Tanzschule Salsa Auténtica

Salsa Auténtica teaches Salsa On2 (New York style), Mambo, and Bachata at two locations: Frankfurt at Ballettstudio Ost, Hanauer Landstraße 138, and Wiesbaden at Sombrero Latino, Adolfstraße 3. Founded in May 2012, the school positions itself as the only one in Frankfurt dedicated entirely to the Cross-Body-Lead style.

Ben (Benjamin Santana) has taught Salsa since 2003. A German with Puerto Rican heritage, he worked at various dance schools in the Rhein-Main region before founding Salsa Auténtica. He has worked as a choreographer, performed as a show dancer, and appeared as a background dancer for the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. His teaching style emphasizes flowing movement, gentle leading technique, creative figures, and humor. Gül discovered her love of dance as a child performing folklore, then fell in love with Salsa in 2012. Her style combines elegance and feminine lightness with natural styling elements. She dances both lead and follow roles, allowing her to offer individualised feedback to each student. Ben and Gül co-teach most classes, ensuring both leaders and followers receive comprehensive instruction.

Classes run at six levels: Beginner, Elementary, Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, and Styling. Basic courses meet once weekly for 4 × 75-minute sessions (Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Frankfurt; Mondays and Wednesdays in Wiesbaden). There is also a weekly Salsa Styling course (Sundays, solo, unisex) taught by Gül. The school emphasizes a structured progression, with students working through an ascending course concept. No fixed partner is required; the school rotates partners regularly to develop adaptability and strengthen both leading and following skills, though couples who wish to stay together are accommodated.

The school runs workshops, bootcamps, and parties alongside regular classes. Payment is by bank transfer or cash before the course begins; a 5 euro surcharge applies for last-minute registration. Students can take a trial class (20 €) to determine their level, or beginners can use 'Pay Per Dance' tickets (20 €, credited toward a course package). Discounts are available for students and through quarterly or annual packages. Missed classes can be made up within the current term at other times or locations, by arrangement. The school offers an 'All-You-Can-Dance' package allowing attendance on multiple days and at both locations.

Students praise the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, the quality of technique instruction, and the humor and heart Ben and Gül bring to teaching. The school has built a tight-knit community and hosts social events. No age restrictions apply, and beginners are welcome; the pace is adjusted individually.

You'll arrive at a dance floor in a mirrored studio with space to move freely. Ben and Gül teach together most of the time, demonstrating both lead and follow roles. Classes rotate partners regularly so you work with different people. Expect clear technical instruction, humor, and a focus on how to lead and follow well rather than memorised choreography.

Ben (Benjamin Santana) has taught Salsa since 2003 and founded the school in 2012. He is a choreographer and performer whose background includes work with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Gül discovered Salsa in 2012 and brings elegance, styling expertise, and experience dancing both lead and follow. They teach most classes as a pair.

No prior dance experience required for Basic courses; trial classes (20 €) available for level assessment.