Learn To Dance Salsa Or Bachata

Dancing should be the best part of your week!

Salsa and Bachata classes in Honolulu

EVERYONE can dance!

- It doesn't matter how many "left feet" you have.

You will learn here.

All our students are family. We support camaraderie and getting to know each other. Countless friendships have developed through our dance programs!

Current Offerings

Progressive Course

Beginner to Advanced level 10-week series.

Performance Team

Open Level. Salsa co-ed, Bachata co-ed, Salsa Ladies Team.

Social and Workshop

Monthly social, Weekly Open Practice, Monthly Advance Workshop, and Workshop with special guest.

Beginners Welcome

We know the feeling of stepping into a dance class for the first time. It can feel daunting in many ways. 

If it’s your first time dancing salsa or bachata, you’re in the right spot. ​

You will be welcomed at our academy with open arms.

We love the opportunity to give students great habits right from day one and watch you shine more and more over time.

We are focused on creating an environment that is fun, warm, and totally supportive for first time salsa and bachata dancers!

10-Week Salsa And Bachata Progressive Course

Our classes are specifically tailored to those who want a more personalized approach to learning and allow for individual feedback and guidance. We ensure that each student receives the attention they need to improve. If you're looking for a class that provides personal support and attention to your learning progress, this is the perfect option for you. 

Location: MUSIC BODY AND SOUL Dance & Wellness Studio

  • Schedule

    10 weeks, 90 minutes for each class.

    Salsa 1: Wednesday 7:30pm from April 9th

    Salsa 2 : Saturday 10am from April 5th

    Salsa 3 : Wednesday 6pm from April 9th

    Bachata 1 : Monday 7:30am from April 7th

    Bachata 2 : Saturday 11:30am from April 5th

    Bachata 3 : Monday 6pm from April 7th

    Price

    $345 for 10 weeks.

    Early sign-up discount price

    Early Discount Price: Price goes up every week

    Sign up by

    February 9th, $275

    February 16th, $285

    February 23rd, $295

    March 2nd, $305

    March 9th, $315

    March 16th, $325

    March 23rd, $335

    March 30th Full price $345

  • Foundations are everything! It's crucial to get the proper habits in your muscle memory from day one.

    Salsa 1 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.

  • Topics covered:

    • Leading intermediate patterns clearly

    • Following intermediates patterns smoothly

    • Proper hand transitions for the best connection

    • Lead/follow connection in general

    • Intro to general styling

    • Intro to ladies styling


    • Intro to feeling and flavor
Intro to musicality

    • Intermediate level partnering patterns

    • Solo patterns (shines)

    • Weekly spinning training, structured bit by bit, for balance, speed and ease

    • Weekly cuban motion training, structured bit by bit, for feeling and flavor.

  • Item description
  • Sensual Bachata Level 1 introduces beginners to the fundamental elements of this captivating dance style. Students learn the basic bachata step, essential partner connection, and foundational leading and following techniques. The focus is on building a strong understanding of rhythm, timing, and basic patterns, creating a solid groundwork for dancers to confidently navigate the dance floor. Through this introductory level, participants gain insight into the cultural origins of bachata while immersing themselves in its engaging and rhythmic movements.

  • Sensual bachata Level 2 builds upon the foundational skills acquired in Level 1, delving deeper into the intricacies of this dynamic dance. Dancers expand their repertoire with more complex patterns, turns, and variations, enhancing their ability to lead and follow with greater precision and confidence. Emphasis is placed on refining body movement, styling, and musicality, allowing participants to express themselves more creatively and authentically on the dance floor. As dancers progress through Level 2, they develop a heightened sense of connection with both their partner and the music, further enriching their bachata experience

  • If you can dance smoothly, it's time to add your own style and musicality to your moves. As someone who has been dancing for over 13 years, I can tell you that even I am constantly learning and practicing, and feel that I improve each time. It's important to never stop learning, as we don't know what we don't know yet. But don't worry, I'm here to help you get to the next level!

Why 10-Week Programs?

Proper Foundations:

 

With salsa and bachata, when the foundations are great, everything is great…
 

but when the foundations are a mess, everything is a mess.


As a beginning salsa or bachata dancer, trying to build proper foundations from drop-in classes or short-term programs is simply impossible.


That’s why we have built the Movers and Shakers curriculum that is structured, progressive, and comprehensive.


The curriculum will give you proper foundations, and we've found 10 weeks to be the perfect length of time for each program.

