Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective
Colorado's largest Afro Latin dance convention, plus youth programmes and com…
A Latin dance studio specializing in Salsa, Bachata, and other Latin social dances.
Photo: Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective via Google
Before your first class
Ritmo Fest explicitly welcomes both beginners and seasoned dancers; the youth programme is designed for ages 11–17 with no prior experience assumed.
For the Nuggets basketball court social dancing, sneakers only (no heels or dance shoes permitted on court).
Ritmo Fest is free (registration required).
About this studio
Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective (CALDAC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion, education and preservation of Afro Latin culture through the arts in Colorado. Formerly known as Denver Salsa Bachata Congress, CALDAC rebranded to reflect its expanded mission beyond salsa and bachata to embrace a wider range of Afro Latin dance styles and artistic expressions.
The organisation's flagship event is CALDACON, Colorado's largest Afro Latin dance convention. The annual 4-day convention is held in September-October at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center and attracts over 2,000 attendees from Colorado and across the country. The 2026 convention (September 24–28) will feature 3 live musical bands, 90 live Afro-Latin dance performances, and 105 workshops. The event also provides certification programmes offered by internationally recognised trainers for aspiring Afro Latin dance artists and instructors.
Beyond the main convention, CALDAC runs a Youth Summer Dance Programme for ages 11–17. Held weekly over 6 weeks during summer, the programme introduces students to Salsa and Bachata through classes taught by Tom El RastaSalsa and instructors from Somos Dance Company. Classes are held Mondays from 12pm–2pm at CASA Denver Studio (4025 Steele St., Denver). The programme culminates in a public recital where students perform what they have learned. In 2026, CALDAC aims to enrol at least 25 students and provide 5 full scholarships to youth from low-income households. Sponsorship to cover the full cost of a youth participant's participation is available for $125.
CALDAC also hosts Ritmo Fest, a free community event. The 2025 edition (August 23rd) runs from 9:30am to 6pm and features dance and music workshops in Salsa, Bachata, body movement, musicality and more, led by top instructors from Colorado and beyond, with an evening dance party/social to close the day. Registration is required but attendance is free.
Special events include the 2026 Nuggets vs. Raptors Basketball Game & Official Latin Dance Party on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Ball Arena. The all-ages experience includes pre-game and post-game Salsa/Bachata social dancing in an exclusive conference suite, plus a once-in-a-lifetime social dancing opportunity on the Nuggets basketball court after the game (sneakers only on court).
CALDAC is led by a board including Nelson Nisttahuz (President, among the original founders since 2007), Marcela Villagarcia (Vice President & Treasurer), Latisha Hardy (Secretary, a seasoned choreographer with over two decades of experience), and Tom Ogunribido (Executive Director, owner and main instructor at Somos Dance Studio since 2015).
What to expect
Your first visit
CALDACON is a 4-day immersive convention featuring live bands, dozens of Afro-Latin dance performances, over 100 workshops, and certification programmes. The Youth Summer Programme offers weekly 2-hour Monday classes in Salsa and Bachata for ages 11–17, leading to a public recital. Ritmo Fest is a free one-day community event with classes and social dancing. All CALDAC events emphasise safe, inclusive, harassment-free spaces and welcome dancers of varying levels.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Tom El RastaSalsa (Tom Ogunribido, Executive Director and owner of Somos Dance Studio) leads the Youth Summer Programme alongside instructors from Somos Dance Company. The convention features internationally recognised trainers offering certification programmes. Latisha Hardy, Secretary and founder of LHDC, is a seasoned choreographer with over two decades of experience in Jazz, Ballet, Modern, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Pachanga, Son, and Afro-Cuban styles.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Ritmo Fest explicitly welcomes both beginners and seasoned dancers; the youth programme is designed for ages 11–17 with no prior experience assumed.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
For the Nuggets basketball court social dancing, sneakers only (no heels or dance shoes permitted on court).
Studio history
CALDAC was founded as the Denver Salsa and Bachata Congress in 2007 by Nelson Nisttahuz and other founders. It rebranded to Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective to extend its reach throughout Colorado and broaden its focus beyond salsa and bachata to embrace a wider range of Afro Latin dance styles and artistic expressions.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collectivehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective, 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 Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective teach?
Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective teaches Latin, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Body movement, Musicality and 1 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective located?
Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective is located in Aurora, CO. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective offer private lessons?
Contact Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective teach kids and adults?
Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective 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 Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective?
The fastest path is to visit Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.