Dance Classes

Cuban Salsa

Well, we're not talking about the delicious dip you eat with your tortilla chips. Salsa is a Latin dance and a musical style with a mix of Caribbean and African roots. Cuban son and Afro-Cuban rumba, are the two main styles, used to create the basis of a rhythm that would later become known as Salsa. With the Cuban revolution, many musicians and dancers relocated to New York and Miami, and Salsa grew in popularity.

Cuban Casino style is our specialty here at Salsa Therapy. Originating from Cuba, Rueda de Casino is a group dance where pairs of dancers form a circle and dance moves are called out by one person - The Caller. The dance moves combined with cheerful Salsa music are great therapy for the body and mind. The advantage of learning Rueda de Casino is that all moves learned in the Rueda circle can be danced one on one with a partner, adding to a dancer's repertoire of moves.

NEW Salsa Beginners Crash Course - 2nd AUG 4pm @ L1 22 Webb st

NEW Salsa Beginners Crash Course - 2nd AUG 4pm @ L1 22 Webb st

Salsa Timetable

TERM 4 - 2026
starts on 3rd AUG
SALSA BEGINNERS CRASH COURSE
starts SUN 2nd AUG 4pm - 5.30pm (4weeks) @ L1 22 Webb st.

We run our classes in 5 terms (8 weeks per term). Classes build on each other as we gradually introduce different elements of the dance, helping you to develop movement, musicality and coordination. As you progress through each week you will gain more confidence on the dance floor. We look forward to seeing you at one of our classes!

MONDAY

NEW STUDIO - Thistle Hall

6PM

SALSA INTERMEDIATE - LEVEL 4

LILIA & ANDRIJA
Ger your social dancing to the next level!
Musicality, shines, connection, RUEDA de Casino

7PM

SALSA INTERMEDIATE - LEVEL 1

LILIA & JAY
We continue on working on Rueda de Casino moves & build confidence
with foundation moves

8PM

SUNDAYS
4pm-5.30PM

SALSA BEGINNERS - LEVEL 3

LILIA & ANGIE
Let’s continue building your confidence
so, you can feel good on the dance floor

SALSA BEGINNERS CASH COURSE - Book me

This Beginner Salsa Crash Course is the perfect introduction to Salsa, designed for absolute beginners. Over 6 hours of fun, structured learning. Master the fundamentals of Cuban Salsa in a supportive, and relaxed environment.
But Salsa is about more than just dancing. It's a fantastic way to reduce stress, boost your mood, improve confidence, and connect with others.
Special Offer: $108 for 6 hours
Venue: L1 22 Webb st

Bachata

Bachata is a style of dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. It actually started in the early 1960s, evolving from Bolero and Merengue. Today, it is wildly popular and danced across the globe. Like all dances, Bachata has evolved, and there are four main styles: Traditional (also called Dominican), Moderna (which features more turn patterns influenced by Salsa), Sensual (featuring flowing movements and isolations adopted from Zouk) and Fusion (which takes inspiration from hip-hip and remixes).

As the longest running Bachata dance school in Wellington, we love to explore all its variations. Our main focus is on Moderna and Sensual however we have we offer Dominican Bachata courses as well. In the past 10 years, we have been training with some of the best, such as Daniel and Desiree, Ataca and Alemana, Korke and Judith, Sara and Marco.

Bachata Timetable

TERM 4- 2026
starting 5th and 6th AUG
NEW Bachata Beginners group from 6th AUG 6pm

We run our classes in 5 terms (8 weeks per term). Classes build on each other as we gradually introduce different elements of the dance, helping you to develop movement, musicality and coordination. As you progress through each week you will gain more confidence on the dance floor. We look forward to seeing you at one of our classes!

WEDNESDAY

NEW STUDIO - L1, 22 Webb str.

6PM

Salsa / Bachata Private Lessons - Book me

with LILIA de Castro
Fast-Track Your Progress in Salsa / Bachata! 

Looking to improve faster or focus on specific areas of your dancing?
Private lessons are the perfect way to take your skills to the next level!

