Salsa Nova Dance Academy

Salsa Nova Dance Academy is located in Lower Parel, Mumbai, and teaches salsa at all levels — beginner, intermediate, advanced, and teacher training. Founded in 2021 by Rhea Ginwalla, the studio focuses on technique and proper execution, drawing on Rhea's background in ballet and ballroom. Rhea started learning salsa at 12 years old and has competed at the Asia Open SBTA Jack n Jill (Finalist) and placed 2nd at Salsanama India in the Pro Category in 2025.

The studio offers group classes, private 1-on-1 coaching, and competition training. Group classes are structured by level: Level 1–3 (Beginner) covers basic footwork, rhythm, and social confidence; Level 4–6 (Intermediate) focuses on flow and body movement after 4–6 months of prior salsa experience; and Advanced classes (minimum 1 year of salsa training) are fast-paced and technical, emphasizing precision, performance, and musical nuance. Teacher Training is available for those pursuing salsa as a profession. Each group class runs for 1.5 hours and includes warmups, basics, social dancing, and new combinations with revision of previous material.

Beginners attend Level 1–3 on Tuesdays 7:30–9:00 pm, Fridays 8:00–9:30 pm, or Sundays 5:00–6:30 pm. Intermediate and Advanced classes both meet Wednesdays 8:30–10:00 pm. The studio rotates partners frequently during group classes, so you don't need to arrive with a dance partner — most students join solo. Monthly makeup classes are hosted for those who miss sessions, and students receive video summaries via WhatsApp to practice at home.

Salsa Nova regularly hosts salsa socials where students apply what they've learned in class in a social setting. The studio also runs corporate workshops, team building activities, employee engagement workshops, CSR events, and college fest workshops, and can design private community events and wedding choreographies for groups up to 100 people.

Students range from 18 to 60+ years old. According to testimonials, the classes blend instruction, fun, and camaraderie, and Rhea is noted for her ability to connect with students and enable their growth.

Classes are 1.5 hours long and begin with warmups and basics, then move into social dancing and new combinations. Most students wear gym wear, leggings, or casual clothing; beginners can wear socks, though advanced students use smooth-soled shoes or heels. You'll be dancing your first basic routine by the end of your first session, and you'll rotate partners frequently to build social dancing skills and meet new people.

Rhea Ginwalla is the founder and primary instructor. She started learning salsa at 12 years old and has trained in ballet and ballroom. She was a Finalist at the Asia Open SBTA Jack n Jill and placed 2nd at Salsanama India (Pro Category) in 2025. The studio also employs assistant instructors for beginner private lessons.

The beginner curriculum is designed for zero dance experience; the studio assumes no prior knowledge and focuses on building muscle memory through basic footwork, rhythm, and social confidence.