Premier studio located at Domain NORTHSIDE
11600 Rock Rose Ave, Suite 110 Austin, TX 78758
Studio Contact Info
3500 Peachtree Road, Suite 1074D, Atlanta, GA
Austin’s Salsa Scene: Why Structured Classes Change Everything
Austin’s Latin culture runs deep, from the vibrant Carnaval Brasileiro to the nightly energy on 6th Street and the Domain. Weekly events like Fuego Friday at Blue Moon Dance Co., Salsa Bachata Sundays at Cabana Club, and Club Bantu at the W Austin offer incredible opportunities to dance.
However, without structured instruction, these world-class socials can feel like a spectator sport. At Dance With Me, we bridge the gap between “watching” and “dancing.” We don’t just teach you steps; we give you the technical foundation and social confidence to walk into any Austin Latin nightlife venue and own the floor as a participant, not just a watcher.
Under the guidance of world-class instructors like Diego, a Salsa World Champion from Colombia with over 15 years of experience, you’ll go from basic steps to social floor confidence faster than you thought possible. Our premium studio offers a sophisticated, beginner-friendly environment where no partner is ever needed.
BEGINNER
intermediate
You’ve got the basics — now it’s time to stand out. Go deeper into technique, musicality, and confidence on the floor. We’ll help you find your style — and own it.
ADVANCED
Start Your Salsa Journey Today
Don’t stay on the sidelines of Austin’s vibrant Latin music scene any longer. Whether you want the technical precision of a World Champion or just want to have fun and meet new people, Dance With Me Austin is the city’s most premium studio for Latin dance.
Salsa Lessons Tailored to Your Style
We provide a curriculum designed for every level, from the “two-left-feet” beginner to the advanced performer.
Salsa Styles Taught in Austin: On1, On2, and Colombian Caleña
Understanding the different styles of salsa is key to feeling comfortable on the dance floor. Here is a quick breakdown of what you’ll find in the Austin scene:
LA-Style (On1)
The most common style at Austin socials. It is linear, energetic, and highly beginner-friendly because it breaks on the first beat of the music.
New York-Style (On2)
Often preferred by advanced social dancers, this style breaks on the second beat, focusing more on musicality and specific timing.
Salsa Caleña
A fast-paced, footwork-heavy Colombian style.
What is the difference between salsa On1 and On2?
Salsa On1 (LA Style) starts the primary movement on the first beat of the music, making it the most universal and easiest style for beginners to learn for social dancing. Salsa On2 (New York Style) starts on the second beat, providing a different rhythmic feel often favored by dancers who want to emphasize the “mambo” influence of the music.
Learn with the best Salsa Teachers in Austin
Meet Your Austin
Salsa Instructors
At Dance With Me Austin, you aren’t just learning from local teachers. You are training with world-class professionals who live and breathe Latin dance.
DiegoGallego
Dance Instructor
AmandaMerritt
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
NisaAluizo
Administrative Assistant
VladPop
Dance Instructor
Dance Instructor
Diego Gallego
Diego was born and raised in Colombia and has more than 15 years of experience as a teacher, competitor, performer and choreographer. A Salsa champion experienced in tricks, Salsa on1, Salsa on2, sensual Bachata, traditional Bachata, Salsa Caleña, Argentine Tango and others. He’s experienced in national and international competitions traveling to Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Miami, Oklahoma, New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago. He has training and knowledge in acrobatic gymnastics and was a high-performance athlete in soccer, swimming, and cycling. He loves being a teacher and making his students happy by creating life long memories on the dance floor.
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Amanda Merritt
Amanda started dancing at the early age of 2. She grew up in the DFW area where she trained and competed in styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and contemporary. Throughout the years she was awarded several high-scoring solo awards, scholarships, and opportunities to train with the industry’s top teachers and performers. Amanda began her ballroom training at age 16 and fell in love with it immediately. She started as an amateur and then quickly moved her way up to doing it professionally. Amanda and her dance partner, Eyne, compete together in the professional circuit and frequently participate in competitions nationwide. Amanda has always had a passion for teaching. At age 13 she began teaching children at her home studio. Soon after, she started choreographing solo routines, group numbers, and became director of the Performance Team.
All of those years have prepared her for where she is at now. Amanda began teaching at Dance With Me in July of 2022 and has enjoyed every minute of it. Whether it be kids or adults, she loves sharing her passion and knowledge with her students. Amanda hopes to continue dancing and teaching for as long as possible!
Administrative Assistant
Nisa Aluizo
An artist of various mediums ranging from musician, painter, aerialist, photographer, and dancer; Creativity is her creative reality. Nisa joined the company to further indulge herself into the performing arts community.
