Behind their fake-nice demeanor - These dance instructors are impatient, arrogant, juvenile, and rude. You'll better off finding other dance instructors at the ODC or Dance Mission. Their lessons are not helpful at all in learning Cuban Salsa; instead, they rush through the lessons and don't pay attention to your truly learning the steps. Don't waste your time or money with them. read more

This is my favorite Salsa class/teachers! Always smiling and having fun, talking about musicality, body movement and all the different dances that go along with Salsa... like Son. The music is always authentic Timba, Cuban-Salsa and makes your body move. The friendly faces that I met at my first class, I see on a regular basis and always enjoy learning with. The parties are super fun with a variety of dance levels attending, making each dance a unique & exciting experience. The instructors have been going to Cuba, dancing with and learning from the locals as well as the Cuba All Star dance team. I feel so fortunate that I found this amazing group and had the opportunity to go to Cuba with them, after the ignited my Cuban-Salsa fire locally. Thank you for all the great classes, hugs, dances, knowledge & music Can't wait to get back on the dance floor. read more

Rueda Con Ritmo - Cuba festival - Dance Studios Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ryan & Sidney have a commitment to the art, and it benefits everyone who comes to learn through them. Rueda con ritmo is excellent. And fun.

I've danced salsa for 11 years in different states and different countries, and let me tell you: Rueda con Ritmo has the most fun classes and the best dancing community I've found anywhere. If you have ever thought about taking a salsa class, stop thinking and make it happen with this amazing group! I have danced with RCR for four years and have also tried out other Bay Area classes. There are many dancing options in the Bay, but try out these classes and I guarantee you won't need to try anywhere else. They offer weekly classes both in SF (at ODC in the Mission) and in Oakland (at Working Body at Lake Merritt). Something that makes RCR's classes unique is that there are truly classes for ALL levels, and the classes are designed with a clear, well-designed progression. I've seen brand new but dedicated beginners join the more advanced classes after only a few months when they have followed the classes' sequential progression. For more advanced dancers, I especially appreciate their focus on musicality and rhythm which allows us to better "feel" the music and makes dancing even more fun. I've also enjoyed the opportunity to participate in performance groups, including the SF Carnaval parade. I recently moved away from the Bay, and out of all the great things the Bay Area has to offer, this amazing salsa group was truly the hardest thing to leave behind. Thank you for all you do for the salsa community, and I haven't given up on my dream of attending a Cuba trip yet! :) read more

They're still 5 Stars (more, really) and they are still wonderful. Rueda Con Ritmo (Sydney and Ryan) are great instructors and are the nicest people. They have a fun, welcoming, but structured curriculum designed to help beginners learn quickly while becoming competent salsa dancers. The basics are so important - they focus on helping students get them right, and they are transparent with expectations. Once a set of moves is mastered, they encourage students to move to the next level of moves - there are no surprises. They take the time to help dancers learn and move forward, and make the experience fun. Their parties include all levels of dancers, they encourage (and model) graciousness , patience, and a positive dance community. They are very respectful of the music, dance, dancers, and the cultures that inspire the classes. No more spectating- join the salsa community! Or up your routine with new combinations. Or perfect your moves while having fun. read more

Ryan and Sidney are amazing dancers ***AND*** instructors. They have the ability to work with multiple levels in one class while keeping everyone learning and having fun. They really take the time to get to know their students and welcome them--which helps create an amazing community. They also weave in some musicality and knowledge about the different styles of Latin dance in their classes. I highly recommend Rueda con Ritmo and feel so lucky to have found this group. read more

I'd been searching for salsa classes and thought I found a good program with Rueda at ODC. The intro classes were fun albeit simple, and they made me want to progress through the higher levels *because* it's fun. I'm not a professional dancer and have no intention to be, that's why I'm taking classes in my free time, to enjoy myself and learn a new skill. The higher levels are all taught together in a single room in a giant fast paced clusterf***, with little personal attention. One intermediate teacher seemingly hates her job and spends most of class belittling students. Many of the people in the intermediate and above levels, sadly, are very rude and cold and not people I want to dance with. I'm going to look for a kinder community and spend my money on classes with positive and motivating teachers, instead of wasting it here. read more

