Salsa 88th St Studio

Salsa 88th St Studio is rooted in a project that began in 2000 in Italy, when founders Alessandro and Annia opened their first Salsa Studio. They brought their teaching system to Miami, where they have now spent 20 years refining an approach tested across learners of different abilities and ages. The studio operates from a location in La Carreta Plaza at 11750 N Kendall Dr, across from The Palms at Town & Country.

The teaching philosophy centres on salsa as a tool for building self-esteem and confidence, improving social skills, coordination and balance, encouraging creativity and self-expression, and exercising both mind and body. Group classes run Monday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with Saturday sessions from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Annia Ballagas holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts from I.S.A. (Instituto Superior de Arte) in Havana, Cuba, with a major in Dance, and a High School Diploma from E.N.A. (Escuela Nacional de Arte), also in Havana, where she majored in Modern and Contemporary Dance and Cuban Folk Dances. She has worked as a dancer with the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba (Cuban National Folk Company) and has taught at the National School of Art in Havana, a Montessori elementary school in Palmetto Bay, and the Pinecrest Dance Project in Miami. Alessandro Miliano also holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts from I.S.A. in Havana, with a major in Dance and specialty in Folk Dance. He has taught at multiple studios in Italy and in Miami, including DAF Studio, Creativo Dance Studio, and Pinecrest Dance Project.

The studio offers group classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels in Salsa, plus Bachata Dominicana on Friday evenings. Salsa beginner runs 7–8 PM Monday through Thursday with either Annia Ballagas or Alessandro Miliano teaching different levels. Salsa intermediate and advanced both run 8–9 PM Monday and Wednesday. Bachata Dominicana classes are 7–8 PM on Friday with both instructors. Private lessons are available for more focused instruction, and a Salsa Kids program runs Friday 6–7 PM with Annia Ballagas, covering Latin dances, Salsa, Merengue and Bachata to help children build self-confidence and develop interpersonal skills.

The studio also offers Quinceañera dance choreography and wedding event services. A free 60-minute introductory class is available for first-time group class students who purchase a plan, allowing you to try the teaching system, observe classes, and ask questions directly.

Your first group class is free when you buy a plan. You'll attend a 60-minute session at your chosen level, try the studio's teaching system, watch other classes, and get direct answers to your questions from instructors.

Annia Ballagas and Alessandro Miliano co-direct the studio. Both trained at I.S.A. (Instituto Superior de Arte) in Havana with degrees in Dance and hold credentials from Cuba's National School of Art. Annia has performed with the Cuban National Folk Company and taught at schools and studios across Cuba, Italy and Miami. Alessandro specialises in folk dance and has taught at multiple studios in Italy and Miami.

Beginner salsa classes run 7–8 PM four nights a week with structured level progressions, and first-time students receive a free trial class.