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Questions? Call 844-543-7645 or email us
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Welcome to the Family.
Come see why over 2,100 dance students in Los Angeles are Movers & Shakers.
Come see why over 2,100 dance students in Los Angeles are Movers & Shakers.
2023 salsa and bachata dance program enrollment open now
(Until programs hit capacity)
Choose Your Programs Below
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Over 271 5-star reviews on Yelp, Google, and Facebook
2023 Salsa and bachata
Social dance training programs
✅ All group programs are led by full-time PROFESSIONAL dance instructors (not student or hobby instructors)
✅ Unlimited Free Parking for All Programs
2023 PROGRAMS
SALSA 101
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Foundations are everything! It's crucial to get the proper habits in your muscle memory from day one.
Salsa 101 starts at the very beginning and is structured, progressive, and comprehensive. You'll graduate this 10-week program with all the foundations needed to hit the dance floor with confidence! We will also take you out dancing. Perfect for first time salsa dancers. It doesn't matter how many left feet you have - EVERYONE becomes a salsa dancer through this program. ALSO perfect for experienced salsa dancers who never learned proper foundations or need to go back and clean up. The environment is safe and welcoming. Every student is taken care of. Come join the family! |
OPTION 1
Time: Mondays, 8:00pm-9:45pm
Status: Space for leaders, FULL for follows Dates: 1/16/2023 - 3/20/2023 Location: The Floor Studio (see map at bottom) Price: $399 (~20 total hours. ~$20/hr) Program Length: 10 Weeks Instructor: Zweli OPTION 2
Time: Sundays, 4:00pm-5:45pm
Status: Space available Dates: 1/29/2023 - 4/2/2023 Location: The Floor Studio (see map at bottom) Price: $399 (~20 total hours. ~$20/hr) Program Length: 10 Weeks Instructor: Ariela OPTION 3
Time: Tuesdays, 8:00pm-9:45pm
Status: Space available Dates: 2/28/2023 - 5/2/2023 Location: ViBE Dance Studio (see map at bottom) Price: $399 (~20 total hours. ~$20/hr) Program Length: 10 Weeks Instructor: Marina |
SALSA 102
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For salsa 101 graduates and any salsa dancer with some experience. This 10-week program will progress step by step, including plenty of review. It is the bridge to becoming a rock solid intermediate level salsa dancer with great technique. When you've mastered this level, you'll be a delight on the dance floor!
There is a LOT of intermediate material in salsa, so each 102 program is unique. It is meant to be repeated multiple times, and each time is different material. Each 102 program is adjusted to be accessible yet challenging for each student in the room while ALWAYS focusing on the most important details underneath - the foundations. |
Time: Mondays, 8:00pm-9:45pm
Status: Space available Dates: 1/16/2023 - 3/20/2023 Location: The Floor Studio (see map at bottom) Price: $399 (~20 total hours. ~$20/hr) Program Length: 10 Weeks Instructor: Danny (dance academy director) |
SALSA 103
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For high-intermediate to advanced salseros.
Take your dancing to the next level! Focus will be on more advanced patterns and details. Foundational details may be reviewed when needed but will not be the focus. You should already be solid with most foundations. Follows need to be open to practicing double spins and must be able to spot consistently during turns. Leads need to be able to lead clearly pretty much any foundational pattern and a variety of intermediate patterns. Leads need to be able to pick up new material quickly. It’s mandatory that leads practice between classes and show up to each class able to lead the patterns from the previous classes of the season with some degree of clarity and confidence. Prerequisite: - Leads: taken level 102 at least three times - Follows: taken level 102 at least two times OR Given green light by academy director to skip a pre-requisite program OR Sufficient outside experience and given green light by academy director |
Time: Sundays, 5:30pm-7:15pm
Status: Space available Dates: Start date delayed Location: ViBE Dance Studio (See map at bottom) Price: $399 (~20 total hours. ~$20/hr) Program Length: 10 Weeks Instructor: Danny (dance academy director) |
BACHATA 101
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Foundations are everything! It's crucial to get the proper habits in your muscle memory from day one.
