Daync Academy
Salsa, Bachata & Cumbia for absolute beginners—no partner needed, culturally…
Daync Academy began in 2016 as a rehearsal space for Alma Milwaukee, the performance company founded by co-instructors Josh and Amber after they met in a Salsa class in 2011.
Photo: Daync Academy via Google
Before your first class
Designed for absolute beginners with no experience or partner required; 95% of students attend solo and rotate partners in class.
No heels or specific dance shoes required; wear comfortable, breathable clothes suited to sweating.
Proof of registration (email receipt screenshot), water bottle, comfortable clothes you can sweat in (sweatpants, leggings, t-shirt), deodorant, clean tennis shoes or socks (not outdoor shoes; we keep
$30 per person for a single class, or $50 for two people (partner registration at the same class).
About this studio
Daync Academy began in 2016 as a rehearsal space for Alma Milwaukee, the performance company founded by co-instructors Josh and Amber after they met in a Salsa class in 2011. Over eight years, it has grown into Milwaukee's leading Latin dance academy. The studio teaches Salsa (Mambo/On2 style), Bachata, and Cumbia, with an emphasis on accessibility, cultural integrity, and community.
The academy runs beginner-focused classes 1–2 times monthly at Heavy Hitters Athletic Facility in Walker's Point, not a dedicated studio location. Classes are designed for anyone with little to no experience. No partner is required—95% of students attend solo and rotate partners during class. The curriculum teaches not just steps but musicality, Afro-Cuban body movement, and the instruments that drive the music: the conga drum's heartbeat, clave, piano, and horns. Josh teaches Salsa and Bachata at all levels; Amber teaches Salsa, Bachata, and Cumbia at all levels; Angel Villafane teaches Bachata at Levels 1, 2, and 3.
Level 1 Salsa (Saturdays at 11am, 1–2x monthly) introduces basic steps, timing, partner connection, and body movement while training students to identify and dance to instruments with confidence. Level 1.5 Salsa (coming late spring or summer 2026) will develop technique, timing, and awareness for dancing with any partner on the social floor. Level 1 Bachata (coming soon) builds foundations in timing, technique, and musicality, with an emphasis on footwork, body movement, and simple turn patterns for immediate use on the dance floor.
Students receive access to a free Beginner Jumpstart Salsa Online Course and a Beginner Salsa Practice Playlist. The academy also delivers corporate team-building experiences and occasionally opens select sessions to the public. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere, the clarity of instruction from Josh and Amber, and the sense of community and healing the space provides.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in at Heavy Hitters Athletic Facility. Bring clean tennis shoes (or socks), water, and clothes you don't mind sweating in. Classes break down steps systematically, mix solo footwork with partnerwork, and rotate partners so no one sits out. Expect high energy, clear instruction, and a room of 40+ absolute beginners here to have fun—no judgment, just connection.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Josh Burgos and Amber Rivard are co-founders who met in a Salsa class in 2011, trained together for years, and founded Alma Milwaukee before opening Daync Academy in 2016. Both teach Salsa and Bachata at all levels; Amber also teaches Cumbia. Angel Villafane teaches Bachata at Levels 1, 2, and 3. Reviews highlight their patience, humour, clarity, and ability to make students feel welcomed and encouraged.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Designed for absolute beginners with no experience or partner required; 95% of students attend solo and rotate partners in class.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
No heels or specific dance shoes required; wear comfortable, breathable clothes suited to sweating.
What to bring
Proof of registration (email receipt screenshot), water bottle, comfortable clothes you can sweat in (sweatpants, leggings, t-shirt), deodorant, clean tennis shoes or socks (not outdoor shoes; we keep the baseball turf clean from debris).
Studio history
Josh and Amber met in a Salsa class in 2011. After training together and traveling the world, they founded the performance company Alma Milwaukee. Daync Academy opened in 2016 as a rehearsal space for Alma and has grown into Milwaukee's leading Latin dance academy over eight years.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Daync Academyhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Daync Academy, 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 Daync Academy
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Daync Academy teach?
Daync Academy teaches Bachata, Latin, Salsa, Cumbia. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Daync Academy located?
Daync Academy is located in Milwaukee, WI. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Daync Academy offer private lessons?
Contact Daync Academy directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Daync Academy teach kids and adults?
Daync Academy 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 Daync Academy?
The fastest path is to visit Daync Academy via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.