I consider myself a late [dance] bloomer. My whole life I have always wanted to take up dance. Since I was little I was always fascinated by it. From movies about dance to competitions. Growing up in a strict household, extra-curricular activities were out of the question. It was school, school, school. So when I was in college I "finally" took a dance class. It was a combination Social Dance and Mexican Folklorico. Ha ha, didn't know when I would use any of the regional dances taught (MAYBE "zapateado" or "noreteño if I went to a Sweet 15 party!) but hey it was the only dance class offered! I was challenged by the Mexican dances (with the exception of norteño because it is more social), however, Salsa came a little easier and I had fun with it because it felt natural to move with the music. Years later I wanted to take up classes at a studio, but just never got around to it. My declaration at the end of every DWTS and SYTYCD season was to start. Never happened. Life and just plain making excuses got in the way. Many light years later I finally bit the bullet and did it... BEST decision of my life! I found Latin Dance Pro by coincidence. I was having a much needed drink after a long day of meetings at a restaurant/bar I use to frequent way back when in my college days, (Moose's), now Ixtapa. And I saw a flyer for salsa night. Funny thing, I had heard about salsa night here on two occasions by the same individual. A coworker and I had been having drinks at restaurant and a random guy came up to us and said "Do you guys like salsa dancing? They offer salsa lessons at Ixtapa up the street"... We humored the "accountant-looking" guy to avoid being rude. A few weeks later, he was walking behind us during our break and abruptly said the same thing to us. Haha, I don't think he recognized us. I think it was in the cards for me to take classes with Latin Dance Pro. I just wish I had done it sooner. Maybe my friend and I would have done so if it didn't seem like this guy was desperately trying to pick up on us! My journey in the world of dance has been an emotionally rewarding one. From my beginner class (which by decision I took 3xs! Practice makes perfect!) to the levels that followed. Sergio, the owner, and his very well selected staff are very thorough and patient. And it is a non-intimidating environment for any 1st time dancer. I have made so many new friends and have shared my joy of dance with my own friends and family. I just have to share my delight with them because they see how I "radiate" at the end of my work day no matter how long my day was, because while others hit the gym or traffic, I have dance class. When we go out and they ask where I learned to dance other styles like bachata and cha cha I sometimes want to hold out so they can think I am a natural, but I end up telling them!! Haha Their inquires make me feel like a "pro!" So if you are looking for a dance studio, I encourage you to check them out. They do not lock you in to a contract like other studios do and they are not at all overpriced! I don't think their prices have changed since I've been taking classes with them! For a non-commitment glimpse you can always drop by their social night at Ixtapa in Old Town on Tuesdays like I did. After that I was like: Where do I sign up??? I was hooked. Hopefully you will too. read more

Aaah-maaaay-ZING!!! lol, if you look up the pronunciation of the word amazing in the urban dictionary this is exactly the way that I say it!!!! Sergio is the bomb.com!! A style so OG, in class and on the social floor! My respects. A true professional. A gentleman and a scholar! Incredible performer. I'm what I call from the Old School of Latin Dance Pro Prep. Class of 2008 baby! I saw him perform a few years back with his old partner prior to my taking a class. HE was clearly the star. She had ... nice hair I guess. I am an artist and I know a natural-born artist when I see one. Sergio is IT! The charisma was all him. Took a sebatical for a couple years but I a chance to see him perform a couple of times last year. The man's still got it! The new girl performing with him isn't his new dance partner I HOPE! Ummmm, sorry I have no filter! She's . . . flexible. That's about it. NO HAY SABOR. She's a just a white girl trying to dance salsa. Please, PLEASE girl, don't try the cuban thing! U know, what I mean by "the cuban thing" ... & the girating when dancing bachata, U r insulting my Dominican roots! If you've been to Ixtapa y'all KNOW what I am talkin' about! If you need a makeover, and you should consider it, I can hook you up because Dita Von Teese u are not! In her burleque ways DVT is at least classy. Hopefully she's just someone he used for new promo pix and assistance with performances... She just doesn't compliment him. You've taken your creativity to another level hermano. All those salseros that use to "run" the Mayan back in the day should take a page out of your playbook in recreating yourself as the true professional that you are. Sergio man, you are a class act! One-of-a-kind!!! Take his classes y'all! U will see what I am talking about. He's a rising star. Very soon, you'll be watching The Sergio Leal Show! Ricky Ricardo has been left in the dark! But unlike Ricky, Sergio doesn't need a Lucy. True stars shine on their own. read more

