Joel Salsa NYC — Local services in New York

This is a long review, and for those of you who don't have the time, this is the gist:

Taking Salsa lessons at Joel Salsa rocks, is a lot of fun, and you should not think about it twice! Seriously, I wish I could give them more stars!

Now the longer version:

I've been taking Salsa lessons with Joel Salsa and Claudia Sol for just about two months and I kid you not, the decision to start taking Salsa lessons with them is one of the best decisions I've ever taken. I signed up for the 8 week bootcamp, two weeks after starting the bootcamp signed up for private lessons with Claudia to supplement the group classes, and just last week I upgraded to their VIP package, which allows me to take all their regular weekly classes within my level, and gives me free admission to their social dance events. My point is that the longer I spend time with them, the more I want -- I just can't get enough!

Why all this enthusiasm, you ask? I'll tell you why.

You get to learn Salsa! You get to meet different people! You feel welcome (you see all kinds of people in the group classes)! You get to do some exercise! You get to listen to music! You get to dance! The instructors are awesome!

I've taken lessons with almost all the instructors at Joel Salsa, and all of them are super awesome! They make it impossible not to have fun! They are professional, courteous, friendly, and charismatic. I always see them smiling, laughing, and telling jokes. It is so much fun, it can feel like a party!

My personal favorite is Claudia Sol, because she is full of charisma, and shines with joy when she is leading the class, especially when she makes us dance at 100 miles per hour! She's also great as an instructor for private lessons. She is just as fun in a private setting, but for private lessons she uses your input, such as your goals, to develop a personalized lesson plan. She also makes herself available, takes the initiative to provide tips or share Salsa resources, and is quick to respond to questions. Seriously, Claudia is awesome!

In my case, I gave Joel Salsa a shot because I'm interested in learning Salsa to a sufficient level of skill that I feel comfortable social dancing. This is a medium term goal that will take several months to accomplish; however, Joel Salsa is so much fun, even if you have different goals, I would recommend trying Joel Salsa.

If you just want to have fun in a different setting, give Joel Salsa a shot!

If you want to exercise but hate the gym, give Joel Salsa a shot!

If you are planning a team building activity for your team at work, sign up everyone for a class at Joel Salsa!

If you want to meet people in a fun setting, sign up for a class at Joel Salsa!

Thinking of getting your friend(s) a gift? Give them a class at Joel Salsa!

Seriously, you won't regret...

As someone who has absolutely no background in dance or music, I cannot recommend enough learning to how to dance salsa through Joel Salsa. Starting with zero experience and even less confidence, I decided to begin by doing private lessons. I began taking privates with Celia since January, and began attending the group classes in March. I am now in the middle of my 4th cycle of their Level 2 classes (taught by Celia as well, and sometimes David or Joel depending on which day).

I have picked up a variety of hobbies over the years, so I have a good feel for what makes someone a good teacher/coach, and Celia is great at what she does. First and foremost, I find every lesson I’ve done (including the group classes) fun, which is probably the most important part, or else you won’t keep doing it. When you’re a beginner (particularly for something very challenging), there are so many things to think about and constantly be working on, that it can be overwhelming. Good teachers find the right balance of helping you focus on improving one thing at a time, to actually get better while also gaining confidence.

There's a lot of things you're going to do "wrong" as a beginner, but it's a safe space to make mistakes (you have to laugh at yourself), and she slowly has helped me correct many things over time, without giving me too many things to work on at once that can hurt your confidence.

Overall, I’ve grown to really enjoy dancing salsa and I am committed to continually improving and eventually being a solid social dancer. While I still have a long way to go, I am impressed at how quickly I’ve learned to at least be somewhat competent. I owe that to Celia, as well as everyone else that teaches at Joel Salsa.

Aside from the privates, the group classes are a great way to learn different movements, while also getting to meet many other people at your skill level. There is certainly a community aspect, which extends to the social that Joel puts on at the end of every month (of which I finally attended my first in May).

There are also great online resources, such as their online beginner bootcamp, as well as other courses such as musicality, and more in-depth courses for variety of levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc.

If I had to offer a critique, it’s a minor one, but sometimes the ratios of leaders to followers can be a bit off in the group classes. I’ve noticed this much more on Saturday classes than Wednesday. There’s not too much you can do when people don’t show up to class, but I’ve seen several times where there is a couple (sometimes two) that only dance with each other. I’m not sure of the etiquette here, but it only seems fair that they should have to rotate partners so we all get the same...

I never expected to enjoy this class so much after my first couple classes! I was referred by a friend to contact Joel (since I wanted to take salsa courses); I was immediately impressed with Maria & Joel's professionalism, expertise, and passion they had in their teaching of Salsa. It's very important for me that a teacher is clear with their directions/instruction of the basic salsa steps, that they are experienced with mistakes beginners and novices' usually experience on the dance floor, and are patient with all levels of dancers during class. Not only where they did they have those qualities, but they do care about each individuals progress and understanding. They are both personable with everyone and make you feel comfortable in the studio!

I took the opportunity and completed the 8 week program for beginners salsa and several advanced beginners courses, and it has made me feel very secure in my dancing skills when I go to a salsa club with my friends.

Also, after you get the basic steps down, I recommend attending their "Practicas" (monthly practices where everyone is encouraged to attend) and learn how to dance with fellow beginners to advanced people. It's the best way to anticipate others movements and learn new styles-in the comfort of others who are learning like YOU!

I was taking their classes starting Oct2012-spring2013 until I had to move away from NYC (for the husbands J.O.B), and wish I knew about Joel & Maria years ago!! This is definitely a very special and unique class that I was very lucky to be part of.

Well, I can go on and on about these two, and why you should take advantage of their amazing program, but go check them out-even if it is just taking one beginners class!

One more thing. I purchased a pair of dancing shoes from Maria, and made a HUGE difference in my dancing movements! With all the cool footwork you'll learn, boots and sneakers will...