4820 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago
Salsa Classes in Chicago
Chicago's most beginner-friendly salsa course — 4 weeks, $95, no partner needed, partners rotate all class long.
Prefer to talk? Text/Call 717-PASAMBA (717) 727-2622
Studio hours: Monday–Sunday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Group classes run at the times on the schedule. Privates by appointment.
What you'll learn
- The salsa basic step, timing and how to hear the 1 in the music
- Right and left turns — leading and following them cleanly
- Cross-body lead, the move that unlocks social salsa
- Connection and frame so the dance feels good, not just looks right
- Simple turn patterns you can use at any social
- Floor craft and etiquette for a busy dance floor
Weekly class times in Chicago
Salsa — Level 1
8:00 pm · 55 min · Beginner
Salsa — Level 2
8:00 pm · 55 min · Intermediate
Salsa / Bachata / Cumbia Drop-In + Practice
7:00 PM · 3 hr 45 min · Beginners welcome
Salsa — Level 2
11:00 am · 55 min · Intermediate
Salsa — Level 1
1:00 pm · 55 min · Beginner
No partner needed — we rotate partners all class long. Missed a class? You have 4 weeks from your start date to make it up at no extra cost.
Salsa is the heartbeat of the Chicago Latin dance scene, and it's where most of our students start. Level 1 assumes you've never danced a step: week one is the basic, the timing and how to move with another person without stepping on them. By week four you're turning, cross-body leading and ready for a social floor.
Our salsa course runs in progressive 4-week cycles for $95, with free make-up classes within four weeks of your start date. No partner is ever needed — we rotate all class long, which is exactly how you become the dancer everyone wants to dance with. Add a second style like Bachata for $55.
The natural next step is our Friday social (1st & 3rd Fridays, 7-11 pm) at 4820 W. Irving Park Rd. in Chicago — Salsa lesson at 7:00 pm, then Bachata, Cumbia and open dancing until 11. Easy trip from Portage Park, Old Irving Park, Avondale and Logan Square.
Common questions
Do I need a partner for salsa classes in Chicago?
- No. Most students arrive solo. We rotate partners throughout class, which is the fastest way to learn to lead and follow with anyone.
I've never danced before. Can I start with salsa?
- Yes — Salsa Level 1 assumes zero experience. Week one is the basic step, timing and weight transfer, and it builds from there over four weeks.
How much do salsa classes cost?
- $95 for the 4-week progressive course, with free make-up classes within four weeks of your start date. Add a second style for $55.
What should I wear?
- Comfortable clothes and smooth-soled shoes you can turn in. Sneakers are fine to start.
Where can I practice salsa in Chicago after class?
- Our Friday social (1st & 3rd Fridays, 7-11 pm) at 4820 W. Irving Park Rd. opens with a Salsa lesson at 7:00 pm, then Bachata, Cumbia and open dancing. $15 at the door or online.
What are the studio hours?
- Monday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Group classes run at the times on the schedule. Privates by appointment.
Keep exploring
Full class schedule
Every class with times, levels and pricing.
Bachata classes
The most common pairing with salsa — add it for $55.
Cumbia classes
The easiest first step into Latin dance.
Friday social
1st & 3rd Fridays, 7-11 pm — Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia.
Private salsa lessons
From $125 — fastest progress one-on-one.
About the studio
30+ years of Latin dance in Chicago.
Your first night is easier than you think
Walk in alone or with a partner, wear whatever you're comfortable in, and you'll be dancing within the first fifteen minutes.
Salsa questions, answered
4-week beginner salsa, $95. No partner needed, partners rotate. 4820 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago. Free parking. Text or call 717-PaSamba ((717) 727-2622).
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