Great date night activity! Came here for a beginner class on Monday at 6. So much fun! The class brings out so many different people!

It's high time I wrote a review for the place that's been bringing me much unexpected joy the past 6-ish months. Last year, around Memorial Day, I was in DC with my family when we stumbled across one of those outdoor events with folks happily dancing Bachata and Salsa. My friend pushed me to join in and learn, but I froze, chickened out, and wistfully walked away. Two months later, I decided to go for Bachata lessons, and went with Nieves studio based on reviews, multiple locations and scheduling, and a ridiculously sweet Groupon deal that you'd be a fool not to take advantage of if you come here. It is difficult not to get hooked from the first class. The instructors are a major highlight here; they LOVE dance and they OOZE passion and expertise. And they are SO FUNNY. I find myself gleefully giggling at their quips throughout class; it makes for such a happy, upbeat learning environment. Perhaps this delightful contagion spreads throughout the room because it's largely good vibes in the crowd. Most are here to happily learn, and it's so refreshing to mess up and laugh together without judgment as we all aim for the common goal of nailing the routine of the day. I have met so many friendly and awesome people here. They also have a practice social every Wednesday, where I quickly learned that though I came here for Bachata, about 60% of the social is SALSA MUSIC. It didn't take long before I grew tired of having to sit out half the social and began taking Salsa classes as well, the one dance I thought I'd NEVER be able to learn. But the teachers do an awesome job of programming muscle memory and breaking down steps to drill them into your body. While I initially started out taking 1 class per week, I ramped that up real quick when I realized mad students come 4-5 times a week, and I see why! It does require investment and dedication if you want to progress at a satisfactory level, but it's fun and you look forward to it. I get the unlimited pass and frequent the Manhattan and Brooklyn locations. Also, be prepared to end classes with your heart pumping and face sweaty; I quickly expanded my "dance wardrobe" to have a multitude of athleisure fits, because I don't know HOW some folks do this in jeans, bless them. Dress for comfort. I now devote 3-4 nights a week to Nieves classes, and it's carved such a significant place in my life currently that I wonder what the hell I was doing with my time before this. But these classes give me life, and a feeling of euphoria after. Sharing a hobby with others who love dance as well, the physical, mental and social health benefits, good vibes, and the challenge of pushing yourself to learn new things slides perfectly into my lifestyle like a puzzle piece I never knew was missing. So if you're looking to get started on your Latin dance journey as a beginner, this studio is perfect. Oh yeah, and they got those GOOD mints too at the front desk; those melt-in-your-mouth dinner mints you were always snatching out of the glass bowl at old people's houses as a kid. ;) I hope Wil (the owner) doesn't switch the mints lol. read more

We went to the New Beginner Salsa Class (101) on Monday at 6pm, and it was amazing! The class is free for first timers, no partner or experience needed, which made it really easy to try out. The instructor was clear, easy to follow, and kept things moving at a good pace. The class was well-organized, and everyone got a chance to dance with different partners throughout, which made it more interactive and comfortable, especially for beginners. The energy in the room was great--welcoming and relaxed. Everyone was friendly, and it didn't feel intimidating at all. Loved it! read more

Will was an amazing salsa instructor-- he is patient, and ensured that all guests felt comfortable and enjoyed the lesson. The salsa class was suitable for beginners, and no one was left behind, I was really impressed with the instructors ability to manage such a large class with varied skill sets. read more

If you love to dance this is your place of freedom. I've been with Nieves since October of 2016 and I must commend them on being personable, professional and helpful. Since walking into the doors of this establishment everyone feels like family especially my instructors (David and Steph). Everyone is relatively friendly and is there to learn, there's no since of catty, competition feel here from my experience. When your around great music, positive vibes and staff that cares about your growth as a student here, who wouldn't love that? I respect this place for making sure people feel comfortable with steps and offering students the opportunity to speak up when feeling in doubt. To the staff of Nieves: Amazing job for the fun filled environment for any level dancer. What I appreciate most is starting from scratch here and realizing my weakness from previous dance schools. read more

When I moved to NYC from CA a year ago, I promised myself I would learn salsa. I did some researching before my move & found Nieves Latin Dance Studio. Based on other peoples reviews/ comments I thought it would be a great way to meet new people, learn something new and get integrated in my new life here. Joining this studio was way better then I expected. Instructors are ALL wonderful & talented, they are welcoming & make the learning environment fun! There is a sense of community here & I love that. Thank you to Nieves Latin Dance Studio a memorable 1st year. If you want to learn how to salsa, meet great people, and be apart of something Nieves Latin Dance Studio is meant for you! read more

