FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GROUP CLASSES
No, you don't. Most people take the classes on their own personal growth journey to learn a new skill, develop a new hobby and healthy habits, and to meet new people!
In class we rotate partners every few minutes so everyone gets a chance to connect and dance with everyone.
Also, I personally dance with each and every student each class, and while we're out on the town dancing to offer personalized feedback. You get the benefits of a private lesson, but in a group setting in real time while you're on the dance floor!
For clothing, we recommend athletic wear. People also wear jeans and a t- shirt or anything their comfortable in. Shoes that slide easily are best if you do not have dance shoes yet. Shoes are very important for your safety and ability to spin and turn.
Read more tips here!
Yes! You need them! :) Not only do they protect your knees, joints, and body (no tears in your meniscus please!), you will spin, turn, and dance easier and better! Sliding and gliding will make you a better partner, too.
As an ambassador for my favorite dance shoe brand, Fuego, I recommend starting with them!
They are my favorite for a reason - a minimalist and fashionable dance sneaker that takes you from city sidewalk to dance floor in comfort.
Click the links below for 10% off!
If you prefer a classic style I recommend these as a comfortable and reasonable starter shoe:
Unless you've had a high level of training with technical aspects, I recommend starting with a level 1 class. Great technique is taught from the beginning here, so you're learning the correct way the first time. Even experienced dancers who have been dancing for years consistently take our beginner class, and get a lot of value from it.
From footwork, to specific hand preps, body posture, details in connection and styling - all of it is covered in depth so you feel the success of dancing with a partner quickly and easily!
If you'd like to learn combinations with quick changes of direction, and are ready for a challenge then level 2 is for you!
In partner dancing, there are two roles: the lead, who initiates the movements, and the follow, who responds to those cues. Traditionally, these roles were divided by gender, but in our academy, anyone can choose either role—or even learn both!
If you’re not sure which feels right, think about your learning style: do you enjoy taking the initiative and guiding the partnership, or do you prefer interpreting and responding in the moment? Both roles are equally fun, creative, and important. Many students try one role first and later explore the other to become more versatile dancers.
Ultimately, the best role is the one that makes you feel most comfortable and excited to dance!
Many beginners find bachata a little easier to start with because the steps are slower, simpler, and more repetitive, which gives you more time to feel the rhythm. Salsa, on the other hand, is a bit faster and more energetic, with more turns and patterns to learn.
That said, the “easiest” style really depends on your personality and what excites you! If you enjoy smooth, sensual movement, bachata might feel more natural. If you love upbeat music and high energy, salsa could be a better fit.
Most students try both and discover they enjoy each for different reasons—and learning one makes the other easier too.
Many neurodivergent students choose our academy, and we understand that starting something new can feel intimidating. In fact, most people who come to dance classes experience some level of anxiety around learning to dance. Feel comforted knowing that many of the students are just like you!
Our classes are designed to be nurturing, fun, and safe, so you can grow at your own pace. If group classes still feel overwhelming, I recommend starting with a private lesson to get a sense of what to expect, and then easing into a group class when you feel ready.
Everyone here is so welcoming and friendly—you’ll quickly feel at home and want to stay!
Our LA Salsa and Bachata dance classes are located in Santa Monica. It's near West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Westwood, Culver City, and Mar Vista. I make sure our space is a clean, welcoming environment for your comfort and safety.
The dance classes are easy access from Beverly Hills, Venice, West Hollywood, Mid-City, Westchester, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, and anywhere on the Westside (although many students travel far and wide!)
Address: 1247 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Several times every month I personally take my students out on the town! It's one of the things that sets this learning experience apart. You will get personal attention every step of the way - from class to dance floor.
LA is one of the best cities in the world to dance salsa and bachata. There's a different event or place to go every evening, and you will always find a partner out dancing even if you're not out with the academy.
Curating the best places in town, you will fulfill your visions of what your new life as a dancer out on the town in LA looks like! From dancing in places with live bands, to speakeasies, sunsets on the beach with your dance family, to the most popular spots in town, to dance festivals, you will discover all of the best places to dance with your new friends from class!
We accept the following payment options:
Venmo
Zelle
PayPal
Credit card (with a 3% transaction fee)
Choose the method that works best for you. If you prefer to avoid extra fees, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal are great options.
If you're partially registered, secure your spot here.
No, discounts toward group series do not apply if you already did a trial class. You automatically get $50 off the total price because the trial class is free of charge. This allows you to experience the class before committing to a full program without any cost.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are great for:
Absolute beginners who want to build a strong foundation
Intermediate or advanced dancers looking to refine technique
Social dancers wanting more confidence on the floor
Couples preparing for weddings or special events
Anyone who prefers one-on-one learning over group classes
You have two options:
1. Standard private lessons are taught by our full-time professional salsa and bachata instructors.
2. Private lessons with Alexis. She is known for her technical precision, clear instruction, and incredibly supportive teaching style. Students love working with Alexis because she’s encouraging, professional, and deeply knowledgeable—you’ll feel comfortable, confident, and motivated in every session.
