J&L Dance Studio

J&L Dance Studio was founded by Jenna and Luis, dance partners for 13 years, and is now proudly owned and operated by Jenna. The studio has always been about building community through dance, serving as a second home where people come to learn, connect, and have fun.

The studio teaches four main styles at multiple levels: Salsa (Salsa On2), Bachata, Kizomba, and Hip-Hop. Classes run Monday through Thursday evenings (6–10pm), Saturday afternoon (2:30–5pm), and Sunday morning (11am–2:30pm). Beginners start with Intro or Level 1 courses, which run for 4 weeks (Intro) or 8 weeks (Level 1) and build progressively. You'll learn basic steps, weight transfer technique, musicality, and body movement before advancing. Specific beginner courses include Salsa Intro (Wednesdays 6–7pm), Salsa Level 1 (Mondays 7–8pm and Wednesdays 6–7pm), Bachata Intro (Mondays 6–7pm), Bachata Level 1 (Mondays 6–7pm), Hip-Hop open level (Thursdays 7–8pm), and Kizomba beginner fundamentals (Thursdays 6:30–7:30pm). The studio emphasizes that levels should often be repeated across multiple sessions before graduating to the next level, with evaluations by instructors at the end of each session.

The teaching team is led by Jenna Robey Mendiola, who holds a Master's Degree in Teaching from Tufts University and has trained in Latin dance since 2008. She won 1st Place at the World Salsa Summit in Miami in 2016 with her Salsa team, Mambo Revelation. Luis Talavera Diaz, the co-founder and guest instructor, moved to Boston from Puerto Rico in 2013 and is a trained Hip-Hop dancer and choreographer who has performed at the 2010 Olympic Games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and in music videos with international artists Jowell y Randy and J-Alvarez. Senior instructors include Sirae Richardson (Hip-Hop, Salsa, Bachata, African, Bellydance, Ballroom), Jacqueline Gerritsen (Bachata, Salsa On1 & On2, Kizomba, Zouk; holds a PhD in Biological Engineering from MIT), and DJ Casanova/Jovan (Kizomba, Tarraxa/o, Urban Kiz, Konpa; has been teaching Kizomba for 5 years). Junior and additional instructors include Mandie Vega-Ayala (Bachata, Merengue, Salsa On2), Richard Sustache (Salsa On1, Bachata, Merengue), Bryan Solano (Salsa On2, Bachata), Sophina Clough (Bachata), and Loreen Watts (Kizomba, Konpa).

Beyond group classes, J&L offers private lessons (available Monday–Saturday, morning/afternoon/evening, varies by instructor), performance teams (Bachata Partnerwork Teams, Bachata Footwork Team, Bachata/Hip Hop Fusion Teams, Followers Training Team), and corporate and private event services (Monday–Saturday, will travel within 1 hour of the studio). The studio also rents two spaces: an Upstairs Studio (1000 sq ft) and Basement Studio (600 sq ft), available Monday–Sunday morning, afternoon, or evening for rehearsals, fitness classes, workshops, photoshoots, podcasts, or creative sessions.

Social dancing is central to the J&L experience. The studio hosts the J&L Underground Social on the 1st Saturday of each month from 7–11pm at Rumba y Timbal Studio (inside YWCA) at 7 Temple Street, Cambridge, MA. The studio emphasizes a welcoming, supportive environment where dancers of all backgrounds feel empowered to learn and express themselves, with the mission to nurture the dance community in Boston, fostering growth one dancer at a time.

You must pre-register for classes before arriving (drop-in availability varies by class). Beginners join 4- or 8-week courses that build progressively, learning fundamentals from experienced, personable instructors in a community-focused environment. Classes emphasize technique and connection alongside fun and accessibility.

The studio is led by owner and principal instructor Jenna Robey Mendiola (1st Place World Salsa Summit 2016 with Mambo Revelation), co-founder Luis Talavera Diaz (trained Hip-Hop choreographer, 2010 Olympic Games performer from Puerto Rico), and senior instructors Sirae Richardson, Jacqueline Gerritsen (MIT PhD in Biological Engineering), and DJ Casanova (5-year Kizomba specialist). Additional junior and senior instructors include Mandie Vega-Ayala, Richard Sustache, Bryan Solano, Sophina Clough, and Loreen Watts.

The studio specifically offers beginner-friendly intro and Level 1 courses, welcomes absolute beginners with a new student discount (code NEWSTUDENT: $10 off), and is described by reviews as making new dancers feel 'comfortable and welcome' with 'great energy and patience.'