This is a review for the OAKLAND studio, but they don't seem to have a Yelp page. My boyfriend and I went to one of the salsa classes last night. We both have a good bit of salsa experience (we've both taken classes before and I've danced a lot casually), and decided we should try out level 2. When the teacher started, she did not explain or demonstrate anything, and instead just started calling out steps and having everyone do them right away in the rueda (circle). None of the steps looked particularly new or challenging, but neither of us were familiar with some of the specific calls (there were several steps I had learned different words for), or had not done them specifically in a rueda (only with a partner), so we were confused and somewhat lost. After about 5-10 minutes, the teacher told us (in front of the whole class) in a way that felt somewhat condescending that if we did not know these more basic moves, we should go to level 1. We went to level 1, and the teacher was great, but the moves were all things we had learned many times before, and it made the class very boring. Again, the teacher for level 1 was great (very enthusiastic, patient and kind), but we were not able to learn anything new, which was frustrating after paying for a class. If you are completely new to salsa and want to go through the studio's program one level at a time, this could be a good spot for you. But if you've done salsa before and are familiar with the steps, but have never done it at this specific place, I would not recommend classes here. read more

This is more than a salsa class. It's an amazing, diverse group passionate about dance and building a Bay Area community around Cuban salsa. These classes are fun for the beginner and experienced dancer alike. I've been taking classes at the Working Body in Oakland and occasionally at the ODC for the past year. I also did a performance workshop with Ryan through the ODC last year. They've all be fun and well taught, and I've come away with a great new group of friends. If you're on the fence, just do it! read more

You will FALL IN LOVE with Ryan and Sidney! These guys are just fantastic -- they have gobs of passion for the dance they teach, hold incredibly fun classes that are the perfect way to shake down at the end of the week, and have grown a warm, friendly community of dancers that are just one of the billion reasons I love the bay area. They are completely committed to their students and the art of teaching; they teach three hours of dancing at ODC on Friday nights, but they also organize performance workshops, put on super-friendly dance parties, and host trips to Cuba/Mexico. After a recent student dance performance, we all headed out to for tapas afterwards, and Ryan ended up going into the kitchen and convincing them to hook his ipod up to the speaker system. Tables were shoved aside, and impromptu rueda ensued until we were kicked out. :) Most people who come into Ryan and Sidney's world sort of wander in because they like the music or vaguely have heard that salsa is fun ... and then get completely hooked. Come to ODC on a Friday night and don't look back! read more

What makes the RCR classes special is the welcoming community, so many friendly faces that are there to get some good dancing in. They separate the classes into different sections so that you are going to be challenged. Highly recommend! read more

I take their class in Oakland at the Working Body. Wow. After taking Cuban salsa and rueda over many years from most of the Cuban dance teachers in the bay area (and twice in Cuba), I honestly say that Sydney and Ryan are two of the best teachers around. Not only are the people friendly and supportive, most importantly the quality of instruction is clear, detailed, and designed to help you maneuver the complexity of turns and movements. As a cuban drumming student i also appreciate Ryan's attention to and knowledge of Cuban music rhythms. Lastly because they go to Cuba frequently, they always have new sequences. Oh one more thing, their class series passes in Oakland make this one of the best deals around. read more

I learned to dance Cuban salsa with Ryan and Sid, after a more complicated class left me puzzled with what I was supposed to do in a circle :) These two just ease you into it - you progress from one level to the next with ease and while having tons of fun. I wish my schedule would allow me to attend more of their advanced classes: Ryan and Sidney teach grace & style with grace & style. In addition, Ryan is a musician and an astounding connoisseur of Cuban rhythm - that will add a unique layer to your dancing and enjoyment of dance. Great people, great teachers! read more

Sidney and Ryan are superb, patient teachers, truly gifted choreographers, and genuinely nice people. I studied with them many times over the years, and whether it's at a dance studio, private event, festival or whatever, they always make their classes fun and easy to follow while still being challenging and level-appropriate. They play fantastic music and rueda dancing with them is incredibly dynamic and enjoyable. In addition to their general slate of classes, Sidney and Ryan choreograph and perform at San Francisco Carnival and various Cuban and Caribbean summits and congresses. Their pieces are amazing - they arrange the movements to correspond to breaks in the music and it is incredibly hip. They are now doing some live performance collaborations with Cuban bands that come on tour, which says a lot about the level of respect they are achieving. Check out some of their performances on Youtube, great stuff. The fact that they have both studied extensively in Cuba and both play percussion must be part of the reason that they are so good at what they do. Lovely people and very talented teachers and artists. read more

