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Salsa Gente -Cuban style Dancing

5 ★★★★★ 52 Google reviews · Ballet school in Santa Cruz, California

Free trial Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / first class new students can usually try a class free or at a discount — call ahead or check their schedule to book your first one
  • Ages classes for ages 16–18 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Class price classes around $15 — many studios bill by term or month instead, so ask about tuition and any trial rate
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 831-426-4724
  • Website & schedule salsagente.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 7–8:30 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Salsa Gente -Cuban style Dancing, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet

All studios with toddler & pre-ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 52 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 9 mentions

“Their classes increase the complexity of moves at a doable pace for beginners and more experienced dancers alike, depending on the level of classes you are taking.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 4 mentions

“The welcoming atmosphere made it even better—I met great people and gained so much confidence on the dance floor.”

From the reviews

Chris & Jessica are amazing Cuban salsa dance instructors! They show us a dance that seems impossible, yet the group ‘get’s it’ and still wants more by the end of class. I have had the best time learning such a fun style. Such patience too! Dame!

★★★★★ — Laura, Dec 2023

My husband and I just completed the beginner Cuban salsa dance class with Jessica and Chris. It was a wonderful class, and we had so much fun. Jessica and Chris are fantastic teachers; they make sure you've learned before they move on.

★★★★★ — Saba, Feb 2024

Great beginner class with Chris and Jessica. Class is well-paced with plenty of clear instruction, modeling and then PRACTICE. We found it super helpful to practice the moves in between the weekly classes.

★★★★★ — Kelly, Dec 2024

My first Salsa experience was wonderful! Great teachers, that really break things down but they moved the class along and after 6 weeks I feel much more confident in my dancing! Highly recommend! Update, I took the class again as a refresher and had even more fun!

★★★★★ — Orrin, Mar 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 52 reviews →

Your first ballet class at Salsa Gente -Cuban style Dancing

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Salsa Gente -Cuban style Dancing

German Cultural Center, 230 Plymouth St, Santa Cruz, CA95060

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.