Miami Baila Dance Studio

Miami Baila Dance Studio opened in 2019 in the heart of Little Havana, founded by Alejandro Marambio, who learned salsa from Eddie Torres—the king of mambo—during his years in New York City. The studio is now managed by Hazael, who grew up dancing salsa, merengue and bachata after discovering his love for partner dance at 16. Hazael has trained under top world instructors including Eddie Torres, Sekou McMiller, Val & Max Chmerkovskiy, Tony Devolani and Daria Chesnokova, and has performed and choreographed across the US, Canada and London. Both founders share a vision: to make Miami Baila a home away from home where dancers of any background can live a better life one step at a time.

The studio teaches salsa in two distinct styles—On1, which breaks on the first beat with sharp, energetic footwork and dramatic turns common in Los Angeles and the broader US; and On2, which breaks on the second beat and aligns with conga and percussion rhythms, emphasizing smooth, rhythm-driven movements rooted in mambo and the New York dance circles where Alejandro trained. You'll also find Casino-Rueda, a Cuban group dance done in a circle where a caller gives commands for synchronized moves and partner switches, blending Afro-Cuban and salsa styles with an emphasis on fun and teamwork. Bachata Fusion blends traditional Dominican bachata with modern sensual bachata, teaching musicality, rhythm, connection and styling.

Group classes follow a structured, progressive curriculum starting at the beginning of each month in 3-month cycles for both Beginner and Level Two students. You can jump in anytime—new students cycle into the next rotation to ensure they receive the full foundation. Classes meet every Thursday and the 3rd Friday of each month at Bargean Restaurant, 1010 SW 8th St, Miami. Private lessons are available for individuals and couples, with flexible one-on-one instruction tailored to your goals and pace.

The studio offers a spacious facility with two rooms: the Miami Room (2,000 sq ft) and the Baila Room (720 sq ft), both with wood floors and professional sound systems. There are 90 chairs, 30 tables, two bathrooms (women's and men's), wifi, a refrigerator, and a large video screen display. The studio is available for rental—hourly rates start at $40 for private lessons in the Baila Room and $52 in the Miami Room, with group rehearsal rates at $52 and $72 respectively. Film rental is $83 per hour (must call to book). Street parking is available.

Beyond group and private classes, Miami Baila offers wedding dance choreography, a private bachelorette dance experience, and specialty group classes. The studio is located at 760 SW 10th Ave, Miami, FL 33130, and maintains a 5.0 Google rating across 81 reviews.

Classes are beginner-friendly with no partner required—the studio rotates partners regularly so you dance with others and improve faster. Instructors guide you step-by-step through progressive cycles that build week by week, so you learn comfortably and confidently whether you're starting with salsa, bachata or Cuban dance.

Hazael manages the studio and teaches classes and private lessons. He trained under Eddie Torres, Sekou McMiller, Val & Max Chmerkovskiy, Tony Devolani and Daria Chesnokova, and has choreographed and competed in multiple partner dance styles. Alejandro, the studio owner, learned directly from Jorday Rivera (a disciple of Eddie Torres) and Eddie Torres himself during his years in New York City.

Yes—the studio specializes in beginner-friendly classes where no prior experience is needed, with instructors guiding you step-by-step in a progressive format.