Salsa Freedom Dance Classes

Salsa Freedom runs drop-in dance classes across Manchester City Centre, teaching Cuban Salsa in the Rueda format — where couples dance in a circle, moves are called, and partners rotate frequently. The studio also offers New York Salsa On2 and Bachata. Classes run Tuesday through Sunday at three venues: Manchester 235 Casino (Tuesdays), Deansgate House on Deansgate (Tuesdays and Sundays), and The Castlefield Hotel on Liverpool Road (Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays).

Jordan Theodor is the head instructor. He has been dancing from a very young age and is described as friendly and approachable, with a mission for attention to detail. He has taught across Manchester City Centre, Trafford, Salford, Stockport and Cheshire, and has also taught across Europe. Salsa Freedom was founded in 2008 and has grown into what the studio describes as one of the most welcoming and positive dance schools in Manchester. The teaching team also includes assistant instructors Azura, Phoebe, Jiyan (known as Jay), and Moe, plus student assistants.

Classes are structured by level: Beginners and Intermediate/Advanced options run most evenings. All classes are drop-in with no booking required and no partner needed — the frequent partner rotation within Rueda ensures you dance with many people. Group classes cost £12 per person for 1 hour (cash only). Private one-to-one lessons are available for those wanting to fast-track progress, and the studio also offers private group classes, hen-do packages (£20 per person, 10-person minimum), wedding first-dance choreography, and private performances for corporate and personal events.

Every Friday after class, around 100 people gather at a nearby Latino club for social dancing. The studio emphasises that salsa dancing is exuberant, fiery, fun and sexy, and attracts people from every culture, ability and background. The teaching method prioritises partner rotation as the fastest way to learn, with moves called to ensure clear rhythm and timing.

Drop in to any class — no booking or partner required. You'll join a beginner or intermediate group depending on your level, learn moves with frequent partner changes, and a friendly instructor will guide you through each session. After Friday classes, you can join around 100 dancers at a nearby Latino club.

Jordan Theodor is the head teacher, dancing since a very young age and teaching across Manchester, the North West and Europe since the studio's founding in 2008. Assistant instructors include Azura (dancing salsa for over 6 years), Phoebe (part of group classes for 1.5 years), Jiyan (professional dancer for 5 years), and Moe (background in Jazz and Modern dance, trained in Japan and with City Academy Jazz Company in London).

All classes welcome absolute beginners with no partner required; the Cuban Salsa Rueda format uses called moves and frequent partner rotation to help you learn quickly.