Well worth the drive! My partner and I have looked hard for a studio that was LGBT friendly, but haven't been so fortunate. Not that we dance together in class! We love rotating partners! We find it an important part of our learning experience. We've taken lessons at other studios but the male teachers always seemed to fit the typical latin dance instructor profile: Rico Suave attitude with the females. "Juan Del Diablo" fashion sense: greasy ponytale and dress shirt open to the navel exposing an obviously shaven chest/stomach. If midlife crisis stricken: badly dyed hair compliments of "Miss Clairol!" And of course always giving only the attractive ladies all the attention. Lol, it never failed at Friday night socials or a club a bachata song would come on and the younger, cuter, novice dancers with 6 inch heels would get a little private crash course in grinding! Our last instructor finally turned us off when he brought in an assistant straight out of Bare Elegance. Not a good choice for his female students, but more of a self gratifying one for him and the male students. I'm sorry but splits and whipping your hair does not make you a latin dancer! I can stretch out at home and get extensions if that's all it took. We wanted style and professionalism. Something we could aspire to mimick when out. DWTS or at least straight outta San Juan quality not "making it rain" quality, ya know? That is why we love Latin Dance Pro. They are professional, patient, S&M have great chemistry and they "get" us. We never, ever, feel intimidated. Except with styling! But we'll get there! And we hate it when our hour is up! Our Monday nights are exciting because of you! We just love "Maria, Maria...she reminds me of a West Story..." and "Ya llego...ya llego. Ya llego Sergio el bailador" lol We'd give you 4 stars because of the commute, but that isn't your fault! Whatever road rage may have occurred, it is gone by time we are done warming up! read more

My first "taste" of salsa was with Latin Dance Pro and I loved it! I had to have seconds!! I never knew how many different styles of salsa there was until I got hooked to the scene! And I've taken dance my entire life! Cuban-style, on-2, on-1, New York-style... the list goes on. I like LA-style (on-1) which is what Sergio and his team teach. I started out with Francisco for my beginner classes and then got "promoted" to the Sergio's class (that's the class everyone wants to be in!!) Just watching the students warm up was motivation enough as an avid beginner! Or so I thought! I missed class once and dropped in on a Monday night class and "whoooooooa mama!" I was blown away! His connection and fluidity in teaching with Maria (this fabulous creature who dominates attention with her stance) is outstanding! Wow, and when they dance together, I swear, your eyes can't help but be glued to them! Both instructors are patient, encouraging, fun, lighthearted and what's important to me, classy, respectful and educated . I've heard horror stories from my dance colleagues of Latin dance teachers who teach or demonstrate with half-naked non-professionals with the personality and dance experience of a garden gnome! lol Jesus, who would cheat a paying customer like that for their own personal hormonal gain? Oh yeah and they hit on students too, especially the newer, younger and more attractive ones. Ever heard the term, "never dip your pen in the company ink? SO BEWARE! I can't imagine what that is like since, fortunately for me, that is not the case here. Sergio and Maria are an exemplary pair who only have the students' best interest in mind. By the way, social dancing on Tuesday nights is so much fun! Regular salsa night or a fun theme night! Great energy, great vibe and a great way to break the beginning of the week blues! A bazillion stars!!! MUST CHECK THEM OUT! read more