Bachata 101 starts at the very beginning and is structured, progressive, and comprehensive. You'll graduate this 10-week program with all the foundations needed to hit the dance floor with confidence! We will also take you out dancing. Perfect for first time salsa dancers. It doesn't matter how many left feet you have - EVERYONE becomes a bachata dancer through this program. ALSO perfect for experienced bachata dancers who never learned proper foundations or need to go back and clean up. The environment is safe and welcoming. Every student is taken care of. Come join the family! |
OPTION 1
Time: Thursdays, 8:00pm-9:45pm
Status: Space available Dates: 1/19/2023 - 3/23/2023 Location: ViBE Dance Studio (See map at bottom) Price: $399 (~20 total hours. ~$20/hr) Program Length: 10 Weeks Instructor: Danny and Ariela (alternating) OPTION 2
Time: Sundays, 6:00pm-7:45pm
Status: Space available Dates: 1/29/2023 - 4/2/2023 Location: The Floor Studio (see map at bottom) Price: $399 (~20 total hours. ~$20/hr) Program Length: 10 Weeks Instructor: Ariela |
BACHATA 102
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For bachata 101 graduates and any bachata dancer with some experience. This 10-week program will progress step by step, including plenty of review. It is the bridge to becoming a rock solid intermediate level bachata dancer with great technique. When you've mastered this level, you'll be a delight on the dance floor!
There is a LOT of intermediate material in bachata, so each 102 program is unique. It is meant to be repeated multiple times, and each time is different material. Each 102 program is adjusted to be accessible yet challenging for each student in the room while ALWAYS focusing on the most important details underneath - the foundations. |
Time: Thursdays, 8:00pm-9:45pm
Status: Space available Dates: 1/19/2023 - 3/23/2023 Location: Soho Dance LA (See map at bottom) Price: $399 (~20 total hours. ~$20/hr) Program Length: 10 Weeks Instructor: Danny and Ariela (alternating) |
BACHATA 103
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For high-intermediate to advanced bachateros.
Take your dancing to the next level! Focus will be on more advanced patterns and details. Foundational details may be reviewed when needed but will not be the focus. You should already be solid with most foundations. Follows need to be open to practicing double spins and must be able to spot consistently during turns. Leads need to be able to lead clearly pretty much any foundational pattern and a variety of intermediate patterns. Leads need to be able to pick up new material quickly. It’s mandatory that leads practice between classes and show up to each class able to lead the patterns from the previous classes of the season with some degree of clarity and confidence. Prerequisite: - Leads: taken level 102 at least three times - Follows: taken level 102 at least two times OR Given green light by academy director to skip a pre-requisite program OR Sufficient outside experience and given green light by academy director |
Time: Sundays, 7:30pm-9:15pm
Status: Space available Dates: Start date delayed Location: ViBE Dance Studio (See map at bottom) Price: $399 (~20 total hours. ~$20/hr) Program Length: 10 Weeks Instructor: Danny (dance academy director) |
PERFORMANCE TEAM
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Take your dancing to the next level with the Movers and Shakers performance team!
No partner needed. You will learn a choreography over 5 months and have the opportunity to perform at night clubs around Los Angeles, the Las Vegas Salsa Bachata Super Congress, and possibly the Los Angeles World Salsa Festival. The performance team is a GREAT way to level up your dancing skills and will also make you a better social dancer! Come try out day 1 and see if it's the right fit for you! |
Regular schedule: Wednesdays, 8:00pm-9:45pm
Dates: 2/1/2023 - 7/3/2023 Location: The Floor Studio (See map at bottom) Instructor: Danny (academy director), Zweli, and Ariela (alternating) |
ONGOING OPTIONS
PRIVATE EVENTS
Contact us for corporate events, birthday parties, quinceañeras, wedding dance preparation, school events, retirement home events, Valentines day dancing dates, Latin Heritage Month events, other private events, and more!
PRIVATE SALSA OR BACHATA LESSONS
GIFT CERTIFICATE
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✅ Trusted by stars such as Jennifer Grey (“Baby” from the original “Dirty Dancing” film and Dancing with the Stars Champion) 
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✅ Trusted by Google's LA Headquarters to pioneer their bachata and salsa programs 
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✅ Trusted by Equinox Sports Club to pioneer their salsa programs 
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✅ Featured on SoCal5 news 
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Trusted to run programs at:
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Need a different day/time?
Am i a "leader" or a "Follower"?
Traditionally, in salsa and bachata, men are the leaders and ladies are the followers.
The leader is the dancer who's deciding what patterns to do next and the follower's role is to go along with what's being led.
We use the terms "leaders" and "followers" instead of "ladies" and "gent's" because sometimes these days people like to choose their role.
In short, if you're not sure, you'll be a leader if you identify as male and a follower if you identify as female.
The leader is the dancer who's deciding what patterns to do next and the follower's role is to go along with what's being led.
We use the terms "leaders" and "followers" instead of "ladies" and "gent's" because sometimes these days people like to choose their role.
