Havana Salsa Nottingham

Havana Salsa is an award-winning Cuban dance school established over 15 years ago. The school operates classes almost every night of the week across multiple UK venues, including Nottingham. Classes are structured around a progressive 7-week beginner course system, with levels progressing from beginner through improver, intermediate, and advanced. Each level builds on previous learning rather than offering random combinations.

The school's approach centres on Cuban salsa specifically—a style described as relaxed, passionate and expressive, derived from earlier dance forms including Son, mambo and cha cha cha. Classes cover rhythm and timing, connection, lead and follow basics, core steps, simple turns and how to move comfortably to Cuban music. The teaching methodology is structured and practical, with instructors repeating material throughout each session to reinforce learning.

Havana Salsa operates regular monthly social parties throughout the UK where students can practise their skills in a social setting. The school also hosts the UK's biggest New Year Latin festival, drawing 500+ dancers for three days of Cuban and Latin workshops, classes, live music and social dancing. Beyond classes, the school offers private salsa tuition, corporate workshops, school programmes, wedding dance choreography, and hen party experiences.

Instructors are described as trained Havana Salsa teachers and native instructors from across the globe. The school emphasises a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere where no dance experience is required and no partner is necessary—classes rotate partners throughout each session. Students commonly report building new friendships, improved confidence both on and off the dancefloor, and discovering an entire salsa community beyond the initial course.

The school also runs online salsa courses, allowing students to learn from home, with new courses starting every 7 weeks and the option to join up to the 3rd week of any cycle.

Your first class introduces the basic steps, turns, footwork and rhythm of Cuban salsa in an upbeat, practical setting. The instructor will explain clear partnerwork, rotate you with different partners throughout the evening so you'll meet people, and celebrate small wins. Come back each week over seven weeks to build real progress, with weekly social parties available to practise what you've learned.

Classes are taught by Havana Salsa trained instructors and native teachers from across the globe. The school was founded by Rodolfo and his wife Laura, who lead a team described as passionate about helping students learn and progress.

The beginner (Level 1) course is explicitly designed for absolute beginners with no dance experience required; classes are paced sensibly with clear instructions and partner rotation so no one stands alone.