Probably the best experience I've had when venturing out to try something new. Sergio, the instructor, is patient, calm, collected, clear in his explanation and smooth like butter on the dance floor. I am slowly but surely getting the hang of this salsa thing. Sergio & Maria break it down step by step. His down-to-Earthness is obvious in his approach to students while in a classroom, but it is sad that that same trait doesn't apply to the social scene. I made the mistake of approaching him for a dance when he was walking near the dance floor at Ixtapa. He smirked at me :( Did I just get laughed at by the instructor whose class I've raved to all my friends about? Maybe someone at my level shouldn't be asking him? Or maybe I was impromptu in my timing? My self-esteem took a nose dive on to the concrete :( He's danced in class with me before??? But I guess it's different when dancing for fun and when you are getting paid to do so. If you want to experience what it's like to dance with him your best bet is to raise your hand in class & ask for help! But in the social scene... unless you are a pro, close to it, btw being cute also helps, your chances are slim. Not that I would call the buck toothed, bow-legged, tattooed, drag queen looking girl on the biz card that dances with him cute or a pro...well m a y b e on a pole! While I think he is a classy guy, visually and in his persona and excellent in his instruction delivery, I was a little disappointed :( I will continue taking classes. Maybe I like tough love... lol...lol.. but seriously I feel I have learned a lot and want to get this down to a science. But I'll just stick to rookies like myself when I go out. read more

The environment created by Latin Dance Pro can't be expressed with words alone. There's a family-type of feeling, both, amongst their team of instructors and staff as well as their students. I have been taking classes with LDP for 2 years now and I have to admit, I DO have one regret: and that's not having done it sooner :) Because I am loving every minute of it! Sergio is very patient and clear in his instruction. He has an obvious gift for teaching and an undeniable passion for dance. Salsa Level 1, which by the way I chose to take twice, is fantastic! I highly recommend this class to beginners AND non-beginners. The attention spent on technique is unsurpassed. There is a clear focus on the fundamentals of Salsa and lead and follow technique. Level 1.5 is great for Beginner/Intermediate dancers. We practice different combinations yet the focus on technique remains. The same applies to Level 2 (Intermediate.) THE PERK OF BEING AN LDP STUDENT: Since Sergio is such an AMAZING dancer he always comes up with wonderful choreography for us! LDP also offers fun workshops in different styles of Latin dance like Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Argentine Tango, Ladies Styling and my absolute favorite Cumbia&Merengue! These classes allow you to add a little something more to your repertoire, that way you don't have to sit a song out simply because it is something other than Salsa! read more

Great class for beginners and wallflowers! Step by step instruction with carefully explained detail to techniques like pointing toes and the "quick quick slow" count. The importance of giving the right amount of tension to ones partner is highly focused on at the beginning of class and throughout. And I have finally figured out why: it allows me to be lead a lot easier :) The fundamentals are broken down but they finally make sense toward the end when everything is put together into a very leadable combination. Sergio is a wonderful teacher, clear in his explanation and flawless in his demonstration. Maria is an angel . So warm and genuine in her approach and very encouraging when I had to decide whether to retake Level 1 or move on to 1.5. As I get more confident with my dancing I will surely try her fancy styling moves. Took a couple of Level 1s with Francisco when I had to miss on Mondays. Lol the man knows his styling! Great team of instructors! The money gal... can be nice at times but getting the latest & greatest is probably what she enjoys most about her job! Other than that, top-notch school and instructors! If taking salsa lessons is on your "bucket list" jump in and do it! I did! Now I've got salsa as one of my Pandora stations! Check them out! Check them out! Check them out! read more

So You Think You Can Dance. . . I "thought" I could! But hip hop beats are not universal! Lol Had to train my know-it-all mind to allow myself to be "taught." I have to admit, I thought, "piece of cake!" on Day 1 of my Beginner class. But I quickly put myself in my place when I saw Sergio (the teacher) dance with Maria (the other teacher) as the next class up was warming up! "WARMING UP???!!!" The guy makes gracefulness look smooth and masculine! The other more advanced students may not have been at his level, but they definitely knew their stuff! A few us stayed behind and played spectators as they warmed up. After class I overheard a lady in my class tell one of the girls she really enjoyed watching her dance & asked how long she's been dancing . The girl did spin like a dreidel! She thanked the lady and told her only 2 years. The lady was surprised. So was I. The girl almost beamed as she said, and I quote: "I have an amazing teacher" and motioned to the man in charge. Very soon, THAT WILL BE ME! But for now, I'm ok with playing "T-ball" with the rookies, come next year I'll be ready for the Big Leagues! The learning experience has been better than what I expected it to be! You want to spice it up a bit on the floor? You need to check them out! read more

