Cucala Dance Company
Latin dance, hip-hop, house & more in Long Island City. Free trial salsa class.
Cucala Dance Company is a multicultural dance studio in Long Island City offering classes in salsa, bachata, hip-hop, house, tango, cumbia, capoeira and more.
Before your first class
Beginners are welcome; salsa and bachata classes are explicitly beginner-friendly, free trial classes are offered, and no partner is required.
Drop-in salsa/bachata $24; 5 class pass $100; 10 class pass $180.
About this studio
Cucala Dance Company is a multicultural dance studio in Long Island City offering classes in salsa, bachata, hip-hop, house, tango, cumbia, capoeira and more. The studio was founded by Andre Irving, Gabriela Nuñez, Kalli Siamidou and Paul Gonzalez. Their mission is to elevate how people experience dance through multicultural classes, events and social gatherings that promote creative expression.
Salsa is the studio's main focus, with On2 style classes that draw on the palladium era tradition born in NYC and Queens. Classes typically start with a warm-up, review of basic steps, then partner practice. Beginners can join Salsa 101/102 cycles that run monthly, with separate tracks for shines (footwork) and partnerwork. Advanced beginners work on expanded timing, body movement and turn patterns. Intermediate students focus on musicality, intricate patterns, fast footwork and styling. All salsa classes welcome solo students—no partner required.
Bachata classes teach traditional Dominican bachata with footwork and partnerwork. Hip-hop classes are led by Cebo Carr and range from beginner drills covering basic step variations to advanced-intermediate work for dancers with at least three years' experience. House classes also run beginner through advanced levels, exploring weight shifts and direction changes. The studio also offers Argentine tango, cumbia, capoeira (with Capoeira Terreiro da Lua), and workshops like Pachaga and Zeibekiko Greek dance.
The studio has four named instructors: Andre Irving (16 years dancing), Gabriela Quiles (20 years dancing), Kalliopi Siamidou (20 years dancing) and Paul Gonzalez (8 years dancing). Classes run throughout the week at two locations—the main studio at 47-10 32nd Pl, 2nd Floor, Long Island City, and a satellite location in Astoria. Cucala also offers private classes, wedding dances, dance studio rentals, kids programmes including summer camps and seasonal/competitive programmes, and a DOE Afterschool Program.
What to expect
Your first visit
Drop in for a free trial class with no partner required. Regular classes begin with warm-up, then footwork basics or partner connection practice depending on level. You'll dance with classmates from all walks of life in a space designed to be welcoming and supportive.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Four instructors teach at Cucala: Andre Irving (16 years dancing), Gabriela Quiles (20 years dancing), Kalliopi Siamidou (20 years dancing) and Paul Gonzalez (8 years dancing). Cebo Carr teaches hip-hop and house classes. Stan teaches traditional bachata. Kiko teaches Cali salsa. Specialized instructors run capoeira, Greek dance and workshops.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginners are welcome; salsa and bachata classes are explicitly beginner-friendly, free trial classes are offered, and no partner is required.
Studio history
Cucala Dance Company was founded by Andre Irving, Gabriela Nuñez, Kalli Siamidou and Paul Gonzalez. The word 'Cúcala' means to provoke, have fun, dance, wink, poke fun, and truly live—energy the studio brings to every class, event and social gathering.
Styles offered
10 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Cucala Dance Companyhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Cucala Dance Company, 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 Cucala Dance Company
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Cucala Dance Company teach?
Cucala Dance Company teaches Salsa, Bachata, Ballroom, Swing, Hip-Hop, House and 4 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Cucala Dance Company located?
Cucala Dance Company is located in Long Island City, NY. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Cucala Dance Company offer private lessons?
Contact Cucala Dance Company directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Cucala Dance Company teach kids and adults?
Cucala Dance Company 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 Cucala Dance Company?
The fastest path is to visit Cucala Dance Company via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
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