In short, if you're not sure, you'll be a leader if you identify as male and a follower if you identify as female.
programs Schedule quick view
- SALSA 101 Sundays, 4:00pm-5:45pm, starting 1/29
- SALSA 101 Mondays, 8:00pm-9:45pm, starting 1/16
- SALSA 101 Tuesdays, 8:00pm-9:45pm, starting 2/28
- SALSA 102 Mondays, 8:00pm-9:45pm, starting 1/16
- BACHATA 101 Sundays, 6:00pm-7:45pm, starting 1/29
- BACHATA 101 Thursdays, 8:00pm-9:45pm, starting 1/19
- BACHATA 102 Thursdays, 8:00pm-9:45pm, starting 1/19
- Performance Team Wednesdays, 8:00pm-9:45pm, starting 2/1
Waiting list
Spots are secured when payment is completed.
Sometimes students would like to come try a class first. We definitely support that! However, programs often fill, or nearly fill, with paid students before the first day. In this case, after the first class of the season, we open remaining spots to people in the order that they registered.
So, if you're not sure yet about completing the payment to secure your spot, complete the registration without the payment, contact us, and we'll take it from there.
Sometimes students would like to come try a class first. We definitely support that! However, programs often fill, or nearly fill, with paid students before the first day. In this case, after the first class of the season, we open remaining spots to people in the order that they registered.
So, if you're not sure yet about completing the payment to secure your spot, complete the registration without the payment, contact us, and we'll take it from there.
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Movers and shakers' values
- Dancing should be the best part of the week. We make sure that every class is FUN and strive to make it something that every student looks forward to every week.
- EVERYONE can dance - it doesn't matter how many "left feet" you have. You will learn here.
- Class atmosphere should be welcoming and comfortable - we make sure this is the case.
- All Movers and Shakers are family. We always support camaraderie and getting to know each other and countless friendships have developed through Movers and Shakers Dance programs!
COMMUNITY
You are joining MORE than just dance class - you are joining the Movers and Shakers family.
A few things we do to bring the students together from ALL the Movers and Shakers programs:
You are joining a vibrant, enthusiastic, strong community of winners. Countless friendships have been through the Movers and Shakers community.
A few things we do to bring the students together from ALL the Movers and Shakers programs:
- Monthly dinner, party, and dancing night: We all go out to eat, then have a party at either the home of the director of the academy or a student’s home, then go out dancing together
- Salsa / Bachata Dance Festivals: We’ve brought Movers and Shakers to events in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and even Hawaii!
- Local social events: Movers and Shakers are passionate and they often step up to host events for the students. Skydiving and a student salsa / bachata dance party on the beach are just a couple examples.
- Practice sessions: Movers and Shakers will often volunteer their home or meet in a park to practice together
You are joining a vibrant, enthusiastic, strong community of winners. Countless friendships have been through the Movers and Shakers community.
Movers and Shakers Dinner Event
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Movers and Shakers Student Party
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DETAILS
Foundations, foundations, foundations! When dancing salsa or bachata, when the foundations are great, everything is great, and when the foundations are a mess, everything is a mess.
That’s why we have pioneered the 10-week, structured programs with SO much focus on the details.
The academy director is obsessed with details and with his love of dance, he invested tremendous time and finances to train all around the world for 17 years - that training is what eventually led to the Movers and Shakers curriculum.
Learning properly, with structure, from the top, is a MUST. We hold your hand all the way from A to Z to help you quickly build confidence and have the best possible experience on the dance floor.
That’s why we have pioneered the 10-week, structured programs with SO much focus on the details.
The academy director is obsessed with details and with his love of dance, he invested tremendous time and finances to train all around the world for 17 years - that training is what eventually led to the Movers and Shakers curriculum.
Learning properly, with structure, from the top, is a MUST. We hold your hand all the way from A to Z to help you quickly build confidence and have the best possible experience on the dance floor.
DIVERSITY
Everyone wanting to learn salsa or bachata is welcome at Movers and Shakers. The diversity of humans is incredible in just about every room that we fill.
What's the difference between salsa and bachata?
While both are latin partner dances, salsa tends to be faster, more technical and more energetic, and bachata is slower, closer contact with your partner, easier, and more sexy/sensual.
BOTH salsa and bachata are played together in night clubs, which is why Movers & Shakers Dance Academy specializes in these two dances together (and only these two dances).
Salsa has it's roots in Cuba (and arguably Africa), while bachata comes from the Dominican Republic.
BOTH salsa and bachata are played together in night clubs, which is why Movers & Shakers Dance Academy specializes in these two dances together (and only these two dances).
Salsa has it's roots in Cuba (and arguably Africa), while bachata comes from the Dominican Republic.
Why haven't I heard of bachata?
