Havana Cuban Dance Studio
Cuban dance in Calgary: salsa, bachata, reggaeton, merengue and cha-cha
Havana Cuban Dance Studio, located at 6707 Elbow Dr SW in Calgary, teaches salsa, bachata, merengue, reggaeton and cha-cha to students of all ages and levels.
Photo: Havana Cuban Dance Studio via Google
Before your first class
Group classes cater to all ages and skill levels, beginner classes focus on mastering common basic steps, and you can join at any time without waiting for a specific day or month.
Wear something that makes you feel confident and ready to dance; avoid anything too restrictive or constricting.
Wear comfortable, unrestricted clothing and clean indoor shoes without too much grip (or socked feet); avoid loose jewellery or accessories.
Drop-in $35 per 1.5-hour class; 4-class pass (1 style) $120; 8-class pass (combo) $145; unlimited monthly pass $155.
About this studio
Havana Cuban Dance Studio, located at 6707 Elbow Dr SW in Calgary, teaches salsa, bachata, merengue, reggaeton and cha-cha to students of all ages and levels. Founded by Marcos Ravelo, who moved to Calgary from Havana, Cuba in 2001, the studio carries on a family tradition of sharing authentic Cuban dance. Marcos has taught workshops across Canada (Montreal, Toronto, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Ottawa, Vancouver) and internationally (Miami, San Francisco, Portland, Mexico City, Cancun, Tokyo, Las Vegas). He has performed opening routines for Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated acts including Los Munequitos de Matanzas, Tiempo Libre, Grupo Niche and many others, and has taught at prestigious events including the San Francisco Salsa Rueda Festival, Las Vegas Super Congress and Vancouver Rueda Festival.
Classes range from kids (ages 7–12, exploring salsa, bachata, merengue, hip hop and reggaeton) through beginner and intermediate adult levels. The curriculum includes Beginner Salsa Bachata (mastering basic steps in American and Latin styles), Salsa Bachata Beginner Level 2 to Intermediate (combining basics into novice to intermediate patterns), Intermediate Salsa Rueda (also called Casino, a Cuban partner-switching style), and Footwork and Styling for Salsa and Bachata (focusing on technique without partner work). A Performance Team is available for dancers of all levels who want to showcase routines at various venues.
The studio offers group classes, private lessons (available all days by appointment), studio rental, DJ services, and school residency programs. Group classes begin the first week of each month, and you can start any time—no need to wait. New group classes begin the first week of each month with no classes on stat holidays. The teaching team includes Brianna Panasiuk (Marketing, Instructor, Performer), Nathalie Berard (Kids Instructor), Luis Valdes (Instructor, Performer), and Steph Erlendson (Instructor, Performer).
School residencies have been offered to preschool, elementary, junior high and high school students for over five years. Instructors teach developmentally appropriate choreography over 5–10 days, culminating in performances at assemblies or concerts. The studio uses a growth mindset approach, teaching that skills can be enhanced through dedication and hard work. Residency programs are approved by the Calgary Board of Education.
The studio operates Monday–Saturday 11am–9pm and Sunday 11am–6pm. You can purchase passes online, drop in and pay on the spot, or book private classes by appointment. Private classes and gift certificates do not expire.
What to expect
Your first visit
Drop into any class or book ahead—no partner needed. You'll learn in a supportive environment with clear instruction in basic steps, turns, leading and following. Wear comfortable clothes and clean indoor shoes or socks, avoid restrictive clothing and loose jewellery, and come ready to move.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Marcos Ravelo is the owner, director, instructor, performer, choreographer and DJ. The team also includes Brianna Panasiuk (Marketing, Instructor, Performer), Nathalie Berard (Kids Instructor), Luis Valdes (Instructor, Performer) and Steph Erlendson (Instructor, Performer).
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Group classes cater to all ages and skill levels, beginner classes focus on mastering common basic steps, and you can join at any time without waiting for a specific day or month.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear something that makes you feel confident and ready to dance; avoid anything too restrictive or constricting.
What to bring
Wear comfortable, unrestricted clothing and clean indoor shoes without too much grip (or socked feet); avoid loose jewellery or accessories.
Studio history
Marcos Ravelo, born in Havana, Cuba, moved to Calgary in 2001 to carry on his family tradition of sharing authentic Cuban dance. The studio has since established itself locally and internationally through workshops, performances at major festivals and events, and collaborations with Grammy-winning musical acts.
Styles offered
9 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Havana Cuban Dance Studiohasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Havana Cuban Dance Studio, 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 Havana Cuban Dance Studio
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Havana Cuban Dance Studio teach?
Havana Cuban Dance Studio teaches Bachata, Merengue, Salsa, Reggaeton, Cha Cha, Rumba and 3 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Havana Cuban Dance Studio located?
Havana Cuban Dance Studio is located in Calgary, AB. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Havana Cuban Dance Studio offer private lessons?
Contact Havana Cuban Dance Studio directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Havana Cuban Dance Studio teach kids and adults?
Havana Cuban Dance Studio 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 Havana Cuban Dance Studio?
The fastest path is to visit Havana Cuban Dance Studio via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.