To all the people out there who think they're just not dancers: I'd never danced a day in my life before I took Ryan and Sidney's class, and now I can't get enough. I'm taking several of their classes a week, and even though I'm not a natural dancer by any means, they've helped me progress in ways I didn't think I was capable of. Ryan and Sidney have a uniquely academic understanding of rhythm and musicality, a keen eye for style, creative minds, kind hearts, and are absolutely jaw-dropping dancers. In short, I look forward to learning from them every week, and the community they've built through their classes has become a big part of my life. Whether you're an experienced salsero or you feel dancing is beyond you, I can't recommend this pair enough. read more

I took my first Cuban salsa class with Sidney last April during the Bay Area National Dance Week wherein free classes were being offered to the general public throughout the bay area. Sidney's instructions during my first class were so clear and easy to follow and her personality was so warm and engaging, I decided to check out Rueda Con Ritmo's Friday night classes. (By the way, Cuban style salsa distinguishes itself from other styles of salsa because it is danced in a circle and there is constant changing of partners. Some people jokingly referred to it as the latin version of square dancing except that Rueda De Casino is a much sexier dance.) What I discovered at the Friday night classes is that they divide the class into four levels: Introduction (for those who have never taken a Cuban salsa class before), Begninners, Intermediate and Advanced. The nice thing about having the class broken up into various skill levels is that you will find a group that matches your skill and comfort level. The classes are a lot of fun because they are led by charismatic instructors and the style of dance lends itself to camaraderie and playfulness. I had so much fun at these classes that I looked forward to the end of the week so that I can dance Cuban salsa with a fun group of people. I found myself taking classes regularly and, before I knew it, I signed up for their performance workshop and participated in my first dance performance last Friday. Ryan and Sidney are excellent instructors who have a lot of passion for Cuban style salsa and Cuban music and their enthusiasm radiates into their teaching. If you're looking for a dance class that is fun and easy to follow, I highly recommend that you check out Ryan and Sidney's class. You'll be amazed at how much you learn and how much fun you have in the process. read more

I have taken a LOT of dance classes in my day, and Ryan and Sidney knock it out of the park. They are fun and welcoming, while challenging us to do our best... their high standards and clear instruction make it easy to learn and progress quickly. The community they've built keeps me coming back week after week - I've only been coming to class for a year on and off and it feels like family! Hands down the best place to sweat, learn, exercise, and then realize you've had a huge grin on the whole time :) Oh and p.s. I've brought a lot of newbies to class and it is VERY welcoming even if you have no experience - they will start at the very beginning and not talk down to you, OR your two left feet! For reals! read more

Ryan and Sidney are awesome! Very professional, patient, always smiling, passionate about dance and teaching. They offer excellent classes and a fun and open community of dancers of all levels. They keep things challenging, but very fun, help to raise your rhythmic awareness and improve your connection to the music. I've been dancing with Rueda con Ritmo for less than a year, and I have already had a lifetime of amazing experiences! Ryan and Sidney have organized so many great events! I danced in a Carnaval performances in San Francisco and Guantanamo, Cuba. I also performed with Ryan and the Compania All Stars at the Bayamo Festival de Ruedas and danced in Rueda Gigante in Holquin, Cuba. I've joined Rueda con Ritmo on two dance trips to Cuba, and thanks to their connections I learned from Compania All Stars of Santiago de Cuba, Máximo Estilo and La Maya. Amazing Dancers! I have met so many wonderful people and learned to dance better than I ever thought I could. You will be so glad you joined the Rueda con Ritmo family! read more

Took some private classes with Ryan. My wife and I wanted to learn some salsa for our first dance at our wedding. Ryan is a phenomenal teacher. He knows his stuff and he is incredibly patient. I have almost no background in any sort of dance so I needed all the patience I could get. We were able to get everything we needed in just four lessons. read more

Reviewing dance teachers is harder than reviewing a restaurant. However, imagine a restaurant that you'd drive an hour each way to go to on a weekly basis because it's that good. Well, that's what we've done for the last year and don't regret it one bit. It's just how good of teachers Ryan and Sidney are and how great of a rueda community they've fostered at ODC studios. read more

Dancing with Rueda Con Ritmo has changed my life for the better in significant ways. I not only found a wonderful hobby that I'll continue enjoying for as long as I can move my body, but I found an incredible community of people through RCR. Ryan and Sidney (and all their teachers) are thorough, expert, and super fun teachers. You will be so much better not only in dance but also in life by partaking in the joy of their classes. Cuban salsa has a sense of community inherently built into the dance form itself (when you dance in the rueda together), so don't be surprised if you find lifelong friends within this community. P.S. Go on a trip to Cuba with them! It's an amazing cultural and personal development experience. read more

Best salsa class/community in SF! Really welcoming and beginner friendly, I would highly recommend.