Beginner level salsa was fun, instructor was energetic and funny. Salsa on 2 was new for me but I'm a quick learner and have a dance background so the new steps we learned were a bit too slow for me. Studio is spacious and partnerwork worked out well, freestyle and switching partners was my favorite part. Next time I'll try intermedate level :) read more

Awesome dance studio with great&supportive instructors and staffs. I really enjoy learning dancing at Nieves. I first started using Groupon and tested it out with Wil in his bachata class back in January 2016. His class was amazing. Also, his dance partner Nova was great with lady's styling. I really liked the class. However, I was not able to continue then because of a personal schedule issue. After that, I have tried a few other studios for Latin dancing, but none of them can provide the experience I once had at Nieves. When I checked back in November 2016, I finally found a Salsa class that fit my schedule and I have stayed with Nieves ever since. I started out with David and Stephanie as a beginner. They are very willing to slow down to go over steps with students and share their experience/tips for dancing. I personally like Wil's class a little more because it's fast and challenging. I also love the little funkiness in his choreographies. I think that really goes with my personalities :P It's been almost a year dancing Salsa at this place. I think the dance(with the music that makes you want to shake your booty) and the experience(meeting new people, going to different dance social, and doing the student team) have made me a happier person and feel that my life story is seriously embellished :))))))))))) read more

I love this place. I've been dancing here for about 6 years. I have a blast every time I come to the studio.

By far the best dance lessons I've taken. Will is absolutely amazing; he's talented, a wonderful instructor, and has an incredible sense of humor. He really makes class fun. You are the absolute best, Wil! read more

I attended my second class today at Nieves Latin Dance Studio and so far it has been one of the best decisions I've made since moving to New York. I have always wanted to try a dance class, especially in bachata and salsa but always found dance studios to be intimidating and way too expensive. Nieves Dance Studio is not only fun and welcoming, but there prices are very reasonable. The instructor William is very easy to follow and makes you feel comfortable right away. I have already signed up for their monthly membership and look forward to attending a lot more classes. My only regret now, is not signing up sooner! read more

I finally decided to cross another goal off my bucket list and begin learning how to dance salsa. I chose this place because it's near by my home and they have a flexible schedule which is awesome. The gentleman at the door explained everything to me. The schedule, the routine, the price etc. he also let me know that there weren't that many men taking lessons so he was excited that I signed up. I missed the first class but was able to make it up. Because I checked in on yelp, I received a $10 off coupon for first sign ups which I thought was great. It's affordable, it's doable. I will update this review in the coming weeks. read more

Bottom line: I love this place. Before coming here, I'm not really sure what I was doing on the dance floor. Missed turn signals, sloppy footwork, switching between 1 and 2. I knew something wasn't right. But when my friend found the living social for this place, we figured, why not? Yes, the first month of their beginner cycle is always a packed L-trainsworth of people and that's fine because it just means all those people love what you love. I started taking the class with Meagan and Wil; their jovial nature kept the two hour class engaged and entertained. There's no trickery with this studio, it's not like walking into a yoga 101 class and being told do get into the pretzel, Wil started with being able to listen to music and find the first beat of an 8 count. That's the foundation and it makes it easy to follow music regardless of the tempo. It is laid out in black and white what steps you'll be learning and if you happen to miss class, Meagan is more than willing to catch you up. The beauty of the class in the second hour where you get to practice a short routine with various partners which mimics the socials where every person has a different style with different tension. You learn to adapt. Speaking of socials, this has to be the best part of the studio. Regardless of your level, every Friday night from 9-12, this humble studio turns into a bumpin little spot for salsa and bachata and you can come practice what you learned / can remember. At first it seems intimidating but the more you come, the more it starts to feel like a family. Even if you're doubting yourself, it's entertaining just to watch people do their thing because you can aspire to be a better dancer. At the end of the day, this is the homiest place to dance and I love it. read more

I know Will Nieves personally. I've danced with him on a team, socially and have even taught a class with him. If you're in the Brooklyn area and you're looking to learn salsa on2, I highly recommend this studio and Will. He has a solid foundation and understanding of the dance and is eager to pass the knowledge on to his students. He's a great social dancer and dance team member. He's also a very patient, energetic and thorough teacher. He really takes great pride in teaching the art of salsa and its fundamentals. I absolutely suggest this studio if you're the area! read more