Alexis is proficient in teaching over 30 styles of dance and movement. Competing in Latin dancing for over 13 years, she has won many first placements throughout her career, and has even taught Kevin Hart how to dance on his YouTube series, "What the Fit."
Alexis specializes in:
Salsa On1 (LA-style)
Salsa On2 (NY-style)
Bachata (Dominican, modern, and sensual fusion)
Want another style? She’ll customize your lesson plan depending on your preferred style, skill level, and goals.
She offers a wide variety of dance lessons beyond just salsa and bachata. She can teach you a range of dance styles, from tango and ballroom to swing! No matter your interest, we have something for everyone.
Discover the joy of dance with LA Salsa & Bachata Dance Academy– your destination for personalized and group dance instruction.
If this is your first time with us, you can enjoy our introductory session for just $90. That’s less than half our regular price!
After the first session, you may refer to the table below:
All private lessons take place in our professional dance studio in Santa Monica, never in a private home.
We prioritize your comfort and safety, offering a well-lit, clean, and secure studio environment designed for learning and movement. You’ll never be asked to meet in a living room or unfamiliar setting.
Absolutely! You can book private lessons as a single student or as a couple.
If you’re learning with a partner, Alexis will tailor the lesson to your shared goals, whether you're preparing for social dancing, a trip, or a first dance at your wedding.
Please wear clothing that feels good, but you can move in. Closed toe shoes that slide easily are best.
Private lessons are typically 45 minutes long. There is an option to extend it to a full hour session (60-minutes).
We also offer packages if you'd like to book multiple sessions for deeper progress or event prep.
Click the "Text Us to Book" button or text us at (310) 490-3501 to schedule your first session. We’ll work with your availability and make sure your lesson fits your comfort and goals.
To cancel or change your private lesson, you must contact us by text. Please include the date and time of the lesson you're canceling.
45-60 minute private lessons: Require at least 24 hours' notice
2-hour lessons, offsite lessons, or lessons outside normal hours: Require 48 hours’ notice
Cancellations made on the same day as your lesson will be charged the full lesson fee.
PRACTICE / MINI SOCIALS
Our weekly practice sessions take place every Friday from 8:00–11:00 PM.
That’s 3 hours of social dancing and practice in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. No partner needed—we rotate partners often so everyone gets to dance.
Just a 10-minute walk from the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. We’re in a walkable, vibrant neighborhood filled with cafes, galleries, and boutiques, with easy access from Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica Blvd, and the 10 Freeway.
Studio address: 1247 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
We offer flexible pricing to fit your schedule:
$25 – One session / drop-in (pay as you attend)
$80 – 4 sessions, valid for 2 months from ($20 total savings)
$144 – 8 sessions, valid for 3 months ($56 total savings)
Your entry covers:
Three hours of salsa and bachata practice (50/50 split)
Live feedback from world-class dance instructor & LASBDA director Alexis Massey
Wine, sparkling water, and light snacks to keep the vibes high
A welcoming, pressure-free environment where you can grow at your own pace
No partner required—we encourage partner rotation to help you learn faster and meet new people
Not at all!
These sessions are open to everyone—beginners, experienced dancers, and even students from other academies looking to expand their skills.
Nope! You can drop in anytime for a single session, or grab a multi-session pass to save money. Passes have a generous validity period, so you can attend when it works for you.
Passes are for individual use and can’t be shared. Each participant needs their own pass.
We recommend reserving your spot in advance—especially for busy nights—but walk-ins are welcome if space allows
Passes give you big savings:
4-session pass saves you $20
8-session pass saves you $56
Plus, you keep the flexibility to attend any Friday session during the pass validity.
We split the night 50% salsa and 50% bachata, so you get to enjoy and improve both styles.
Think great music, positive energy, no pressure—just the chance to feel more confident every time you step onto the floor.
OTHER FAQs
I specialize in a variety of Latin dance styles. Each workshop or performance can be customized to highlight one style or feature a fusion of several. Typically I include merengue, cumbia, and LA-style salsa (on 1) to help everyone follow easily.
Yes! My workshops are designed for all levels. Beginners will learn the basics in a fun, accessible way, while experienced dancers can refine their technique and styling.
Workshops can be customized to fit your schedule, from a 60-minute demo to a 90-minute session. Performances can range from a single dance piece to a longer cultural showcase.
I highlight the cultural history and roots of each dance, weaving in the music, traditions, and stories that make Latin dance a celebration of heritage and community.
A clear, open area with enough room for movement is ideal. I can adapt to most venues—from classrooms and community centers to large stages.
Pricing varies based on event type, length, and location. Please contact me for a customized quote.
You can reach me directly via email. Early booking is recommended during Hispanic Heritage Month since dates fill quickly.