Salsa Y Control
Boston's salsa and bachata studio since 2003, with classes in Allston and Cam…
A Latin dance studio specializing in Salsa, Bachata, and other Latin social dances.
Photo: Nick Kwiatkowski (Nick) via Google
Before your first class
Level 1 classes teach basic footwork, rhythm, timing, leading and following technique, and simple turn patterns to get you on the dance floor quickly.
$20 drop-in, $90 for 5-week session, $180 for 10-class punch card; private lessons $80–$95; workshops $20–$35
About this studio
Salsa y Control is one of Boston's largest dance companies, with roots going back to 1999 when brothers Johnny and Andres began performing intricate salsa duets. The company was formally established in 2003 by Johnny, Andres, and Felicita, driven by the desire to inspire others to express emotion through dance. Today they have over 105 performing members across multiple dance teams and run classes at two locations: their own studio in Allston and at The Dance Complex in Cambridge.
Classes run across four salsa partnering levels (1 through 4) plus separate bachata footwork and partnering courses. In Allston, Monday classes with Johnny and Kelly S focus on fundamentals (Level 1), intermediate technique (Level 2A and 2B), while Tuesday sessions with Andres and Kelly B progress through Levels 1 to 4. Bachata instruction comes from Lumyr and Tara. Cambridge classes on Thursdays offer Levels 1, 2A, and 3 at The Dance Complex. Each class emphasizes leading and following technique, basic to advanced footwork, turn patterns, and partnering fundamentals. Beginners learn rhythm and timing, basic steps, right turns, hesitations, left turns, and cross-body leads. Intermediate levels add inside turns, half right turns, cumbia turns, freestyle footwork, and musicality. Level 3 and 4 students focus on flavour, advanced partnering technique, and hand and arm placement.
The Allston studio occupies three rooms (13, 13A, 13B) at 161 Harvard Ave, ranging from 650 to 950 square feet, each equipped with mirrors, Bluetooth and aux sound connections, air conditioning and heat. Rooms rent from $30–$50 per hour for classes or rehearsals. Beyond regular classes, Salsa y Control organises workshops, socials, and performances. Recent events include the Boston Salsa Festival (August 21–24) with 50+ workshops, 60+ shows, and parties running until 3am, plus special workshops like the August 8th sessions with Clara y Al covering Salsa On2 and Merengue. Regular socials at venues like El Barco and Dantes Alighieri Society combine instructor-led classes with DJ dancing.
Instructors include Johnny Giraldo (Monday classes in Allston), Kelly S, Andres Giraldo (owner, Tuesday classes), Tara, Kelly B, Vanessa, Lumyr, and others. The studio encourages performance opportunities designed to build confidence and help dancers reach their potential.
What to expect
Your first visit
Drop-in classes welcome at $20, or join a 5-week session for $90. Classes are arranged by level; beginners start with footwork and basic partnering technique, while higher levels add turns, timing, and musicality. Bring a partner or dance solo if the class structure allows.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Johnny Giraldo, Andres Giraldo (owner), Kelly S, Kelly B, Lumyr, and Tara teach across the Allston and Cambridge studios. Johnny leads Monday Level 1 and 2A classes in Allston; Andres teaches Tuesday sessions from Level 1 to 4; Kelly B assists on advanced Tuesday classes; Lumyr and Tara focus on bachata instruction.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Level 1 classes teach basic footwork, rhythm, timing, leading and following technique, and simple turn patterns to get you on the dance floor quickly.
Studio history
Salsa y Control originated in 1999 with brothers Johnny and Andres performing intricate salsa duets. In 2003, they formally established the dance company with Felicita. The Salsa y Control Dance Studio opened in Allston in 2008 under Andres and Leah. The company has since grown to over 105 performing members and now runs classes at both Allston and Cambridge locations.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Salsa Y Controlhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Salsa Y Control, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Salsa Y Control
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Salsa Y Control teach?
Salsa Y Control teaches Salsa, Bachata, Merengue. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Salsa Y Control located?
Salsa Y Control is located in Cambridge, MA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Salsa Y Control offer private lessons?
Contact Salsa Y Control directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Salsa Y Control teach kids and adults?
Salsa Y Control welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Salsa Y Control?
The fastest path is to visit Salsa Y Control via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.