SalsaKnox Dance Company
Salsa, bachata, cumbia classes and Latin dance parties in Knoxville since 2008
A Latin dance studio specializing in Salsa, Bachata, and other Latin social dances.
Photo: Michael McLain via Google
Before your first class
All bootcamp classes are designed for absolute beginners with no experience or partner required; the studio creates different leveled classes to accommodate all skill levels.
For classes, wear comfortable clothing and fitted non-rubber-soled shoes.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes without rubber on the bottoms that fit the foot well; the studio does not recommend tennis shoes or shoes that flip-flop around.
$77 for 8-week salsa or bachata bootcamp; $97 for bootcamp plus eight Saturday parties; $147 for both salsa and bachata bootcamps plus eight Saturday parties
About this studio
SalsaKnox Dance Company was founded in 2008 by Waldo and Jacqui Solano, who transformed a small dream into Knoxville's largest hub for Latin dance. The company teaches salsa, bachata, cumbia, rueda de casino, line dance, and zumba across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Waldo and Jacqui personally teach salsa, bachata, and cumbia classes; the studio also employs professional instructors with 10–30 years of experience for ballroom, country, line dance, yoga, and other styles.
Classes run at multiple locations. Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays classes meet at Champion Ballroom Center (4028 Papermill Dr NW #16, Knoxville, TN 37909). The studio also holds classes at Pilot Family YMCA on Tuesdays, and at Loco Burro Knoxville (inside West Town Mall, 7600 Kingston Pike) on Fridays. The company has expanded beyond teaching to become a full social dance hub, hosting Friday salsa parties at Sonny's Brewing (2300 N Central St #101, Knoxville, TN 37917) and Saturday bachata parties at Champion Ballroom Center.
The 8-week salsa and bachata bootcamps for absolute beginners are the flagship offering, priced at $77 for the bootcamp alone, $97 with eight Saturday dance parties, or $147 for both salsa and bachata bootcamps plus eight Saturday parties. Each bootcamp includes eight classes, practice sessions after class, music playlists, private chat community access, eight-week video recordings, 24/7 chat support from Waldo and Jacqui, and all-access video practice drills. No partner is required; students rotate throughout class. The company has trained over 10,000 dancers since 2008 and holds a 4.9 Google rating from 98 reviews.
Beyond group classes, SalsaKnox offers private lessons, performance classes, pro couples teams, ladies styling teams, men's styling teams, instructor training, and online live instruction with online courses available in salsa, bachata, and cumbia at beginner levels, plus online ladies styling. The studio also runs business workshops and a dance instructor training programme. The company's mission is to inspire and empower individuals through Latin dance while creating a safe, vibrant, inclusive community.
What to expect
Your first visit
On your first visit, expect to rotate partners throughout class in a beginner-friendly environment where no partner or experience is required. Classes follow clear, step-by-step instruction in a supportive community setting. Most students report dancing confidently after four weeks.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Waldo and Jacqui Solano, the owners, personally teach salsa, bachata, and cumbia classes. The studio employs additional professional instructors with 10–30 years of experience teaching ballroom, country, line dance, yoga, and other styles.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
All bootcamp classes are designed for absolute beginners with no experience or partner required; the studio creates different leveled classes to accommodate all skill levels.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
For classes, wear comfortable clothing and fitted non-rubber-soled shoes. For parties, the studio recommends you look your best, whatever that means for you.
What to bring
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes without rubber on the bottoms that fit the foot well; the studio does not recommend tennis shoes or shoes that flip-flop around.
Studio history
In 2008, Waldo Solano dreamed of building a salsa and Latin dance scene in Knoxville. While living in Atlanta, he drove to the bus station every Friday for a full year, boarded a Greyhound bus to Knoxville, hosted a salsa party at a restaurant called La Rumba, and returned to Atlanta by bus. That weekly commitment grew the scene until the vision took shape. Today, after more than 15 years serving Knoxville, Waldo and Jacqui own Champion Ballroom Knoxville and continue as pioneers of salsa, bachata, and cumbia in the region.
Styles offered
8 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
SalsaKnox Dance Companyhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own SalsaKnox Dance Company, 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 SalsaKnox Dance Company
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does SalsaKnox Dance Company teach?
SalsaKnox Dance Company teaches Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Casino & Rueda de Casino, Line Dance, Zumba and 2 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is SalsaKnox Dance Company located?
SalsaKnox Dance Company is located in Knoxville, TN. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does SalsaKnox Dance Company offer private lessons?
Contact SalsaKnox Dance Company directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does SalsaKnox Dance Company teach kids and adults?
SalsaKnox Dance Company 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 SalsaKnox Dance Company?
The fastest path is to visit SalsaKnox Dance Company via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.