Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance
Latin dance classes from beginner to advanced, plus wedding choreography and…
A Latin dance studio offering classes in popular Latin styles.
Photo: Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance via Google
Before your first class
Complete beginners are welcome; Basic 1 classes in all styles require no prior experience and emphasise understanding over memorisation.
Wear shoes and clothing you will be comfortable dancing in.
$100 for a 4-week class session; Gold Membership $175/year (25% discount on all classes); Platinum Membership $350/year (50% discount on all classes)
About this studio
Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance is located in Chicago's West Loop at 210 N Racine Ave. Since August 2000, the studio has taught thousands of students across all skill levels and cultural backgrounds, specialising in partner Latin dances.
The studio offers a structured curriculum across six main styles: Salsa (with dedicated Salsa On2 classes), Bachata, Cha Cha, Cumbia, and specialty classes in footwork, body isolations, and spinning technique. All instructors follow a certified curriculum developed by Artistic Director Maricza Valentin. Classes run Monday–Thursday evenings (5pm–10pm) and Saturday mornings (10am–3pm), with a 4-week session structure at $100 per session. Membership options include a Gold Membership ($175/year, 25% discount on all classes) and Platinum Membership ($350/year, 50% discount on all classes), with unlimited class attendance.
Salsa instruction progresses through eight levels: Basic 1–4, Pre-Intermediate 1, Intermediate 1–3, and Advanced. Bachata similarly offers Basic 1–3, Intermediate 1–3, and Advanced levels, plus Sensual Bachata specialisations (levels 1, 1.5, and 2). Salsa On2 classes start at Intermediate level and progress to Advanced. Cha Cha follows a comparable arc from beginner to advanced. Specialty offerings include Basic Cumbia, Latin Footwork/Shines, Ladies Styling (taught by Maricza Valentin), Body Isolations, and Spinning Technique. Private lessons are available. The studio emphasises partner tension, musicality, and understanding step mechanics rather than memorisation.
Beyond group classes, Latin Rhythms offers wedding first-dance choreography, corporate event dance lessons and performances, and quinceañera and Sweet 16 choreography. The Latin Rhythms Dance Company, founded in January 2000, performs combinations taught in advanced classes and focuses on creating passionate, artistic pieces. The studio hosts social events—the next is scheduled for August 8, 2026, from 9pm–1am. All classes welcome complete beginners; the website states "NO experience required" for Basic 1 levels across styles.
What to expect
Your first visit
You can start at any skill level, with complete-beginner classes available across all styles. Instructors emphasise understanding the timing, counts, and musicality of the music as you learn each step. Wear comfortable dance shoes and clothing. Classes are structured over four-week sessions in a family setting with friendly, approachable instructors.
Instructors
Who teaches here
All instructors follow a certified curriculum developed by Artistic Director Maricza Valentin, who also teaches the Ladies Styling class and shares her styling techniques with students.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Complete beginners are welcome; Basic 1 classes in all styles require no prior experience and emphasise understanding over memorisation.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Wear shoes and clothing you will be comfortable dancing in.
Studio history
The studio has been operating since August 2000, helping thousands of dancers of all backgrounds learn Latin dance. The Latin Rhythms Dance Company was founded in January 2000 with a focus on creating passionate and artistic dance pieces that provoke emotion in audiences.
Styles offered
11 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance, 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 Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance teach?
Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance teaches Latin, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Bachata Sensual, Cha Cha and 5 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance located?
Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance is located in Chicago, IL. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance offer private lessons?
Contact Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance teach kids and adults?
Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance 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 Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance?
The fastest path is to visit Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.