Balance of ladies and gents:


Because we have the same students for the full 10 weeks, we’re able to reliably balance the ratio of ladies and gents (follows and leads).

Friendships:


With the same students in class for each 10-week program, friendships always naturally develop. You’ll have friends to go out dancing with and support you!

Performance Team

Take your dancing to a whole new level!


Push your boundaries, see what you’re capable of,  and get a great workout along the way.


No partner needed.


No performance experience needed.

Location: MUSIC BODY AND SOUL Dance & Wellness Studio

  • Choreographer Danny Kalman, Director Cherry Saimon, Coach Inna Gunko.

    Rehearsals Thursdays 6-7:30 pm

  • Choreographer Aileen Rose, Director, and Coach Cherry Saimon.

    Rehearsals Saturdays 1-2:30 pm

Students voice

We are at new studio MBS

Our studio MUSIC BODY AND SOUL Dance & Wellness Studio is inside of Na Lama Kukui (Life style and design center) located in the heart of Honolulu, just 5 minutes away from Kakaako.

It features 24-hour security and a large parking lot. Nearby attractions include Liliha Bakery, Little Joe's Steak House, and Zippys.

The building's interior boasts beautiful white walls, abundant natural sunlight, and plants in the spacious hallway.

Our studio is designed to feel like your second home, a place where you'll love spending time.

Join our beginner bootcamp to start a new hobby. Located at Aloha Dancesport on Ward.

Absolute Beginner Class!!

If you have always been interested in salsa or bachata but never knew where to go, then this class is perfect for you. This Intro class is all you need to get started without having to commit to weekly lessons.

Take this opportunity to start a new hobby and open up your world to all that salsa and bachata has to offer.

2nd and 4th Friday of the month

7pm Salsa 7:45 Bachata

$25 (Open Practice time 8:30-10 pm included)

At MUSIC BODY AND SOUL Dance & Wellness Studio

Salsa classes, bachata classes, salsa workshop, bachata workshop, dance socials, dance events in Honolulu.

Learn from the best in Honolulu!

Private lesson with Cherry

This is the ultimate resource to maximize your progress. In each session, Cherry will guide you through the next logical steps to develop your dancing and if you have any requests, of course we will focus on those as well.

Cherry is the best salsa and sensual bachata dance instructor  in Honolulu, Hawaii. She teaches both leads and follows. Learn how to properly lead and add styling for follows.

About the Founder, Instructor

Cherry Saimon

I am a professional dancer who trained in LA for over 12 years. I have taught salsa and bachata at many different salsa clubs throughout LA and Orange County. I am also a flexibility trainer and intimacy coach, and I am very passionate about movement and the body-mind connection. I believe that what people see on the outside comes from how we feel on the inside, and I love seeing my students become more confident and skilled!
When I moved to California 15 years ago, I had no friends or family. I started salsa dancing to connect with others. I made so many friends from social dancing that the salsa clubs felt like my home. I moved to Hawaii in 2022 and started over again but with lots of experience. Now, I am happy to share my passion and invite new people into the dance community. I want to make this a fun and safe environment for everyone so that we can grow our salsa and bachata squad!

Instructor, Choreographer

Ron Ricardo

With over eight years of experience in a wide range of Latin, ballroom, and social dances, Ron brings both expertise and passion to the dance floor. His teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive and engaging environment where students can thrive and discover their own love for dance. Whether they are beginning or advancing in their dance journey, Ron is committed to helping you achieve your dance goals with personalized instruction and unwavering encouragement.

Sensual Saturday

First Saturday of the month

Join us for our salsa and bachata social at our beautiful studio! Dancing is a complete experience with great sound, lighting, atmosphere, and wonderful people.

Feel the vibe, express your emotions through dance, connect with others, relieve stress, or simply enjoy a fun night out.

Honolulu Salsa And Bachata Academy

Honolulu Salsa And Bachata Academy

Bachata squad night out at Buho in Waikiki. Drink and dancing in a social setting.
Bachata Squad celebrates each students birthday with a salsa and bachata dance party.
Bachata Squad social party. Its not only dance, its making memories and having fun while meeting new friends and family.

Friendships, Community, FUN

Parties, practices, social events, dancing together at clubs, and even travel opportunities: you'll find your home at our Bachata Squad Community!

 

You are joining more than just dance class - you are joining the Bachata Squad family.