In short, bachata has gained popularity more recently than salsa.
Until the past decade, bachata was mostly only danced in the Dominican Republic. It has now, however, exploded in popularity around the globe. The "history of salsa & bachata" section below has more information on why.
These days people often find videos on social media of modern, sensual style bachata and are hooked right away.
A few years ago when we asked people on the phone if they'd like to learn salsa or bachata, they would typically respond, "What's bachata?" These days however, many people call asking specifically for bachata.
Until the past decade, bachata was mostly only danced in the Dominican Republic. It has now, however, exploded in popularity around the globe. The "history of salsa & bachata" section below has more information on why.
These days people often find videos on social media of modern, sensual style bachata and are hooked right away.
A few years ago when we asked people on the phone if they'd like to learn salsa or bachata, they would typically respond, "What's bachata?" These days however, many people call asking specifically for bachata.
Should I learn salsa or bachata First?
Either is fine!
While salsa is a bit more technical and bachata is a bit easier, you really can learn either first. We have students who learn salsa first and students who learn bachata first, and students who learn both at the same time. The good news is that since they are both latin partner dancers, they share many similarities and learning either one will help you with the other!
Since salsa & bachata music are played together in clubs, you'll probably eventually learn both.
While salsa is a bit more technical and bachata is a bit easier, you really can learn either first. We have students who learn salsa first and students who learn bachata first, and students who learn both at the same time. The good news is that since they are both latin partner dancers, they share many similarities and learning either one will help you with the other!
Since salsa & bachata music are played together in clubs, you'll probably eventually learn both.
LocationS
Movers and Shakers operates out of three studios that are all very close to each other on the west side.
Check the location for your specific program.
Check the location for your specific program.
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ViBE Dance Studio
2939 S Sepulveda Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90064 |
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NEW TO LOS ANGELES?
Westwood, the location of the Movers and Shakers Dance salsa dance programs and bachata dance programs, is in the heart of West Los Angeles. It's near UCLA and many areas you may have heard of: Santa Monica, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Mar Vista, Sawtelle (little Tokyo / Osaka), Culver City, Marina Del Rey and Century City.
To the east is West Hollywood, Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles and to the north is The San Fernando Valley, with Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood and more.
Although these are the nearby areas, students drive from ALL over for Movers and Shakers salsa dance classes and bachata dance classes. Every week students come from Orange County, East Los Angeles, Burbank, and they've even come from as far as Bakersfield and Santa Barbara!
Come join the over 1,000 Movers and Shakers. We are a big and welcoming family where you will find many friends and many dance partners to go out with and explore the Los Angeles salsa and bachata dance scene.
To the east is West Hollywood, Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles and to the north is The San Fernando Valley, with Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood and more.
Although these are the nearby areas, students drive from ALL over for Movers and Shakers salsa dance classes and bachata dance classes. Every week students come from Orange County, East Los Angeles, Burbank, and they've even come from as far as Bakersfield and Santa Barbara!
Come join the over 1,000 Movers and Shakers. We are a big and welcoming family where you will find many friends and many dance partners to go out with and explore the Los Angeles salsa and bachata dance scene.
Gallery
Just a few fun pics here. Find MANY more on our Yelp page.
Are these the best salsa and bachata dance classes in los angeles?
Only you can be the judge of that, but we certainly strive to be the best in Los Angeles!
We feel that we've found a serious pain point in the latin dance community, which is lack of structure in learning, and created the solution. The program structure actually developed organically to meet the needs of the students. We realized that the drop in classes we were teaching at night clubs were just not able to get the students what they needed, so we built structured curriculums and launched them at the studio.
As the programs evolved, we saw that there was still a big gap between level 1 and 2, so we created level 1.5. There was still a gap, so then we added level 1.75! Later these were renamed to levels 101, 102, 103, and 104.
With tremendous attention to detail and dancing 1 on 1 with students in every class, a lot of students report to us that they've never experienced so much focus on details in a dance class. With that feedback, we stuck with it and the programs grew more and more.
We are especially excited for students who enter our level 101 salsa or bachata class for beginners with no experience because we get to give you all the info correctly from the start, with no bad habits, and watch you grow!
We feel that we've found a serious pain point in the latin dance community, which is lack of structure in learning, and created the solution. The program structure actually developed organically to meet the needs of the students. We realized that the drop in classes we were teaching at night clubs were just not able to get the students what they needed, so we built structured curriculums and launched them at the studio.
As the programs evolved, we saw that there was still a big gap between level 1 and 2, so we created level 1.5. There was still a gap, so then we added level 1.75! Later these were renamed to levels 101, 102, 103, and 104.
