Laurel Card Latin Dance - Salsa & Bachata Classes

Laurel Card Latin Dance is a woman-owned, fully woman-run Latin dance school in Center City, Philadelphia, specializing in Salsa On1 and Bachata. Classes focus on growth, fun, and understanding how and why you dance—not just memorizing steps. The studio teaches real technique so you can lead and follow confidently at socials. Every month, instructors explore a new theme or concept to keep students learning and inspired.

Laurel Card, the owner and director, brings over two decades of expertise to the dance floor. She is certified as a professional dance teacher by DVIDA (Dance Vision International Dancers Association) and recognized by the National Dance Council of America. Laurel's partnering classes in Salsa and Bachata are carefully designed to create a dynamic and comfortable atmosphere for social dancing. She also specializes in Latin House classes and solo choreography sessions, welcoming enthusiasts of all levels, including beginners. Tracy Heisler, an instructor trained at Society Hill Dance Academy with a background in ballet, jazz, tap, and east coast swing, brings musicality and versatile teaching to all ages. Chloe Rabinowitz, Co-Director of the studio's performance team Rebeldes del Ritmo, trained at Broadway Dance Center in New York and brings expertise in Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and Latin styles including Salsa, Bachata, and Reggaeton.

Group classes run in structured 4-week cycles starting fresh each month, making it easy to build skills step by step and grow with your classmates. Classes are available for all levels from beginner basics to advanced techniques. No partner is necessary—the studio rotates frequently so everyone practises with a partner. Salsa classes are offered at Beginner Level 1, Beginner Level 2, and Intermediate Level 3. Bachata classes are offered at Beginner Level 1, Beginner Level 2, and Intermediate Level 3. Monthly workshops focus on specific styles and techniques to help dancers level up.

Private lessons cover in-depth details to help you move to the next level, with personalized goal planning and flexible scheduling. Options include single lessons for one or two people, or packages of three or five lessons. The studio also offers private wedding choreography and corporate events. Semi-private lessons are available.

Laurel Card Latin Dance hosts regular social events and dance nights, including the Latin Takeover Dance Social, giving you opportunities to practise your moves and meet fellow Salsa & Bachata enthusiasts. The studio describes itself as creating a warm, encouraging space where everyone feels like family.

Register online before arriving (classes fill quickly). Dress comfortably in light clothing you can move in; beginners can wear street shoes or dress shoes with ankle straps, medium-height heels, or flats—avoid thick rubber soles. You don't need a partner; the class rotates so everyone gets time with different partners. New students are suggested to start at the beginning of a cycle, preferably the first week.

Laurel Card, owner and director, brings over two decades of expertise and is certified by DVIDA and recognized by the National Dance Council of America. Tracy Heisler trained at Society Hill Dance Academy with a music degree in education and background in ballroom, east coast swing, and music theatre. Chloe Rabinowitz, Co-Director of the performance team Rebeldes del Ritmo, trained at Broadway Dance Center and specializes in multiple Latin styles including Salsa, Bachata, and Reggaeton.

Beginner Level 1 classes require no previous dance experience; the studio welcomes everyone and focuses on fundamentals and confidence.