Sergio is the best! Why? Because he holds all the following qualities that should be present in every teacher * Acts as a mentor or role model * Provides a safe environment--physical, emotional, and psychological * Shows respect for all students through - a fair and equitable distribution of time - the use of encouraging language in offering positive reinforcement, constructive - criticism in a very subtle and respectful way, and acknowledgment of achievements * Offers challenges that will raise students to the next level * Encourages students to progress to next level * Makes everyone, regardless of ability level, feel included * * * * Engaging in an appropriate relationship * Delivers the best possible level-appropriate skills (including movement, terminology, music, choreography & technique) * Models a healthy lifestyle * Establishes a clear expectation by his for behavior and attire (professional at all times!) * Offers criteria for being respectful & appropriate IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT SCHOOL AND INSTRUCTOR YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE! Sergio is patient and a gentleman. He teaches technique and style for both men & women. I am a proud returning student! This is "mommy time" at it's best! read more

Hi "Josh", it's pretty clear your accusations are false because Groupons are for beginners and I only teach intermediate, I've never seen you in my class, your name does not appear on our registration, and Daisy is not an assistant or my dance partner. Fake profile! Hi Sergio. it's pretty clear your memory does not serve you well because we did meet you in class during our first session. You invited us to join you in your class since we were late to the beginner's class. My review wasn't about a beginners or an intermediate class, that is besides the point. Daisy was there and if she is not your dance partner/ assistant/business partner, then I take your word for it. It surely came across that way. I would recommend you check your list again, we signed up as Josh and Christina. It is a shame that you handle a negative experience this way, instead of finding a way to make things right. This confirms my stand on my review. Also, I don't believe that writing a fake review would serve any of us, I am merely expressing our experience with you in the hope it serves others, after all that is what Yelp is all about. If we had a great experience I would have rated you 4 stars, this is clearly not the case. Good luck! read more

Encontre este studio hace año y medio despues de haber ido a mas que suficientes escuelas y haber tomado clases con otros instructors y quede facinada con Sergio y su campañia. Las clases son fenomenales. Decidi tomar el primer nivel. Fue explicada como jamas se me a sido explicado. Y creanme que yo e tomado bastantes clases de salsa. Aparentemente, las clases tomadas en pasado y las dichosas escuelas e instructors fueron un fracaso. La clase 1.5 es una magnifica transicion para primerisos que estan listos para avansarse lentamente. No es demasiado avansada donde uno no le entiende al paso. Pero si eso sucede, Sergio tiene una paciencia para explicar el paso y la combinacion. No me creo lista para el nivel 2, pero si lo suficientemente segura de mi misma para ir a bailar socialmente. Tambien e tomado bachata y cumbia con esta academia. Super divertidas clases! Intete tomar 3 clases de tango. Maria, la maestra, es todo un amor con todos. Aunque nos falto un dia y en su lugar fue una chica tatuada :( La dinamica de Sergio y Maria es sinigual. El trae la seriedad y calides en su instruccion y ella trae la risa, sonrisas y entusiasmo. No los cambio por nada! RECOMENDADO read more

