Baila District
Salsa, bachata, zouk and more—classes for all levels plus weekly socials in S…
Baila District opened in 2022 after four friends—Benny, Ashley, Lucy, and Slava—began collaborative dance projects in October 2019.
Photo: Baila District via Google
Before your first class
Absolute beginners are welcomed into monthly 101 series in salsa and bachata; no partner or prior experience required, though a partner is helpful.
Comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to move in; avoid shoes with heavy soles or sticky rubber bottoms.
Free street parking is available on Blakeley and surrounding neighborhood streets; do not park in front of Gracious Furniture or the private lot in the back.
About this studio
Baila District opened in 2022 after four friends—Benny, Ashley, Lucy, and Slava—began collaborative dance projects in October 2019. What started as a shared passion became a permanent venture: a studio dedicated to making dance accessible to everyone, regardless of background or skill level. The studio operates from a red brick building on NE Blakeley Street, next to University Village.
The studio teaches salsa on2, bachata (including sensual bachata), west coast swing, cumbia, zouk, reggaeton, house dance, and heels. Classes run Monday through Thursday evenings (Monday 6:30–11pm, Tuesday 4:30–11pm, Wednesday and Thursday 6:00–11pm), with weekend hours varying by event. Beginner series in salsa and bachata start monthly and cost $75 for the series (reduced from $120). These are progressive fundamentals taught by the studio owners and head instructors; absolute beginners with no partner can join, and no drop-ins are allowed after the first class to ensure continuity.
The instructors include the four owners plus a roster of specialists: Harrison and Deanne teach salsa; David, Yuki, Sergio, and others focus on bachata; Hussam and Andrea teach zouk; Stephen and Jacinda teach west coast swing; Emi teaches reggaeton; and Isaiah teaches heels. The studio runs regular social dances—Salsa Socials, Bachata B2B (bachata-focused), Twilight Socials (salsa-focused), and West Coast Swing and Zouk Socials—with resident DJs including Eduardo, Noaman, Felix, and Jeff.
Baila District also offers private lessons in salsa, bachata, west coast swing, tango, zouk, heels, reggaeton, and hip-hop at rates from $100/hour for one-on-one instruction with one instructor, up to $160/hour with two instructors. Group private lessons for 2–4 students are available. The studio hosts dance teams for salsa and bachata, kids' classes for ages 4–6 and 7+, and a summer camp. Wedding choreography and private events (including quinceañeras and corporate events) can be arranged. A work-trade program and scholarships support access for those who cannot afford full fees.
Special events throughout the year include pop-ups, workshops (Bachata Shines, BachaZouk Weekender, Latin Hustle Bootcamp, Zouk Bootcamp), and an open-house Dance Day. The studio emphasizes community, etiquette, and equal opportunity in all its programming.
What to expect
Your first visit
On your first visit, arrive 5–10 minutes early to register at the front desk. Absolute beginners should join a monthly 101 series (salsa or bachata) that starts the first Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday, or Thursday of each month. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes with flexible soles. You'll learn fundamentals without needing a partner, and the series-based format means no drop-ins after week one so the class progresses together.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The studio is run by four owner-directors: Benny Ayala and Ashley Magana (head instructors and choreographers), and Lucy Fei and Slava Chernyak (bachata instructors). They teach alongside specialists including Harrison and Deanne (salsa), David, Yuki, Sergio, and others (bachata), Hussam and Andrea (zouk), Stephen and Jacinda (west coast swing), Emi (reggaeton), and Isaiah (heels). Resident DJs include Eduardo, Noaman, Felix, and Jeff.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Absolute beginners are welcomed into monthly 101 series in salsa and bachata; no partner or prior experience required, though a partner is helpful.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to move in; avoid shoes with heavy soles or sticky rubber bottoms. Bring a towel if you sweat a lot.
Studio history
In October 2019, four friends—Benny, Ashley, Lucy, and Slava—began collaborative dance projects together. They transformed this shared passion into a permanent studio, opening Baila District in 2022. The studio is committed to fostering equality and quality within a welcoming community, offering scholarships and work-trade programs to ensure anyone interested in dancing can participate.
Styles offered
12 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Baila Districthasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Baila District, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Baila District
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Baila District teach?
Baila District teaches General, Salsa, Bachata, Bachata Sensual, West Coast Swing, Cumbia and 6 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Baila District located?
Baila District is located in Seattle, WA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Baila District offer private lessons?
Contact Baila District directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Baila District teach kids and adults?
Baila District welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Baila District?
The fastest path is to visit Baila District via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Baila District?
Free street parking is available on Blakeley and surrounding neighborhood streets; do not park in front of Gracious Furniture or the private lot in the back.