Salsa Souls - Bristol & Bath Latin Dance School

Salsa Souls is a Bristol-based Latin dance school founded in 2007 by Stellan, a highly respected figure in the UK dance scene. Stellan began his passion for salsa in 2001 and transitioned to professional teaching by 2006. He has trained with world-class instructors at international congresses and performed in high-level shows across the UK, teaching at prestigious schools including Mambo City in London and Latin Motion in Birmingham before establishing Salsa Souls.

The school teaches salsa to adults of all ages, along with related Latin styles including Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, and Merengue. Classes are structured by level: Absolute Beginners/Beginners Part 1 (covering basic steps and introduction to partner work), Beginners Part 2 (developing leading and following), Improvers/Intermediate Part 1 and Part 2 (building on foundational techniques with cross-body leads, turns, and spins), and Intermediate/Advanced (working with turn patterns, musicality, shines, and arm-work). The approach emphasises sound technical foundations delivered in an accessible, fun way—Stellan has a reputation for producing excellent dancers while keeping classes welcoming and pressure-free.

Weekly classes run on Tuesdays at the Elmgrove Centre in Redland (7:30–8:45 pm) and Wednesdays at Victoria Methodist Church on Whiteladies Rd (8–10 pm, with freestyle dancing after class). Tuesday classes are on summer break until September 8th. Wednesday classes include two levels taught back-to-back: Absolute Beginners/Beginners (8–9:15 pm) and Improvers/Intermediate (9–10:15 pm), with Intermediate/Advanced classes running every other week. All classes operate on a pay-as-you-go basis with no need to book; new beginners join every week and most students start solo, with partner rotation unless couples notify the teacher.

Friday Latin parties run from 7:45 pm to 1 am and feature guest teachers and shows. The night includes Absolute Beginners classes, Beginners/Improvers, and Intermediate/Advanced levels, followed by a Latin party with DJs playing salsa, bachata, and cha cha. The school also offers private one-to-one and couples lessons, choreography for wedding dances and hen parties, and corporate event hosting. Laura has been teaching Salsa and Bachata with Salsa Souls since 2012 and regularly attends international congresses to train with top dancers worldwide.

A friendly, welcoming crowd in a quality class focused on fun. You'll start with basic footwork, progress to partner work, and finish with social dancing. New beginners arrive every week, most start solo, and there's partner rotation unless you come as a couple.

Stellan is the founder and head teacher, with over 20 years' experience in salsa and two decades of professional teaching. He has trained with world-class instructors and performed across the UK. Laura teaches salsa and bachata, has been with Salsa Souls since 2012, and regularly attends international congresses to share the latest techniques and styles with students.

Absolute beginners are welcome every week; no experience or partner needed, and you can start any time.