Could be 5 stars if I took the Salsa classes that didn't happen yet. Came in for the Friday Social at 5.00 and I learned that is not what I thought it meant. After a friend telling me of Friday Social I thought it was like an introduction classes of Salsa and is not. Friday Social means that the lights go dark as in a night club and every one that is there is free to dance or ask others to dance and practice their Salsa dancing moves or have a great time. I left because I was not looking for that I wanted to experience and introductory class which are given at other times. If I made my mind to learn more Salsa, this would be the right spot. read more

I'm caught between three and four stars simply because after two lessons, I've just never went back. The instructor (Will) was great, the staff was nice and the overall vibe ok. I paid for one private lesson and a couples package (4 classes each at a discounted rate). The private lesson was great and much recommended! At the time when we signed up in late June, there was only one beginner class held each week, and after having missed two consecutive weeks in a row, we just cut our looses and moved on. It was mentioned that you miss a class that week, you can attend "make-up" classes, but these other classes tend to be for the more intermediate or advanced dancers i.e. Women's styling. Overall, wasted a bit of money on lost classes but since it's very affordable, not the biggest deal. Nice experience. They teach salsa on two. If you dance salsa on one you'll end up feeling like you can't figure out your a$* from your head! Update: Totally thrilled that I can STILL take classes (or get a refund but I thoroughly enjoyed the classes so why would I want a refund?). I'm very excited to go back and start up my lessons again! Thanks, Will! read more

I started here while also trying out adult salsa classes at a more expensive studio in Manhattan. After a few classes, I felt the instruction was just as good for a more affordable price. Now, I am approaching three months, and I feel the instruction is EVEN BETTER than at the other studio. Wil is a great teacher, making sure that everyone progresses, and the school has a nice step-by-step structure for learning salsa, instead of just throwing moves at you. There's a ton of opportunity to learn outside of the class too with salsa socials (Fridays) and performance cycles where you learn a routine that you eventually perform. I've been to many socials, and I am currently in a performance cycle. There is a wide age range of people who attend, and everyone is incredibly positive. They even have nice social events to create more community, which is an added bonus. Everything about this place is wonderful and enjoyable. read more

I'm not sure what got into me, but I decided to sign up for the beginner salsa cycle almost 4 months ago and really couldn't be happier with it. Wil takes things super slowly (the first month or so was maybe a little too slow), but let me assure you that things PICK UP. Class is 2 hours long, with the first hour learning shines (you can see the huge list above the mirrors), and the second in partner work. You don't need a partner at all and will be dancing with a ton of cuties from class...which btw are all different ages! :) Wil's also hilarious, and a super talented dancer that always has his eye on folks to make sure they're getting the moves down. The studio also has some awesome free performance cycles (like what?!?), and socials every Friday, which, btw, are awesome and such a fun environment to dive deeper into dancing. I get plenty of instruction from Wil and students that help teach in the lower classes (which is a testament to how awesome this place is), and have always felt super comfortable. I came here by myself and have developed a nice little community of salsa friends from my class and so excited about continuing coming here. Totally recommend. Side note: only accepts cash! ATM across the street. read more

Everyone who loves salsa or is curious about learning should take a class from Wil Nieves. He makes the classes alot of fun and breaks down the steps in a way that will get you dancing in no time. His partner Kathy is also super friendly and helpful. I have danced with him socially and taken a few of his classes. His musicality background and dancing experience is part of what makes him a good teacher/dancer but also the fact he really loves what he does. The best thing I like about the classes is that you really feel there is a sense of community there. The students become friends and it feels like a family after a while. It doesn't matter how old you are, how much or how little you have danced before...the vibe is totally chill and welcoming! I will be recommending this place to all my friends in the area. read more

I really cannot help but write a gushing review of this place. I have been taking classes here now just about two months and could not be happier with the experience. I had already taken some beginner classes at a studio in Manhattan but stopped because I found the pace to be too slow and prices to be too high to be worth the trouble. At Nieves, the pace is great because the instructors go over the material really slowly and break down complicated routines into manageable bits. Before you realize it you are doing all sorts of incredible turn patterns and styling. There are some really talented dancers here but the atmosphere is completely unpretentious and going to class is fun because we have all gotten to know one another and dance together at the weekly salsa socials. If I miss a class, people ask me where I was -- it really feels like a community of friends. I cannot say enough of about the quality of the place, but also should mention that you really cannot beat the value--at Dance Manhattan I was paying $85 for one month of classes (1 hour per week). Now I'm paying $45 for a month of classes and each class is two hours long - so its 8 hours of instruction per month for much less! I'm getting married in a few weeks and we decided to do a salsa routine for our first class. We are working with Wil on the routine in some private lessons and I know our friends are going to go absolutely nuts when they see it at our wedding reception. read more

