Salsa Dance Lessons for Couples and Singles in Atlanta, GA
Salsa Classes
in Atlanta
Where Atlanta’s most exciting salsa journeys begin
The moment someone truly knows how to dance salsa, the room notices. The rhythm, the connection, the confidence — it transforms how you move through any dance floor. And with Atlanta’s vibrant Latin dance scene, there’s never been a better time to start.
If you’re searching for salsa classes in Atlanta, Dance With Me Buckhead offers beginner-friendly group classes, private salsa lessons, and social dance experiences designed to help you learn quickly and enjoy every step of the process.
11600 Rock Rose Ave, Suite 110 Austin, TX 78758
Studio Contact Info
3500 Peachtree Road, Suite 1074D, Atlanta, GA
No Partner or Experience Needed, Start at Any Age!
If you’ve been looking for Salsa classes in Atlanta, you’ve found the right place. At Dance With Me Buckhead — Georgia’s only studio founded by Dancing With the Stars champions Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy we blend world-class instruction with a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere.
And if you’re worried about showing up alone — don’t be. No partner is required for our salsa classes, and most students attend solo.
Whether you’re a total beginner, a couple preparing for a first dance, or someone who simply wants a fun and sophisticated new hobby, our certified instructors in the heart of Buckhead will meet you exactly where you are. No partner needed. No experience required. Just show up.
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
Why Atlanta Is One of the Best Cities to Learn Salsa
Atlanta has quietly become one of the most dynamic Latin dance cities in the Southeast. With a thriving Hispanic and Latino community and dozens of weekly social events, salsa dancing is woven into the city’s nightlife and cultural scene.
Across the metro area, there are more than 30 salsa and bachata events each month, from casual social nights to full-scale Latin dance festivals. Venues like Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead and Latin-themed nights throughout Midtown attract dancers of every experience level — from first-timers to seasoned social dancers.
What makes Atlanta special for learning salsa is the connection between studio instruction and social dancing. You’re not just learning choreography; you’re learning a skill that opens doors to an entire community. Once you understand the rhythm and partner connection, you can walk into almost any Latin night in the city and join the dance floor with confidence.
Learning Salsa at our Atlanta dance studio offers incredible benefits:
Salsa Classes at Dance With Me Buckhead — What We Offer
At Dance With Me Buckhead, our salsa instructors are ready to help you learn faster, dance better, and feel comfortable on any dance floor in Atlanta.
Salsa Styles We Teach in Atlanta — On1, On2 & More
Salsa is not just one dance style. It has evolved into several distinct forms, each with its own rhythm and personality. At Dance With Me Buckhead, our instructors teach the styles most commonly danced in Atlanta’s social scene.
LA-Style Salsa (On1)
Often called On1, this is the most common style taught in beginner salsa classes and seen at clubs and social events. The dancer “breaks” on the first beat of the music, creating an energetic and flowing style that’s easy to learn and highly social.
Most beginners start with On1 because it provides a clear structure and quickly builds confidence on the dance floor.
New York-Style Salsa (On2)
On2 salsa shifts the timing so the break step happens on the second beat of the music.
This style is often considered more musical and rhythm-focused, and many experienced social dancers prefer it.
While beginners usually start with On1, students who continue training often explore On2 to deepen their musicality and technique.
Cuban / Casino Style
Cuban salsa, also known as Casino, emphasizes circular movement and group interaction. While it’s less common in Atlanta social venues, it’s part of salsa’s historical roots and influences many modern styles.
What’s the difference between salsa On1 and On2?
On1 breaks on the first beat of the music and is the most common beginner style in clubs and studios. On2 breaks on the second beat and emphasizes musical interpretation and rhythm. Both use similar steps — the difference lies in timing and feel.
Meet Your Buckhead
Salsa Instructors
At Dance With Me Buckhead, we teach American Style Foxtrot, the version most widely danced at social events across the United States.
American Style is slightly more relaxed in frame and allows for more creative expression and partner interaction, making it the perfect choice for social dancing in Atlanta. International Style foxtrot, used in competitive ballroom, is more structured and is also available for students who choose to pursue competition.
The health benefits of learning foxtrot are real, too. Studies show that social dancing improves balance, cardiovascular health, memory, and mental well-being — all while being genuinely fun. It’s exercise that never feels like exercise.
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 Lesson in Atlanta
If you’ve never taken a dance class before, you might wonder what the experience is actually like. Here’s what typically happens during your first salsa lesson at Dance With Me Buckhead.
- Arrive at the studio: Our Buckhead location at Phipps Plaza welcomes students into a bright, elegant dance space designed specifically for learning.
- Meet your instructor: The instructor introduces the class and explains the basic rhythm of salsa music.
- Learn the basic step: Within the first few minutes, you’ll start practicing the core salsa step and timing.
- Partner rotation begins: Students rotate partners so everyone gets practice leading and following.
- Practice with music: As the class progresses, the instructor adds turns and patterns while the music keeps the rhythm alive.
- Wrap-up and next steps: At the end of class, you’ll review what you learned and receive guidance on which class to take next.
Why Dance With Me Buckhead — Atlanta’s Salsa Authority
Not all dance studios are created equal. Dance With Me Buckhead stands apart because of its unique combination of expertise, atmosphere, and community.
The studio was founded by Maks & Val Chmerkovskiy, world-renowned dancers known for their performances on Dancing With the Stars. Their vision was to create dance studios where anyone — not just professionals — could learn at the highest level.
At our Buckhead studio, you’ll find:
Why Students Love Us
At Dance With Me Atlanta, 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 Atlanta help you reconnect with yourself through movement.
FAQ: Salsa Classes in Atlanta
Where can I take salsa classes in Atlanta?
Dance With Me Buckhead offers beginner and advanced salsa classes at its studio in Phipps Plaza. Students can choose from group classes, private lessons, and social dance events designed to help them practice what they learn.
How much do salsa classes cost in Atlanta?
At Dance With Me Buckhead, you can start with a $49 Intro Special
Can I learn salsa without a partner?
Yes. Most students attend salsa classes without a partner. In group classes, dancers rotate partners so everyone can practice leading and following.
How long does it take to learn salsa?
You can learn the basic step in a single class. Most students feel comfortable dancing socially after five to eight beginner classes. With regular practice, many become confident social dancers within three to six months.
What is the difference between salsa On1 and On2?
On1 breaks on the first beat of the music and is the most common beginner style. On2 breaks on the second beat and emphasizes musicality and rhythm interpretation.
Is salsa or Bachata easier for beginners?
Bachata is often slightly easier because its rhythm is simpler. Many dancers begin with salsa and add bachata later to expand their skills.
What should I wear to salsa classes?
Wear comfortable clothes that allow movement. Smooth-soled shoes are best for turning and spinning.
Do you offer salsa lessons for weddings?
Yes. Dance With Me Buckhead provides private choreography sessions for weddings and special events, creating routines tailored to your song and style.
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 Atlanta Dance Studio in Buckhead
Ready to start gliding across the floor? We are conveniently located in the heart of Buckhead, easily accessible for residents across the greater Atlanta area.
Don’t wait for the next special occasion to learn how to dance. Discover the joy, elegance, and fun of the Dance Classes today.
