Salsaymotion Dance Academy

Salsaymotion Dance Academy teaches salsa and bachata in Bellevue at Bravo Dance School, 13635 NE 8th St. Suite 104. Classes run in 4-week series from beginner through advanced levels, with most levels offered more than once a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The studio is led by Emmy Christine (studio owner and director) and Rico Bravo (artistic director), both of whom have extensive Latin dance backgrounds. Emmy brought nearly 30 years of classical ballet training to the studio and began training with the Bravo family in 2017. She and Rico placed first in the 2023 World Salsa Summit "Rising Star" Salsa On-1 division and first in both Salsa and Bachata at the 2023 Ultimate Latin Dance Championship's Pro Social Dancing division. Rico was inspired to dance as a teen after watching his parents perform and competed at the 2000 LA Congress and 2002 Mayan World Salsa Competition, reaching the semi-finals in the men's professional solo category. He has choreographed and directed multiple dance teams including Estilo Bravo, RB Men's Styling Dance Project, and the Salsaymotion Student Team.

The studio employs several experienced instructors. Samantha Brava is the founder of Salsaymotion Dance Academy and was the first woman in the Northwest to teach Ladies' Styling. Gayle Staker has been a professional choreographer, performer, and instructor for over 25 years in numerous dance styles including Latin, ballroom, tango, and swing, and has choreographed musicals including Sweeney Todd, A Chorus Line, Little Shop of Horrors, and Rocky Horror Show. Maya Tremblay brings a rich background in theater and dance. Johnny Bravo, one of Salsaymotion's former teachers and founders, is a competition-level dancer known for his speed, spins, and splits, and was a finalist in the Mayan Competition Professional Class.

Classes span from Salsa and Bachata Level 1 (beginners) through Level 4/5 (intermediate/advanced), plus specialized rotating classes in Ladies' Styling, Latin Body Movement & Shines, Latin Dance Footwork Spins & Musicality, and Cumbia. There is also an Advanced Company Class (Level 5) on Mondays open to all intermediate-advanced dancers, and a Girls' Latin Dance Class for ages 10–15 on Wednesdays at 4:40–5:30pm focusing on salsa, bachata, and chachacha with ladies' styling and choreographed routines. The studio emphasizes teaching proper technique and connection, not just steps. Beginners take the No-Fear Guarantee: sign up for your first class in both Basic Salsa and Basic Bachata for $40, then pay the $80 balance for the remainder of the 4-week combo series if you wish to continue, with no obligation if it's not for you.

The studio runs weekly Sunday Sunset Socials and Practica every Sunday from 6–8:30pm at Bravo Dance School ($15 at the door), with low-key social dancing, plenty of space, and instructors present for questions. Monthly Salsa/Bachata Socials include "Salsa in the City," free outdoor events at Spring District Park near Bellevue Brewing on the second Friday of each month (6–9pm), and "Azucar!" themed socials at Flamenco Haven (4000 Factoria Blvd. SE, Bellevue) with a lesson at 8:30pm and dancing 9:15pm–12:30am, $20 cover ($25 with intro lesson). Private lessons are available at $100/hour for individuals and $120/hour for couples, with discounted package rates ranging from $450 for 5 individual lessons to $1550 for 20 individual lessons. The studio also offers wedding and special occasion choreography packages starting at $1050 (Bronze, 6 private lessons) through $1600 (Gold, 15 private lessons), all including music cut, full first dance choreography, and video recordings for practice.

Classes begin with technique broken down and demonstrated so you can easily grasp it. Expect to rotate partners during the class, which helps you adapt to different styles and avoid developing bad habits with one partner. Beginners spend 5 minutes to an hour on basics before advancing; each week builds on the previous one. The studio emphasizes a non-threatening, fun environment where everyone learns to move, not just steps.

Emmy Christine (owner/director) brings 30 years of ballet training and has won first place at the 2023 World Salsa Summit and 2023 Ultimate Latin Dance Championship. Rico Bravo (artistic director) performed at the 2000 LA Congress and reached semi-finals in the 2002 Mayan World Salsa Competition. Samantha Brava (founder) was the first woman in the Northwest to teach Ladies' Styling. Gayle Staker has over 25 years of professional choreography and instruction experience. Johnny Bravo is a competition-level dancer known for speed, spins, and splits. Maya Tremblay brings a rich background in theater and dance.

The studio uses a no-fear approach: sign up for your first class in both Basic Salsa and Basic Bachata for $40, with no obligation to continue if it's not for you.