I started learning salsa from a bad teacher in manhattan (Rise). I decided I had to find a real school if I wanted to get any good at it, and I would have to go to a legit school. I heard about nieves and it was a 15 minute commute rather than 45 minute commute. Much closer to the Puerto Rican neighborhood I lived in where I would hear salsa in the streets all the time. Here's what they do right. You stick with students at your level. You move up together. No more trying to learn dance with someone who is a lot more advanced than you and is bored by your company. Or someone who can't do the basic steps while you're trying to learn intermediate moves. This speeds up your learning AND it builds a great camaraderie with your classmates. They become your friends. You go to socials and dances together. It makes you excited to learn. There's a social every Friday where you can really use the skills you learned. It's the difference between going to Spanish class and having a conversation in Spanish. Very necessary. Now to take these skills and show the teacher from the other dance studio who's boss ;) read more

I joined the school about a month ago. I enjoyed the fact that is a 2-hour class, one for shines and one for partner work. Also, the teachers take their time to help you to learn the steps correctly. I will keep going to the school to further my dance moves and steps. read more

Nieves Latin Dance Studio - Performing Arts Near Me - Williamsburg, New York

I have been going here for about 3 years now. Great community! It's a great studio for beginners and advanced dancers alike. I started as a beginner and I'm now on a training team, so you never know where this can take you. read more

My daughter takes classes here. She started doing ballet middle of last summer and considering we really wanted to do dance and this was the only studio that offered kids classes in my area we gave it a try and hoped for the best. There were some days I felt the classes lacked structure but I get it my daughter is 4 and she was in a class of 4-6year olds. Instructors are very nice, I like that they know my child and she is comfortable there. We recently added jazz to the roster, only been two weeks we are giving it a month to see if we like it. Even if jazz doesn't work out we will probably stick around, she has two more years before she can sign up for salsa classes!!! I am even thinking of signing up for salsa classes myself. read more

I've been taking salsa classes here for a month and so far I'm very happy with the experience. My groupon just ran out and I plan on continuing classes via the normal monthly rate. When I first started, I thought the classes moved a little too slow. But as we're getting to more complicated steps, I'm starting to appreciate how thoroughly we move through the steps so that everyone has a clear understanding of how to do it. There is rarely a time when I am feeling lost - the class is very easy to follow. Will is a really great teacher and does a great job of injecting humour and fun into the class. I also love the way the classes are set up. Once you commit to a time slot, you learn salsa with the same group of people, and "graduate" to the next levels all as a group. You can jump from class to class as well, but the option of learning it and improving with familiar faces each week is really appealing to me. I really recommend this studio for anyone that wants to learn some salsa. read more

My first review... To begin with, this place is relatively cool for what they have. They offer an array of classes at an affordable rate. I came here to take a few dance classes a while back because if was heading to my home country ( DR ) for one summer and really don't know how to dance my roots. I know, sad:(... I would have given them a higher rating but my experience was less then professional from the staff. I bought a 3 package class to get a taste for what Latin dancing is. right away one of the co-founders seem to be focused on making my experience a pleasant one. Oh at least that's what I thought. My first experience in the class was fun but limited. The staff seemed more focused on giving off the impression to the class that I was there for someone then focusing on teaching the class. Which made the experience a very awkward one. I choose not to go back and continue the classes. Another experience was bumping into the co owner at a cafe and having her give me glaring and vindictive looks while having a meal with my mother. The impression I got is that the co owner needs validation from those around her - she's insecure. I would recommend this place but be very careful not to fall on the bad side of any of the staff there. Because if one doesn't like you, the others will turn it into a high school experience. read more

My husband and I love this place. We began taking classes in October 2014 after purchasing groupons for the 1st month. The staff is so funny, they make you feel comfortable. The two hour classes are instructive and fun. We come from Manhattan into Brooklyn to take classes here because the classes are also very affordable. By the way, you do not need to join with a partner. When we do partner dancing we rotate, so that we all dance with multiple partners. I like this because it gives you a feel of how other men lead during dance. read more

