to many more excellent classes. Simple, clear and terrific! read more

I have joined Joel Salsa 3 months back and now i feel like part of family. This is one of the best school and highly rated one in NYC. Great connectivity with PATH and Subway make it first choice from location perspective. Every beginner class is full and if you are not booking in advnace, will lose the seat. The best thing about Joel and Maria is that they pay attention to every student and you can't escape doing wrong steps. They always address to whole class and never pinpoint any person so you will be at ease. Joel ensure that we are laughing and enjoying dancing within group. Maria ensure that technique is perfect and dancing with her always chill my spine...you do a mistake and she will give a hard look to you :-) They both always give importance to follow beat along with steps to make your dance more natural which is very important. You must go to their social party and dance with experts to improve on though need some courage to match steps and speed. You can join classes for beginner, Adv beginner and Intermediate level along with expert level to tune your skills. There's bachata class also and i will review it separately. They have launched their website and you can watch them online or buy those videos to download on laptop, mobile etc. Visit their website - http://mysalsaonline.com/ read more

I am taking the Salsa Bootcamp and love it. The instructors are great, we switch partners often, and the people in the class are cool. I'm learning a ton of stuff and feel fantastic after each class. Would recommend!! read more

Love love love this salsa studio. Super diverse classes, for all levels and an amazing staff. A bit pricey but it's definitely worth it.

I could not disagree more with the reviewer who gave Joel Salsa 2 stars. First, I have to say that I'm really surprised they only have four reviews. It's obvious from the well attended classes that they have lots of happy students who come regularly and seem to really be enjoying themselves. Joel and Maria are really good teachers. They are patient, encouraging and extremely generous with resources and encouragement to make sure their students succeed. They really want us to learn salsa and have fun while doing it. The atmosphere is down to earth while also very well organized and well presented. Classes start on time and you receive a full hour of instruction with no time wasted. They run a tight but very fun course of classes that keep progressing with more intricate moves and steps. I have never heard them try to hard sell us on anything. The fact that Maria lugs a big suitcase of shoes to class (at her inconvenience) is to provide her students with an easy way to purchase shoes IF THEY SO DESIRE. Their website lays out that course curriculum clearly with the understanding that after 4 weeks level 2 of the beginner's course begins at 7:30PM while basic beginner starts at 6:30. This information is also reiterated in class so it should come as no surprise that after 4 weeks of basic you can graduate to basic 2 if you feel ready to do so. There are opportunities to practice throughout the month through "socials" and other events. Joel and Maria give a lot to ensure that their students receive not only excellent instruction, but the opportunity to practice what you have learned. They are wonderful people and I feel lucky to have found them. By the way, I am having a blast learning Salsa in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. I strongly recommend Joel Salsa. read more

I loved the first and second boot camp and took each twice. I was super excited about level three. On day one of level three, I learned there is a huge disconnect between the pace for level two and level three. Even if you're comfortable with level 2, which I am, level three is way too fast paced. Not sure what the rush is or why combinations were not broken down more. A fellow student told me that on Mondays class Joel goes a bit slower and breaks the steps down. I came in for Wednesdays class and just felt completely lost, like I missed several classes. I am stuck somewhere between bored with level 2 and not keeping up with level 3. I will give level 3 another shot and will come in on a Monday instead to see if it makes a difference. I realize practice is key and would love to take two classes a week, but time is a luxury. The instructors are overall great, but in regards to level three, I would trade speed for better form/precision any day. read more