Wonderful teachers with amazing energy! I've been with them for 5 years now :) and I'm not the only one. I think that says a lot -- when your students keep coming back for years. read more

A friend introduced me to Sidney and Ryan, assuring me, "That's Ryan and Sid - they're the teachers. They're great! You'll love them!" I am generally suspicious of teacher-types, and don't hand over my cash to just anyone - repeatedly. After several months of happily joining in class after class, I can report that on the technical and personal sides of teaching, Rueda con Ritmo delivers time and again. Not only are these people patient, friendly, and welcoming to beginners and advanced students alike - they remembered me and greeted me warmly after just one lesson - but they offer such enthusiasm for the technique and learning of salsa Cubana that I was drawn in to aspects of the dance and music I'd never even known about. It's like the Pocahontas song: "You'll learn things you never knew you never knew!" I'm especially loving the Rueda and Ritmo classes in Oakland on Monday nights, where particular rhythmic patterns are the focus for half the class, and learning partnered moves is the focus of the other half. There is a weekly focal song that typifies the patterns we're learning, and Ryan will often be heard saying, "I have a loop for that." This is a great way to learn musicality that will enhance your enjoyment of - and ability to improvise to - all sorts of music. Whether you're a complete n00b or an experienced dancer, you will have a great time learning with the structured approach of Rueda con Ritmo, and getting connected to a wonderful community of dancers through Ryan and Sidney. read more

I've been taking salsa classes with Ryan and Sidney for over two years now and I still learn something new every time I go. They are truly talented dancers and teachers and their warm, easy-going attitude makes dancing with them a joy every time! I have to say I am on the pickier side when it comes to dance teachers since I've had so many throughout my life (grew up dancing ballet, jazz and tap). But Ryan and Sid are exactly what I look for: creative, specific in their teachings, dedicated and always striving to be better themselves through their dance. And they seem to attract so many wonderful dancers to their classes and performances that it is easy to feel a part of the community after just a few visits. I definitely recommend their Friday night classes at ODC but get on their mailing list and then you can check out all the different stuff they have going on year round and join in as you like. Their choreography and musicality cannot be beat! Rueda Con Ritmo rocks! read more

I recently came across Ryan and Sidney's salsa rueda class at ODC. The vibe was very friendly and made me feel comfortable to jump right in. The class is large and very diverse, people of all ages and abilities. Sidney and Ryan are a great teaching team, they break down and repeat patterns so that you really get the hang of it. The music is great and Ryan's background in music really helps with understanding the timing of everything-Go Go Go to their classes. I went to the Friday night and Sunday day classes-great crowd, good energy, affordable, fun, upbeat-I know there is a strong community there as well, socials, parties, many opportunities to get to know everyone. They are amazing-Go! read more

I've been taking salsa classes with Ryan and Sidney for over two years now and I still learn something new every time I go. They are truly talented dancers and teachers and their warm, easy-going attitude makes dancing with them a joy! I have to say I am on the pickier side when it comes to dance teachers since I've had so many throughout my life (grew up dancing ballet, jazz and tap). But Ryan and Sid are exactly what I look for: precise, hardworking, dedicated and always striving to be better themselves. And they seem to attract so many wonderful dancers to their classes and performances that it is easy to feel a part of the community after just a few visits. I definitely recommend their Friday night classes at ODC but get on their mailing list and then you can check out all the different stuff they have going on year round and join in as you like. Rueda Con Ritmo rocks! read more

My favorite salsa school in San Francisco by far. Ryan & Sidney's Friday night classes are really fun--full of people and great energy. The venue, ODC Dance Commons, is a wonderful space with friendly and helpful staff. I highly recommend Rueda con Ritmo to anyone who is looking for a school where you feel welcomed, learn from experienced and passionate teachers and get to meet a community of people who love to dance. I would give them 6 stars if I could! read more