Started in April and it's been a life changing experience. Feels like a second home. There are different class levels and can always jump from one level to the other depending on your comfort and experience. Advance level 4 is an ass kicker, to me that's the most fun but I still go to the lower levels to refine my technique. Would suggest that everyone try it out, I absolutely love it. (I think there's even a Groupon) read more

A great place to learn how to Dance and more. My Daughter goes there on Mondays for Ballet and she loves it. She's 5 years old and She talks about it all the time and always asking me Daddy is it time for Ballet today. I understand they have a lot of different Dance Programs there but I really wish they had more Ballet Classes. Its still a Great place read more

Nieves Latin Dance Studio - My Daughter love to come to Ballet Classes - Performing Arts Near Me - Williamsburg, New York

Great studio! One on one lessons are the way to go. Friendly staff, great for all skill levels. read more

I love this studio! It has become a real home away from home for me. The dance style they primarily teach is salsa on 2, or New York-style salsa. The instructor, Will Nieves, takes time to teach you correct technique and encourages you to develop your own flare in styling. Because the dance is fast-paced, it makes for a great cardio exercise and, because it is intricate, it develops coordination. My favorite part of the studio is that it provides a performance opportunity to any student who is willing to commit the time and summon up the courage to perform. Every few months or so they have something called performance cycle: a non-audition based team of students that attend dance classes and learn and rehearse a dance on the side. After a few months of rehearsal, they perform the dance for family and friends, at a studio-endorsed event. Finally, the major advantage of this studio is the creation and maintenance of a community of people bound together by their love of salsa. People come to class and/or rehearsal, meet new friends, learn a new skill - a winning recipe. read more

I have had my two daughters here for the past 6 Months. It has been a pleasure dealing with Will and his staff. They work great with my kids and give me pointers on what I can work with on my own time. The instructors really care and it shows. My youngest has been watching her older sister perform during salsa and was aged too young for the salsa class, Ms Stephanie allowed my youngest to partake in her class to see if she is capable of dancing with her older sister. This was extremely nice of the team to deal with her on an individual level and not just say she cant. I look forward to taking adult classes once my schedule opens up and look forward to working with Will directly. I definitely recommend this studio for children and if the adult classes are anything like the children, I will gush over those as well. read more

I love this place. I've taken private lessons a few times and it's been amazing. The instructors are so kind and patient and for a novice like myself it's perfect. David and Tatiana are excellent and I will definitely be back to take more classes with these two. read more

Every class at this studio is so much fun and is taught with so much passion coming from the teachers! The teachers are very mindful and supportive and make you feel comfortable. Even if you don't live within the area or if you do, I highly recommend this studio! read more

It's an amazing studio. Level 1 salsa classes truly start at the very beginning; it's great for those who have never danced salsa before. Their instructors are all amazingly gifted, funny, kind-hearted individuals who truly care and love what they do. There are awesome socials (events where you can dance socially) every Friday night in the Brooklyn location from 9pm-midnight. There are also semi-annual large performances in which students are more than welcome to participate in. The people who go to this studio are some of the best people. You walk away not only with some awesome dance skills that you can whip out at any moment, but with an awesome family that you wouldn't change for the world. read more

Purchased a groupon for a change of pace and something different. The classes are fun and the instructors are super patient. As with anything new and unconventional you get out of it what you put into it. Introduced me to a new world of dancing that I never thought would be things I'm interested in. The people that you meet are awesome and have become more than just friends. It's a great family environment. read more

The beginners salsa classes are over crowded, so it is difficult to learn the steps when there is not much room to move. I was told there would only be 40 students in the class which seemed high for the space, but there are at least 50. The instructor is good but the space is too crowded! Sorry, but this place is not for me! read more

Friendly atmosphere, approachable instructors especially Meg, I didn't know white folks moved like that. Didn't dance at all when I first started up and now I feel confident on the dance floor. They are all great teachers at the dance studio but Meg is my fave. They have Friday night socials and it's the greatest thing of all time, I've met peeps there. You learn cool dance moves and patterns, you work your way up and the moves only get cooler. read more

The class is for absolute beginners. It's not really for people aspiring to pursue professional or semi-professional salsa dance. Not worth the $ at all. Classes are crowded in the beginning, but as you move up a few levels, they clear out. My biggest complaint is that for one, you aren't even taught how to listen to the music. The solo shines have nothing to do with the partner work in the second half of class, making the first hour kinda of pointless. Overall, not bad but dissatisfied. read more

Daughter attends Salsa and Hip Hop classes. The staff are very friendly. Looking forward to taking the adult salsa class