Dance Instructor
Vlad Pop
Originally from Romania, Vlad started his ballroom dancing journey in 2005. He started with International Ballroom and Latin style dances and in a few years he specialized in training and competing exclusively in Latin. Later in his competitive career he had to uproot himself to pursue higher level training abroad, especially in Hungary, where he was trained by the Professional Latin World Champions. His dancing has taken him to many corners of the world, including India, Russia and Ukraine. Apart from a successful career in Competitive Latin Dancesport, he has also competed internationally in Showdance together with his partner Jhinuk, obtaining the World Championship Title of 2023 in IDO Showdance. His main desire is to be able to bring the best out of all the students that he has the opportunity to work with and make them achieve more than they ever thought they could.
What to Expect at Your First Salsa Class
It’s normal to feel a bit of “new-dancer” anxiety. Here is how we make your first visit easy:
- Arrive at the Domain NORTHSIDE: We are located at 11600 Rock Rose Ave, Suite 110, with plenty of free parking nearby.
- The Tour: You’ll get a quick tour of our modern, professional dance floor and facilities.
- The Lesson: Your instructor will introduce the foundational On1 salsa step. You’ll be dancing the basic pattern within the first 20 to 30 minutes.
- The Rotation:If you come solo, don't worry! We rotate partners so everyone gets a chance to dance.
- Next Steps:At the end, we’ll recommend the best class path based on your goals.
What to wear:
Choose comfortable clothes that allow you to move. We recommend smooth-soled shoes—avoid heavy sneakers that “grip” the floor too much. We also have professional dance shoes available on-site.
Why Choose Dance With Me Austin?
Dance With Me is more than just a studio; it is a premier dance destination co-founded by Maks & Val Chmerkovskiy of Dancing With the Stars fame.
Why Students Love Us
At Dance With Me Austin, couples dancing is more than steps—it’s confidence, connection, and self-expression. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, increased energy, or a vibrant community, our adult dance classes in Austin help you reconnect with yourself through movement.
Make sure to check out the Barre and Strengthening group classes every Wednesday at 7:40! Fantastic workout that really helps your body learn how to move like dancers need to, and bring some kind of yoga mat!
If you’re looking to get into ballroom dance, Dance With Me is the place for you!
By the time our big day arrived, we felt so prepared and actually enjoyed our dance in front of everyone. Kristoffe turned what could have been a stressful part of wedding prep into one of our favorite memories together. Highly recommend!!
I did reach out to the studio to express this and was told the manager would follow up with me, but they did not. I'm sharing this review, not to be harsh, but in hopes that others won't have the same experience. Feeling seen and welcomed should be a part of every dance class, especially for beginners.
It is absolutely gorgeous from the outside and the instructors are both knowledgeable and friendly! I have no formal training or knowledge in dance, so I was a bit nervous at first.
That went away immediately, all of the instructors are very approachable and made a newbie like me feel at ease. There's so many different dances to choose from and you get to keep on building your skills. I always feel really happy after a class. Jason is my primary teacher, and he's very patient and kind in teaching new students. I take private and group classes, and they've been great. Haven't yet been to the socials yet, but they look amazing! It's actually a really smart concept.
I highly recommend this for anyone looking to learn how to ballroom dance.
I even wrote/drew a little comic about my first encounter with the studio. I was literally just walking by.
FAQ: Salsa Classes in Austin
Where can I take salsa classes in Austin?
Dance With Me Austin is located at 11600 Rock Rose Ave #110, Austin, TX 78758 in the Domain NORTHSIDE. We offer comprehensive beginner to advanced lessons Monday through Saturday.
How much do salsa classes cost in Austin?
At Dance With Me Austin, you can start with a $49 Intro Special
Can I learn salsa without a partner?
Yes! All of our group classes use a rotation system. Most of our students arrive solo and find that dancing with different partners actually helps them learn much faster.
Is salsa hard to learn for beginners?
Not at all! The basic On1 step can be learned in about 20 minutes. Our instructors specialize in absolute beginners, and most students feel comfortable enough to go to a social after just 3 to 5 classes.
How long does it take to learn salsa?
You’ll learn the basics in your first class. You can expect to feel confident at an Austin social night within 2 to 3 months of weekly classes and practice.
Is salsa or bachata easier to learn first?
Bachata is often considered slightly easier because of its simpler 4-beat rhythm. Many of our students start with salsa and quickly add bachata to their curriculum.
What should I wear to salsa classes?
Wear comfortable clothes that allow movement. Smooth-soled shoes are best for turning and spinning.
learn a variety of dance styles
American Rhythm
Expressive, grounded, and bold. Dive into the soulful energy of Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, and Mambo — with freedom to show your personal style. Ideal for dancers who love musicality and emotional connection.
Visit Our Austin Dance Studio in Northside
Located in the heart of the Domain NORTHSIDE, Austin’s premier mixed-use lifestyle district, Dance With Me Austin offers a sophisticated and modern environment for dancers of all levels.
Experience the best of North Austin’s dance scene at a venue built for serious dancers and lifestyle enthusiasts alike.