Ecstatic to be back. . . in L.A. and salsa-ing with Sergio & Company! After being MIA for a few years it feels great to be back! I know I sound like a bad New Yorker, but I was raised in LA. People brag about the salsa scene back east so much but I love LA Style! I was happy to find out Sergio was still teaching. He was my 1st teacher & the reason I fell in love with salsa. I was even happier to find out the wicked witch wasn't teaching with him!! Don't ask, just be happy! If you've been searching for a dance school, search no more. Professional, classy, patient and a gifted dancer & teacher that can get any wallflower, male or female, dancing. Advice: don't get too chummy with the lady who registers. She tends to get a tad too personal. A cross between Howard Stern, Dear Abby, Dr OZ & The Enquirer! Pay for your class & proceed to the studio! No matter how tempting, or juicy the convo! Don't let this last part sway you from checking them out! The instructor is respectful & respected. She isn't a reflection of him or his company. LOL, it's not like they're related! read more

Feelin' sexy so far in Rumba!!! Can't wait to fully unleash my inner seductress! lol, not! On a serious note, I am trying to take in as much as I can, as I feel that it will help my confidence level on the floor when dancing Salsa & Cha Cha. BTW: I am only including this little blurp in here, because there isn't a Tropical Tuesdays section on Yelp, and, no offense to Ixtapa Cantina, but I don't want to give them a stellar rating on "their" Yelp because it'll reflect on the business as a whole & this is only intended for Salsa night, aka: Tuesday (so so sorry!), not for ghett-o hiphop night or Broke Fridays (haha, that's the name I saw on a flyer in the ladies room!) & definitely not Ghost Town Sundays & Mondays! So, Tues nights are always fun but the Gatsby Summertime Party I mentioned once before was this week and was oodles of fun! I hope this isn't a one time thing! Can't wait for more Summertime fun! read more

I'm a single dad & recently started venturing out of my comfort zone & started trying out new things. Dancing was definitely not something I've enjoyed in the past! I was more the concert & bar with the guys guy. But, I decided to give this a shot! Gotta say, I've been enjoying the learning experience. Sergio is very clear in his instruction. I never feel like a goof when I ask him to review something but at first I did have trouble raising my hand for assistance. But his approach is non-intimidating and so raising my hand is no longer a problem for me. Hopefully I will be good enough to go on to the next level :) I've seen them warm up and they are no joke! Definitely gives me something to aspire to. I thought I saw something about kids classes in here, that would be great for my little ones. My princess would love it but my troublemaker, prefers to destroy things! read more

I was struggling with depression & because of medication, weight gain. I loathed the gym & my Dr suggested finding a fun activity. I wasn't even looking for dance classes when I found Latin Dance Pro. I was getting my hair done & as I was paying I noticed some flyers for an Old Hollywood party. I asked the owner about it & she said one of their regular clients had dropped them off. I didn't make it to the party :( but I did register for classes in January :) My NY's resolution. I purchased a deal for unlimited classes for a month. Best thing I could've done for myself! I have more energy now, my depression is gone & I've lost the weight I gained while on medication!! On top of that I now know how to salsa! The Dr couldn't have prescribed a better medication :) Thank you, thank you, thank you! read more

PROS: You Will Become an Excellent Salsa Dancer CONS: The secret is out......Latin Dance Pro classes are packed wall to wall because the classes are that popular and the instructors are far superior than any I've seen out there! Sergio, the main instructor is both, an amazing teacher and an amazing dancer. Qualities that are hard to find out there. Especially in what's referred to as the "salsa community". Maria is a doll. Genuine, patient, warm, fun and encouraging with all. The popularity and fun factor are by-products of the extremely professional, courteous and quality instruction that you will get from this dance studio/company. Wish I could bring my partner, but I don't think he would be very keen on the whole rotation thing. But that's ok. I can teach him at home. :) read more

Sergio is the best dance teacher I have had. That is a compliment because I took dance in Russia for many years. His attention to technique is superb! He is very patient and kind to everyone too. His students really like him. You can just tell. And he really shows he cares for his students too. You can always count on him greeting you with a welcoming smile. It doesn't matter if you are a current or a new student, you can count on that smile and his words of encouragement if you are not quite getting a move. Tuesdays nights at Ixtapa in Pasadena are wonderful. Always fun. You can take class if you arrive early and enjoy an evening with friends from dance class. Love all the dress up parties! Looking forward to Sergio's big birthday party next week! I know it will be amazing! read more