R&B Salsa Instructor

Colin

I started salsa in Southampton in January 2001. I just watched for the first 3 classes before getting the courage to join a class. And in the beginning I was rubbish. But I was enjoying it so much, that by the May, I'd found a venue, borrowed some teachers and started my own classes - Just Dance Salsa. I'd really been "bitten by the salsa bug"! Over the following 10 years, I ran many successful classes in many areas around Southampton and learnt to teach. I moved to Bournemouth in 2021 and started BH Salsa before handing it to my teachers, but always enjoy helping people to learn salsa. My background is in IT, not dancing, and I run a couple of businesses.

Salsa Instructor

Nico

A couple of years ago, I discovered salsa dancing—and it added a lot of joy to my life. What started as a fun way to unwind after work quickly grew into a deep passion. The energy, the music, and the sense of community drew me in, and I found myself dancing every chance I could get. Over time, I improved my own dancing, and when I’ve been asked by Colin if I would consider helping others learn, I did not hesitate not even for a minute. I believe there's something incredibly rewarding about seeing someone take their first confident steps on the dance floor. I had brilliant teachers who helped me get where I am today and now I would like to give something back.

With a background in finance, I’ve always been detail-oriented and analytical, but salsa allowed me to explore a more expressive, creative side of myself. Today, I balance both worlds—numbers by day and rhythm by night—and I couldn’t be happier sharing the joy of dance with others.

Salsa Instructor

Lesley

I started my dance journey learning Rock &Roll, followed by Ballroom & Latin. Then I discovered Ceroc and Salsa but just couldn't fit it all in, so Salsa had to temporarily take a step back. Then around 2001/2002, I finally made it to Salsa. I started with Cuban style and then moved on to crossbody style. Somewhere along the journey I discovered lots of new friends,a confidence I never really had before, and the realisation that all my stress went away while dancing. I became hooked on Salsa. Travelled everywhere I could to learn with amazing teachers and went without a lot of things to fund it . I wanted to give back something to the dance world and started the teaching journey, learning with and teaching for Colin for a number of years, opening and running my own classes for 7 years and helping out at other classes in the last few years. Looking forward to returning to R&B Salsa and passing on the things I've learnt on the way.

Salsa Instructor

Grace

I've been dancing salsa from a young age, inspired by my father, who is a dance teacher. At 16, I started assisting him at his salsa club, and that’s where I discovered my love for teaching. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to teach at some of London’s most prestigious dance schools, including the Latin Dance Academy and Caramelo Latin Dance.

Dancing has also taken me across Europe — I’ve guest taught, performed at dance congresses, and competed in international competitions. My love for salsa and bachata shines through in my teaching. I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge of technique, styling, and most importantly, the power of connection — always with a focus on having fun on the dance floor!

Salsa Instructor

Craig

I started dancing salsa in 2004 after losing a drunken bet — but it turns out it was one of the best bets I’ve ever lost! I quickly realised I actually enjoyed it, and after some intense learning, I began teaching for Just Dance Salsa in 2005.

Since then, I’ve focused on helping others build a strong lead, keep their steps small, and truly dance to the music rather than just memorising moves. Teaching beginners has always been a passion of mine — I love encouraging people to fall in love with salsa the way I did when I started.

My approach is fun and laid back. I try to make people laugh at me, so they don’t have to worry about how scary or awkward dancing salsa might feel at first!

Salsa Instructor

Danny

I was born in Miami, Florida, but I didn’t take up dancing seriously until I moved to England. That’s where I learned salsa and bachata, discovered a new passion, met amazing people, and soon found myself going out to dance almost every night along the south coast. I later took Argentine tango classes and explored other styles to improve my leading.

When I’m not dancing, I work as a business journalist, love spending time with my dog, traveling, and reading. I truly believe that anyone can learn to dance — and most of all, I believe in the power of community that dancing creates.

Salsa Instructor

Amy

Hi! I’ve been dancing salsa for the past two and a half years and it’s done so much more for me than just learning the steps - it’s boosted my confidence, improved my fitness and introduced me to an amazing community of friends.

I grew up dancing ballet but I decided to try something totally different when a friend encouraged me to join her at a crossbody salsa class. A simple “yes, I’ll try it” turned into hours of fun at classes and socials and I’ve never looked back!

As someone who has always had a love for Latin culture, salsa has been the perfect way to celebrate that passion - through music, movement and connection.

Come and join the fun - this class is all about learning, laughing and moving together. I look forward to seeing you there!

Salsa Instructor

Alessandra

I started dancing before I could even tie my own shoes, thanks to my mother, at just four years old. After ten years of ballet discipline (and plenty of sore toes), I traded tutus for ballroom gowns at 14, competing for three years—until my partner decided Netflix was easier than dancing.

“Lost” but never still, at 18 I stumbled upon salsa and bachata, and it was love at first step with the cross-body lead style. I went on to compete across Italy and Europe while also assisting my teacher in classes, working with everyone from kids with endless energy to adults with two left feet.

After moving to England, I found my second dance family, travelling across the country to congresses and keeping the social dance floor alive. In 2024, I joined the Bachata Esenzia Group by Sara and Marco, performing both locally and in Madrid (where the tapas were almost as good as the dancing).

With over 20 years of dance behind me, I bring not only technique and passion to the floor but also a contagious joy that reminds everyone: dancing is supposed to be fun.