Somos Dance Company

Somos Dance Company, located at 12001 E 33rd Ave, Unit I in Aurora, is a Latin dance studio owned by Diaspora Dance Company. The studio teaches salsa, bachata, mambo, and body movement and dance techniques across multiple skill levels, with instruction led by Tom "El RastaSalsa".

Tom has been deeply immersed in music and dance for over 20 years. As a musician with origins from Nigeria, West Africa, he started learning Afro-Latin dance in 2009 and began teaching salsa and bachata in Denver in 2016. He combines his musical knowledge with a technical background—he worked as an engineer for Caterpillar for three years—and extensive tutoring experience to break down dance concepts and explain them in ways that connect with different learning styles. His approach blends analytical skill with empathetic teaching and abundant positive energy.

The class schedule is extensive and structured around a 6-month curriculum that restarts in July. Salsa classes run Monday through Sunday at various times and levels: Level 1 on Mondays at 7pm and Thursdays at 8pm, Level 2 on Tuesdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm, and Level 3 on Tuesdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. Absolute beginner salsa is offered Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 11am, and Sundays at 11am. Bachata follows a similar progression, with Level 1 on Mondays at 6pm and Saturdays at 1pm, Level 2 on Tuesdays at 6pm and Sundays at 1pm, and Bachata Footwork on Wednesdays at 6pm. Absolute beginner bachata is available Saturdays and Sundays at 11am. Mambo classes—which refer to Salsa danced On2 in a contratiempo style—are offered Mondays at 8pm (Mambo Level 1) and Thursdays at 6pm (Mambo Shines). Body Movement and Dance Techniques classes meet Sundays at 12pm. Private lessons are individually scheduled.

All first-time attendees must take the absolute beginner class on Saturdays or Sundays at 11am before enrolling in any higher-level course. For Level 1 or above, contact the studio before registering.

Pricing is straightforward: $25 per class for drop-in, $80 for a 4-class course each month, or $300 per month for unlimited access to over 100 classes. The studio emphasizes that it exists to enrich lives through fun in motion, welcoming dancers focused on meeting people, finding an energetic way to move, or simply having fun.

First-time visitors start with the absolute beginner class on Saturday or Sunday at 11am, where instructors take it slow and hold your hand as you begin your Latin dance journey. The class is designed for people who may have never danced or listened to Latin or Afro-Caribbean music before.

Tom "El RastaSalsa" leads the studio. With over 20 years immersed in music and dance, he started learning Afro-Latin dance in 2009 and teaching in Denver in 2016. His background includes work as an engineer at Caterpillar and extensive professional tutoring, skills he applies to teaching dance concepts in multiple ways suited to different learning styles.

The studio is beginner-friendly, with dedicated absolute beginner classes that take it slow and move through material carefully.