Dance Cubana

Dance Cubana was formed to teach and promote excellence in dance, particularly Cuban Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba. The studio's philosophy centres on teaching dance as more than just steps — it's a series of movements embraced by the whole body from head to toe, synchronised to music and rhythmic patterns. All teachers are UKA qualified, with a strong background in dance and a dedication to making these styles accessible to everyone, regardless of experience or confidence.

Classes run on a structured 8-week course format with a balanced and well-planned syllabus. The studio offers six progression levels: Beginners, Level 1A & B, Level 2A & B, and Level 3 (a continual improvement level). You'll find plenty of opportunity to practise to music — the studio places great importance on this, so you get used to the rhythms before moving to the next level. Teachers break down information carefully, giving you just enough at any one time to execute movements correctly without confusion.

Classes operate at three main locations. Mondays meet at Landau Forte College in Derby (Fox Street, DE1 2LF), with Beginners, Intermediate, Improvers and Advanced options. Tuesdays are at Colwick Community Centre in Nottingham (Vale Road, NG4 2GP), again across all levels. Thursdays run at The Market Hall in Derby (The Ordish Room, Tennant Street, DE1 2DB), with Beginners, Intermediate, Improvers and Level 3 classes. Course start dates typically begin mid-May and mid-July, with limited places available.

Beyond classes, Dance Cubana runs regular social dance parties and events. These include Free Salsa Sundays at Tamannas Restaurant (Pentagon Island, next to the Travelodge and Cricket Ground, Derby DE21 6DA), and Salsa by the River events at Lagan Restaurant (130 Heath Lane, Findern, Derby DE65 6AR). The studio also hosts parties at 39 Cornhill, Allestree, Derby (DE22 2FS).

The studio also offers private lessons for fast-track learning, wedding choreography, corporate team building events, school workshops (fully DBS/CRB compliant), and small group bookings. Whether you're a group of friends, family members, or planning a corporate event, Dance Cubana can tailor the experience.

You'll be warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and footwear — preferably not trainers — and bring dance shoes if you have them. If you don't have a partner, that's fine; the class works around it. Expect to learn movements broken down clearly, with plenty of time practising to the actual music you'll be dancing to.

All teachers are UKA qualified, friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated with a strong background in dance. Names of individual instructors are not published on the website.

The studio explicitly aims to make Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba accessible to all, using techniques to break down mental barriers and teaching at a pace in tune with students.