With tremendous attention to detail and dancing 1 on 1 with students in every class, a lot of students report to us that they've never experienced so much focus on details in a dance class. With that feedback, we stuck with it and the programs grew more and more.
We are especially excited for students who enter our level 101 salsa or bachata class for beginners with no experience because we get to give you all the info correctly from the start, with no bad habits, and watch you grow!
History of salsa & bachata
Salsa
Salsa has deep roots in the Caribbean, influenced by traditional African dances. Salsa can be traced back to the dawn of the 20th century, where it was established in Eastern Cuba. At the time, the musical flavor of salsa along with the developing dance became an integral part of Cuban culture.
It wasn't until the early 1950’s when the dance reached Havana that it continued to develop into the kind of dance that most people are familiar with today. The tide turned for Salsa when it was integrated with American Jazz music — hence, becoming an in-demand main-stay on the dance floors of the hottest joints in Havana at the time.
After the Cuban revolution, immigrants came into the United States and brought with them the dance. In the 1960’s, Fania Records, which mostly signed Latin musicians, became the home of a great deal of salsa music and other music. This makes Fania Records almost wholly responsible for spreading Salsa in America.
Bachata
While Salsa originated in Cuba, Bachata comes from the Dominican Republic. Unlike Salsa however, Bachata has some European Influences which sets it apart. In the 1950’s Bachata was considered a low form of entertainment since it was prevalent in brothels and places of entertainment frequented by lower class citizens at the time.
Bachata does not just pertain to the dance, but it also refers to a type of music — and this is considered as the Latin version of the “blues.” Though Bachata may be considered a romantic and sensual type of dance today, it used to convey a wider range of emotion — heartbreak, romance, and sadness.
The man largely credited with bringing bachata to the United States is Juan Luis Guerra. From there, the music transformed with a more urban feel as modern artists emerged such as Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, Bachata Heightz, Xtreme, Toby Love, and Aventura. This could be the second major phase in the evolution of bachata music.
The third phase in the evolution of bachata music started when DJ's began to layer bachata rhythms on top of already mega popular R&B and pop music. This sound created mass appeal and helped it to spread around the globe like wildfire. The most prolific DJ of such remixes is DJ Soltrix. The dance evolved with the music into what is now called Modern, Urban, Sensual, or Romantic Bachata, which is what is taught at Movers and Shakers Dance Academy.
Salsa has deep roots in the Caribbean, influenced by traditional African dances. Salsa can be traced back to the dawn of the 20th century, where it was established in Eastern Cuba. At the time, the musical flavor of salsa along with the developing dance became an integral part of Cuban culture.
It wasn't until the early 1950’s when the dance reached Havana that it continued to develop into the kind of dance that most people are familiar with today. The tide turned for Salsa when it was integrated with American Jazz music — hence, becoming an in-demand main-stay on the dance floors of the hottest joints in Havana at the time.
After the Cuban revolution, immigrants came into the United States and brought with them the dance. In the 1960’s, Fania Records, which mostly signed Latin musicians, became the home of a great deal of salsa music and other music. This makes Fania Records almost wholly responsible for spreading Salsa in America.
Bachata
While Salsa originated in Cuba, Bachata comes from the Dominican Republic. Unlike Salsa however, Bachata has some European Influences which sets it apart. In the 1950’s Bachata was considered a low form of entertainment since it was prevalent in brothels and places of entertainment frequented by lower class citizens at the time.
Bachata does not just pertain to the dance, but it also refers to a type of music — and this is considered as the Latin version of the “blues.” Though Bachata may be considered a romantic and sensual type of dance today, it used to convey a wider range of emotion — heartbreak, romance, and sadness.
The man largely credited with bringing bachata to the United States is Juan Luis Guerra. From there, the music transformed with a more urban feel as modern artists emerged such as Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, Bachata Heightz, Xtreme, Toby Love, and Aventura. This could be the second major phase in the evolution of bachata music.
The third phase in the evolution of bachata music started when DJ's began to layer bachata rhythms on top of already mega popular R&B and pop music. This sound created mass appeal and helped it to spread around the globe like wildfire. The most prolific DJ of such remixes is DJ Soltrix. The dance evolved with the music into what is now called Modern, Urban, Sensual, or Romantic Bachata, which is what is taught at Movers and Shakers Dance Academy.
Questions? Email us
or
Call 844-543-7645
Call 844-543-7645
Looking to learn salsa in Santa Monica or bachata in Santa Monica? Movers and Shakers are right next door and you're in good hands. Learn to dance with Movers and Shakers and it could change your life!