LA Salsa and Bachata Dance Academy

LA Salsa and Bachata Dance Academy is a beginner-friendly dance studio in Santa Monica run 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, Massey is known for making salsa and bachata accessible to people who never thought they could dance.

The studio teaches two main styles—Salsa and Bachata—at two levels each. Group classes are structured progressively: Salsa Level 1 and Bachata Level 1 are designed for complete beginners, while Level 2 classes offer intermediate and advanced dancers the chance to refine technique, body movement, and styling. Salsa Level 1 classes teach smooth transitions with a partner and "shine sequences" (energetic solo footwork). Bachata Level 1 students explore sensual bachata, modern/urban bachata, and Dominican or traditional bachata. Level 2 classes in both styles focus on musicality, complex footwork (including syncopated steps, body rolls, neck isolations, and side waves), and partnered choreography that builds week to week.

The summer/fall series runs for 10 weeks. Salsa Level 1 meets Sundays 7–8:45 pm or Wednesdays 7–8:45 pm. Salsa Level 2 meets Tuesdays 7:30–9:15 pm. Bachata Level 1 meets Sundays 5–6:45 pm. Bachata Level 2 meets Mondays 7–8:45 pm. All classes are held at the Santa Monica studio at 1247 Lincoln Blvd. Class size is capped at 30 students to ensure individual attention.

Beyond group classes, the academy offers private lessons, weekly practice sessions, intro lessons, and wedding dance choreography. Alexis dances with every student in class and provides real-time feedback and personalized guidance. The studio also runs Club Nights (open parties on Fridays 8 pm–10:30 pm for practice and social dancing) and outdoor parties at Bundy Triangle, where students can dance and receive feedback from Massey herself. The community extends beyond the studio: students go out to explore the salsa and bachata scene in LA together and attend social events and competitions where many of Massey's students place first.

The studio location is between Wilshire Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd, a walkable neighbourhood close to the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. It is accessible from West LA, Brentwood, Sawtelle, Venice, Westwood, and Palms via Santa Monica Blvd, Wilshire Blvd, or the 10 Freeway. The academy also offers studio rental for private events and has taught celebrities and influencers, including Kevin Hart on his YouTube series "What the Fit."

You can come solo or with a partner; the class rotates partners every few minutes. Alexis will dance with you personally and provide real-time feedback. Expect a structured, progressive lesson building technique, body movement, and styling from day one, with clear instruction, upbeat music, and a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone moves at a manageable pace.

Alexis Massey is the studio director and main instructor for all group classes. She holds the title of 2020 North American Same-Sex Latin Champion, an American Rhythm titleholder, and an American Smooth Champion, with over 13 years of competitive experience and over 15 years of certified teaching. She is proficient in over 30 styles of dance and movement, holds teaching certification through Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA), and is a member of ProDVIDA, NASSPDA (North American Same-Sex Partner Dance Association), and the NDCA (National Dance Council of America). She teaches with patience and clarity, and has trained her students to place first in showcases and competitions, winning top teaching awards.

The studio explicitly markets itself as the "most beginner-friendly salsa and bachata classes in Los Angeles"; classes move at a structured, progressive pace with smaller groups, real-time feedback, and partner rotations so newcomers learn comfortably without feeling overwhelmed or lost.