Dance Fever Studios — Local services in New York

For years I've enjoyed watching people rush to the dance floor as the sounds of salsa, bachata, and merengue filled the room. I have taken a few pay as you go classes and free lessons at clubs, but no matter how much I watched, or lessons taken, I never had the courage to get beyond the basic and side step of salsa - and even that was a challenge.

However, this all changed a few months back as my wife and I decided to take salsa lessons at Dance Fever Studio. Before knowing anything about the studio, we visited the Saturday social event, held twice each month. A free one hour class is given at the start of each event - which could comprise of two Latin dances taught in separate studios.

On this visit, beginners salsa was held in the larger studio. Noelia, one of two senior instructors gave the lesson. She explained and broke down each of the basic techniques clearer than I've ever been taught - to the point I was able to connect the steps to the musical counts. After the class was over, the social began and my wife and I were welcomed by the instructors, students and visitors. Everyone was encouraged to dance, practice, learn a new technique without pressure. At the end of the nightt we knew Dance Fever was the right school for us.

For the past six months we've attended salsa classes on Tuesday's, taught by Francis or Noelia. Today, my wife and I are at the point that when the sounds of salsa, bachata, and merengue fills the room, we rush to the dance floor - and if I must say...look pretty good holding our own.

The classes are of a good size in that you are able, and encouraged to ask questions. Thank you Francis and Noelia for your patiences, art of instructing, and building confidence.

If you are still reading this review, I would think you are seriously considering learning one of the many Latin dances taught at Dance Fever. Just to name a few: salsa, bachata, cha cha, hustle, ballroom etc. You will not be disappointed, because as I said prior, the instructors are passionate about their art and love of the Latin dances, and I believe wants each student to feel the same. You will not be...

I've been dancing and taking Salsa and Hustle classes in Manhattan and Brooklyn for almost 20 years. Many dance studios I know use "drilling" approach to teaching - they make students memorize long routines and then execute them to the music. This is how Dance Fever is different and why I like it:

1.You don't have to memorize routines. When Noelia (my favorite teacher) gives you a new step and then turns on the music, she tells you to mix it with other steps of your choice. She plays the entire song and we change partners several times; this gives you the chance to experiment and to see how the step fits into the dance.

At some other studios, you have to memorize a routine of up to 32 steps and if you don't remember the steps in the exact order, the follower will fight you; this usually happens after you miss a class and therefore followers remember the steps better than you. For that reason I dropped out of classes several times and lost my money. Memorizing routines is insane!

2.You get real dancing experience. At DanceFever, every class starts with REAL DANCING - you have to dance to 3 different songs with 3 different partners. This is the only studio I know where you can dance during the class for real! I know students from other studios who only take classes but never go out to dance socially. Going to clubs can be daunting for beginners. If you take classes at this studio, you will hit the clubs much sooner.

Conclusion: Most advanced female dancers and teachers will tell you they would rather dance with a guy who knows only 5 simple steps but leads musically and with a good connection than with someone who tries to impress and intimidate the follower with "advanced" steps. A good leader can dance with women who are advanced as well as those who have little or no dancing experience and make them all feel comfortable. If you want to learn this valuable social skill, this is the right studio for...

The bi-weekly socials are great. Where else can you go and get a free lesson and then practice what you learned? The teachers are very patient and informative. Everyone is so helpful and willing to help you with little tips and pointers. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone who is a beginner and possibly intermediate students. You end up hitting a wall in terms of how much you can advance your dance skills. Update Have been there once since covid. Dancing in a mask was impossible for me. He took all discounts off of meetup so everyone pays full price. With inflation and unemployment, some of us can't afford the 20 bucks. It's basically a large room with a computer playing various playlists. I don't really mind that because they have such a large variety of music that you can request any song. The refreshments are lacking. Cheese, some crackers, some unwashed grapes, and water from the bathroom tap. You are welcome to bring a snack or beverage as long as...