What We Teach
Two Dances.
One Community.
Cuban Salsa and Bachata are two of the most loved partner dances in the world. Different in feel, equal in joy. Here's everything you need to know before picking your first class.
Cuban Salsa
High energy. Sharp footwork. Infectious rhythm.
Cuban Salsa is the original — born from Cuban son, mambo, and Afro-Cuban rhythms, it is the foundation from which all Latin dance culture grew. Circular, grounded, and deeply improvisational, it feels unlike any other partner dance.
At Habana Academy we teach authentic Cuban Salsa — Casino style, the way it's danced on the streets and in the casas de la trova in Havana. Expect rueda, partner work, and music that makes it impossible to stand still.
Cuban Salsa is your ticket to dance floors across the world. The culture around it is vibrant, social, and welcoming — and once you start, you never really stop.
What you'll learn
- →The basic step and Cuban timing — locking into the clave
- →Casino footwork — the circular, improvisational movement of Cuban style
- →Partner connection — leading and following in a relaxed, musical way
- →Body movement and Cuban motion — the hip movement at the heart of the style
- →Turns and combinations — expanding your partner vocabulary
- →Rueda de Casino — the iconic Cuban group formation dance
The music
Brass-heavy, percussive, joyful — Celia Cruz, Buena Vista Social Club, Los Van Van, Havana D'Primera. Cuban music is built around the clave and it will move you.
Bachata
Slow. Connected. Deeply musical.
Bachata started in the bars and streets of the Dominican Republic — raw, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in storytelling through movement. Over the past two decades it's exploded globally, becoming one of the most popular social dances in the world.
What makes Bachata unique is its emphasis on connection. You and your partner move as one — hip sways, body waves, and a distinctive side-to-side step that looks simple but feels incredible when danced well.
Modern Bachata has evolved to include sensual and fusion styles — you'll encounter all of it as your dancing develops. But we always start with the roots: good technique, clear connection, and the music.
What you'll learn
- →The basic step — 3 steps and a tap, the foundation of everything
- →Hip movement — the signature of Bachata, not as scary as it sounds
- →Body wave and isolation — fluid upper body movement
- →Partner connection — chest-to-chest presence and gentle leading
- →Turns and dips — adding flair once the fundamentals are in place
- →Musical interpretation — dancing to the lyrics, not just the beat
The music
Guitar-driven, romantic, emotional — Romeo Santos, Juan Luis Guerra, Prince Royce. Bachata music tells a story. You'll start feeling it within a few classes.
Which one should I start with?
Short answer: either. Long answer:
Start with Cuban Salsa if…
- ✓You love fast, high-energy music
- ✓You want to build sharp footwork and technique
- ✓You're drawn to a dance you can take to clubs worldwide
- ✓You enjoy something that feels like a workout
Start with Bachata if…
- ✓You prefer slower, more emotional music
- ✓You're drawn to the connection between partners
- ✓You want something that feels more natural to the body
- ✓You'd like a gentler entry point into partner dancing
Most of our students end up doing both — and that's when it really gets fun.
The best way to choose is to try.
Our €10 trial class lets you experience either style — or book one of each and decide for yourself.