At the end of the week I always look forward to salsa rueda class, what a great way to let go of the week's stress- ryan, sydney & danny show the techniques with easy to follow instructions, then the music starts and its just great fun - salsa in a circle. The best dance class and more in the bay area! read more

Having never taken dance lessons of any sort, I was a little apprehensive and didn't know what to expect in studying with Ryan and Sidney. I can honestly say I had no idea they would be as much fun as they have been. Ryan and Sidney (as well as the other instructors that teach at ODC) are extremely knowledgeable, patient, supportive, and understanding. The classes are structured in various sections (i.e. "how does salsa work" to "I know every move ever invented as both a lead and follower") and therefore allows a nice progression through skill levels. The socials are also insanely fun and a great opportunity to meet and dance with new people. Simply put - Ryan and Sidney are amazing and truly passionate about their trade. The only negative in taking lessons is that you'll be hooked after your first! read more

Ryan was amazing. He helped prepare us for our wedding dance-- we don't know what we would do without him! 5 star for sure. SO happy!! Everything went awesome and our family and friends were thoroughly impressed at our wedding :) read more

This is a review of Salsa Rueda @ ODC. I rarely write negative reviews because obviously my experience is subjective but teaching is a huge responsibility. Majority of us (if not all of us) learn salsa rueda @ ODC not to become professional dancers but to have fun, to meet people, to learn new skills, and to be part of the community and because of that I give this place one star. Many of the instructors here are very good, professional, and encouraging. Unfortunately a few bad apples is enough to ruin someone's confidence. And that's what a co-organizer of this group does. I really appreciate when people care about what they do but it's really evil when caring becomes bullying. The whole point of teaching is to encourage students to do more to take risks to succeed. Unfortunately here @ ODC the approach is different they encourage you take classes you do not need just tp make more money and they discourage you from advancing and learning new things. read more

Coming from Miami, I've been struggling to find a REALLY good Cuban Casino Salsa class since I moved to SF. I came across Ryan and Sidney's ODC class out of the blue and I haven't looked back. Instead of having one hour of everybody doing the same moves week after week, you have 4 ruedas going on simultaneously with different levels of students. Fantastic! And you get two hours of it. AND on a Friday. Need I say more? I look forward to their class every week and I can't wait to continue learning with them. read more

Ryan and Sydney are the best teachers ...super patient and they never make you feel like you don't know what you're doing. (even if you don't know what you're doing) Very comfortable and welcoming environment. read more

Great classes. Fun, multi-level, great music, open-hearted. You will be given license to be playful and you will learn. You can decide how much of a challenge you want by picking the level of class. They all go on simultaneously. All your questions will be answered and invariably someone of your same level, with your same questions will be there. Ryan and Sydney are for real. read more

Sidney and Ryan are both really talented dancers AND talented teachers! What a combo! Nice folks, too. Really a fun time learning and working out in their class. 5 stars! No, SIX! read more

Ryan and Sydney have the best rueda program in the Bay Area. They offer multi-level classes, fun socials, and performance opportunities. The combination of Ryan's musical knowledge with Sydney's beautiful choreography is unbeatable. They are friendly and supportive and fun! read more

Ryan and Sidney are simply amazing! You wouldn't find better teachers and lovers of Cuban salsa in town! If you are looking for having a great time, while learning an amazing dance, I would whole-heartedly recommend them! read more

Sidney and Ryan are warm, wonderful, insightful people and are perhaps the finest instructors of any subject I've encountered... ever! They generously share their passion for and understanding of Cuban music and dance. They focus on inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment, which really worked for me especially as a beginning dancer. I came to their classes without any experience, and without experience in partner dancing. They offer classes at multiple levels (beginners, advanced beginners, and so on) and at each level I met fun and caring people to share in the journey. If you want to learn and/or deepen your understanding of Cuban dance and music while having a great time I highly suggest you check out their classes! Don't wait.... it's too good to miss. read more

I took my first salsa rueda class with Sidney and Ryan a decade ago! They are very knowledgeable instructors who are fun-loving and incredibly respectful and patient with their students. Perhaps it's because they greet you so warmly when you walk in that they've built a community of friendly people with very diverse backgrounds that is just as welcoming to new students. read more