RicaSalsa Dance Salsa by Ricardo

Ricardo Tellez has spent over 28 years teaching salsa in San Francisco, building a reputation for clear instruction rooted in deep musical understanding. Born in Mexico City, he was immersed from age 12 in Afro-Caribbean and Latin music—Cumbia, Guaracha, Guaguancó, Guajira, Cha-Cha-Cha, Son Montuno, and Salsa. After relocating to the Bay Area in 1992, he studied formally under renowned instructor Gabriel Romero, then accelerated his learning by dancing nightly in Bay Area clubs. He began teaching in 1998 and in August 1999 founded RicaSalsa, dedicated to the promotion, education, and performance of Salsa dancing.

Ricardo is the creator of the ON5 Salsa dancing style, a distinctive interpretation emphasizing musical phrasing, rhythm awareness, and Afro-Cuban roots. He has performed and taught internationally in Italy, Germany, Mexico, Jamaica, Cali (Colombia), Canada, India, Puerto Rico, and Ecuador. Since 2007, he has partnered with Tianne Frias; together they are two-time World Salsa Championship Finalists and placed 3rd in the ON1 Division at the World Latin Dance Cup in San Diego in 2010.

Group classes meet every Wednesday at Danzhaus Center (1275 Connecticut St, San Francisco). The Beginners/Foundations class runs 7:00–8:00 PM and covers basic steps, timing, partner connection, cross body lead, turns, and social dancing fundamentals. The Level 2/Intermediate class runs 8:00–9:30 PM, focusing on musicality, lead and follow techniques, turn patterns, styling, timing, rhythm, and better social dancing. Classes welcome beginners with no partner required, and the environment is explicitly designed to be friendly and supportive. The curriculum is progressive, building week to week.

Private lessons are available customized to your goals and schedule. Options include one person ($130) or couples ($160), with studio rental included at Danzhaus Center or an additional $25 to learn at your own home. Ricardo teaches salsa on1, salsa on2, Bachata, Cumbia, and Merengue privately. Private lessons are ideal for beginners building foundation, weddings, quinceañeras, special events, social dancing, musicality, and technique improvement.

Friday socials happen at Space 550 (550 Barneveld St, San Francisco). A Bachata class begins at 8 p.m., followed by a Salsa class at 9:00 p.m., with DJ music after the classes. Tickets are $15 in advance via Venmo @Ricasalsa, and Ricardo adds attendees to his guest list.

First-time visitors should check the current schedule or contact the studio before attending. Ask whether the class requires advance registration, whether a partner is needed, and what shoes or clothing are recommended.

Ricardo Tellez, who has 28 years of teaching experience and founded RicaSalsa in August 1999, leads classes. He is a two-time World Salsa Championship Finalist and co-creator of a distinctive ON5 style. He has performed and taught internationally across multiple continents and is co-directed with Tianne Frias.

Beginners are explicitly welcome with no partner required; the Wednesday 7–8 PM Foundations class is designed for those new to salsa or wanting to build a strong foundation.