Salsa Etc

Salsa Etc was founded in autumn 1988 by Alberto Azpuru, who immigrated to Quebec from Guatemala in 1986. What began as Saturday classes for a small group of six friends wanting to learn Latin dance has grown into a established school shaping Montreal's dance culture. Alberto developed a distinctive salsa style drawing from jazz, modern dance, tap and classical ballet. He has taught at numerous Montreal venues including Francine Gélinas Studio, Espace Art, Boulevard des Arts, Agora de la Danse, Cepsum, Studio Bizz, McGill University, Graffiti Tango Studio, and nightclubs Le Méga and Le Cactus. Many of Montreal's best dancers have trained at Salsa Etc, and instructors he has trained have opened their own schools.

Classes are held at two locations: Espace des Arts (9 St. Catherine Est, metro St. Laurent) and Studio Bizz (551 Mont-Royal Est, metro Mont-Royal). Group classes are capped at 14 people and typically run for 8-week sessions with one 90-minute class per week. Most classes begin at either 18:30 or 20:00. Two instructors are generally present per class. The philosophy emphasised throughout is learning while having fun, with rigour tempered by joy.

Alberto Azpuru and Daniela Hernández Macea are the core instructors. Daniela has danced since childhood, trained in Colombian folklore at Ballet Raíces in 2012, and completed Latin dance training at San Tropez dance school. She has trained with Alma Montréal and Rickey Rania, and continues studying with six-time world champion Paulina Posadas and at Ballroom Dance Sport. She joined Salsa Etc as an instructor in 2015.

Courses cover salsa, bachata, merengue and cha-cha-cha. A new parent-child programme (8 weeks, 1 hour per class) introduces Latin dance through dynamic warm-ups, movement workshops and simple choreography designed to develop children's creativity and motor skills while bonding with a parent or grandparent. Private lessons are available for individuals or pairs, with choreography creation for weddings and events. The studio also offers customised performances, dance workshops and beginner initiation classes for primary and secondary schools, enterprises and organisations.

Classes run for 90 minutes in small groups of up to 14 people. Most begin at 18:30 or 20:00. No dress code is required, but shoes with slippery soles are recommended. You do not need a partner to join; the studio balances partnerships as needed. If you have prior experience, you can request a free assessment to determine your level.

Alberto Azpuru, founder, was born in Guatemala in 1960 and immigrated to Quebec in 1986. He developed his distinctive salsa style by studying various Latin dance forms and teaching at major Montreal venues. Daniela Hernández Macea trained in Colombian folklore and Latin dance styles, has worked with international-level performers, and has been teaching at Salsa Etc since 2015.

The studio welcomes beginners and those with no partner; a free level assessment is available if you have prior dance experience.