LA Salsa and Bachata Dance Academy

LA Salsa and Bachata Dance Academy is a beginner-friendly dance studio in Santa Monica led by Alexis Massey, the 2020 North American Same-Sex Latin Champion and an American Rhythm and American Smooth Champion. With over 15 years of certified teaching and professional competition experience, Alexis brings world-class instruction to students of all levels.

The studio teaches Salsa and Bachata in a progressive, structured format. Group classes are capped at 30 students to ensure you get space to move and personal attention from instructors. All classes are built on technique and styling from day one. Salsa Level 1 covers basic steps, smooth partner transitions, and "shine sequences" — cardio-intensive solo footwork. Salsa Level 2 focuses on footwork, body action, musicality, and LA-style salsa with Cuban motion. Bachata Level 1 teaches you sensual, modern/urban, and Dominican (traditional) bachata styles with an emphasis on smooth transitions and partner connection. Bachata Level 2 layers in advanced body movement, syncopated footwork, neck and body rolls, side waves, and trending moves.

Classes meet weekly in structured 10-week series. Current sessions start 23 August 2026, with Salsa Level 1 on Sundays (7–8:45 pm) and Wednesdays (7–8:45 pm), Salsa Level 2 on Tuesdays (7:30–9:15 pm), Bachata Level 1 on Sundays (5–6:45 pm), and Bachata Level 2 on Mondays (7–8:45 pm). The studio also runs free practice sessions every Friday from 8–10:30 pm for low-pressure social dancing and connection. No partner is required — the academy rotates partners every few minutes, and Alexis dances with each student every class.

Beyond classes, the studio hosts Club Nights and outdoor parties. The Club Night runs 8–11 pm and includes 2–3 hours of salsa and bachata social dancing plus feedback from Alexis. Bundy Triangle Outdoor Parties are held 5–9 pm and feature a community hub with local farmers, food vendors, artisans, and free Latin dance instruction by Alexis. The studio also offers private lessons, wedding dance choreography, intro lessons for first-timers, and studio rental.

Alexis's teaching style is patient yet firm, often described as a "drill-sergeant" approach focused on clean habits and confident dancers from the start. She holds certifications in over 30 styles of dance and movement. Her students regularly place first in showcases and competitions. The studio has a 5.0 Google rating based on 36 reviews, with students praising her attention to detail, personal connection, and ability to make beginners feel confident on the dance floor.

You'll join a capped class of up to 30 students where the instructor breaks down moves step by step. You rotate partners every few minutes so everyone dances with everyone, and the instructor dances with you to offer real-time feedback. Classes mix fun and focused instruction, with clear progressions week to week. No partner or experience needed — come solo or bring friends.

Alexis Massey is the studio director and lead instructor. She is the 2020 North American Same-Sex Latin Champion, an American Rhythm titleholder, and an American Smooth Champion. She has over 15 years of certified teaching and professional competition experience, competed in Latin dancing for over 13 years with many first placements, and holds certifications in over 30 styles of dance and movement. She has taught Kevin Hart on his YouTube series "What the Fit" and won the Emerald Ring as a top teacher at the Emerald Ball in 2017.

Completely beginner-friendly; the studio offers classes specifically designed for total newcomers with no prior experience, no partner required, and a structured, progressive pace that builds week by week.