👉 Personalized attention – Tailored to your level and goals
👉 Faster progress – Learn at your own pace, with focused guidance
👉 Perfect for beginners – Build confidence before joining group classes
👉 Great for experienced dancers – Refine technique, styling, or musicality

7PM

NEW VENUE - TOI ARO ARTS CENTRE - 3 Market Lane

BACHATA INTERMEDIATE - LEVEL 1

LILIA & ANDRIJA
We are building your confidence with musicality, syncopated steps and mastering some of the foundation moves used in Bachata Moderna and
Sensual Bachata

THURSDAY

6PM

7PM

BACHATA BEGINNERS - LEVEL 1

LILIA & ADAM

Learn Bachata with our friendly and fun weekly classes
We offer: Structured classes with progressive learning.
Easy and fun, social moves.
Great for complete beginners and those with some experience
STUDIO 2

SENSUAL BACHATA INTERMEDIATE - LEVEL 2

LILIA & ADAM

Sensual Bachata with ZOUK influence/ techniques. If you have experience in BACHATA for more than a year and you want to take your skills to the next level join our Sensual Bachata classes and learn how to have fun with some cool moves and body movement STUDIO 2


 

What level am I?

 

Beginner

Our Beginner’s level will introduce you to the basic steps and moves. We are passionate about teaching all the techniques for leading and following so you can build a strong foundation as a dancer. These classes are suitable for complete beginners or students with limited experience in a particular dance style. The beginner course consists of two terms of Beginner 1 and two terms of Beginner 2 before you can progress to Improvers.

Improvers

At the Improver level, we start to explore more complicated movements and discuss technique in more depth. We emphasise the importance of a good frame and connection with your partner. We will start introducing faster music and footwork to develop better coordination. The turn patterns are longer and at this level you will become more confident when social dancing.

Intermediate/Advanced

Our Intermediate level starts after completing at least two levels of Improvers and is for students with a minimum of eight month’s dance experience. At this level we expand your repertoire with more complex moves and focus more on musicality, body movement, styling and secrets of social dancing. On average, it takes at least two years to cover the entire curriculum.

 

Why should you join our Beginners class?

Salsa Therapy Dance Classes are:

  • Perfect for people with or without any dance experience

  • Fun and easy to learn

  • A great way to exercise

  • A place for making new friends

  • No partner required (but bring them anyway if you have one!)

  • Inclusive and welcoming

  • Teaching you dance skills that you can use worldwide.

We have limited spots to ensure an amazing dance experience. It’s important to us that you can see and hear your instructor and have a wonderful time meeting new friends. 

Start on the next available date!

Private Lessons

Our experienced teachers are available for one-on-one private lessons and small group lesson. We can also entertain your guest with a fun SALSA LATIN LESSON at your event.

Fast-Track Your Progress! 

Looking to improve faster or focus on specific areas of your dancing?
Private lessons are the perfect way to take your skills to the next level!

👉 Personalized attention – Tailored to your level and goals
👉 Faster progress – Learn at your own pace, with focused guidance
👉 Perfect for beginners – Build confidence before joining group classes
👉 Great for experienced dancers – Refine technique, styling, or musicality

Whether you're working on SalsaBachata, or both, private sessions can help you unlock your potential and accelerate your growth.


Single or couple: $100 for the 1h.
Group of 4: $120 for 1 hour

  • What our private students say

    I wanted to accelerate my learning with private lessons, and I'm so glad I did.
    Lilia's personalized feedback made it possible for me to drastically improve my skills in a matter of days. I was able to learn several terms worth of dance curriculum in just a few short weeks, which greatly boosted my confidence. It is obvious that Lilia cares about her students' progress and their ability to dance socially.

    She has vast experience in leading and following, which has been extremely helpful in teaching me to be a good follower. Not only is she professional and versatile, but she also makes learning very fun. Whether you are learning how to lead or follow, Lilia can help you level up your skills. Her love of dance shines through her teaching, which has made me fall in love with dance as well.

    -Annie

  • What our private students say

    “When I started classes with Salsa Therapy, I found my extended family and friends. The teachers are friendly and professional. The school practices equality and diversity. Neither posey nor pretentious. The students are also very supportive of each other. Apparently ST is the most technical Latin dance school in Welly.

    If you haven’t experienced Salsa and Bachata, then you must try it. It is fun to learn with ST:).”
    -Clarence

Looking for Zouk?

WeZouk is the heart and soul of Brazilian Zouk in Wellington