Get ready to spice up your dance moves!
Salsa in the Square is here!
With these FREE classes and social dances, you'll discover the joy of Latin dance while connecting with fellow dance enthusiasts and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, these classes are open to everyone who wants to learn, have fun, and immerse themselves in the world of Latin dance.
Dancing is fun but it's also healthy for your body and your brain. Here are what you can learn:
- Salsa: the most popular partner dance in the world. It originated in Cuba in the 1920's but today it's an international dance that can be found in most metropolitan cities. Which means if you learn to dance, you'll always have something to do pretty much anywhere you go.
- Bachata: originated in the Dominican Republic around the 1960s. Bachata is a beautiful and sensual dance, that is all about the hips! Contrasting to salsa, the music and energy of the dance is slower however the leading and following signals are mostly the same.
- Kizomba: originally from Angola is a partner dance that has captured the hearts of dancers worldwide. It is known for its slow, rhythmic movements and close connection between partners. With its soulful music and smooth body movements, Kizomba offers dancers a unique and captivating experience.
What to expect at Salsa in the Square
Free Latin Dance Classes
Time: 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm
Learn how to connect with the music, the rhythm, and navigate the dance floor.
Expert instructors will guide you through the fundamental techniques, footwork, and partner work of salsa, bachata or merengue.
Latin Line Dancing
Time: 7:15 pm - 8:00 pm
Spice up your summer with Latin line dancing with La Vida and friends! Whether you're new to salsa or have some moves, these lively sessions will keep you dancing. Enjoy the fun of line dancing and join in on partner dancing when the music calls for it.
Partner and Group Line Dancing
Time: 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Get ready to have a blast with a lively mix of partner and line dancing set to the rhythms of salsa, bachata, merengue, and reggaeton. Whether you come with a partner or on your own, you’ll be moving, laughing, and feeling the music all night long.
No experience or partner required—just bring your energy and join the fun.
Experience the exhilarating rhythms of salsa!
Meet the instructors
La Vida Bistrobar & Social
La Vida Bistrobar hosts Latin dance parties that play a variety of music such as salsa, bachata, cha cha cha, merengue, Kizomba, reggaeton, soca and other Latin beats. They also offer Latin dance workshops such as salsa and bachata as well Zumba classes in order to grow and expand the Latin dance scene in the Kingston area.
Bonnie Wannamaker
Co-owner of La Vida and one of the founders of Latin Dance Kingston, to say that Bonnie has a passion for Latin would be an understatement. Bonnie is a salsa and bachata teaching assistant and you'll find her beside Alexei helping him with his group and private classes at La Vida. Bonnie believes that Latin dancing is more than just steps you execute, it touches your soul and opens up your life to new experiences, new friendships, a fun way to stay fit and keep your heart, soul and brain happy. Experience this energy for yourself at La Vida.
Alexei Baro
Alexei Baro is our dancer and instructor extrodineaur! Originating from Cuba, Alexei is a born entertainer, showman, dance instructor, Zumba teacher, MC and host. He is the party! His infectious energy and amazing dance skills will heat the dance floor and get everyone moving. At La Vida, Alexei brings the chiqui, chiqui no control to our Latin nights as well as teaches salsa On One and Cuban-style salsa, bachata, and sensual bachata plus leads Zumba classes that are so fun you'll forget that you're exercising. His studies included learning many forms of dance and the culture of movement. He is a graduate of Physical Culture and Sports at the University of Matanzas in Cuba.
Dansani
DANSANI is a local dance company that specializes in Latin, Ballroom, Kizomba and Afro-Beats dance classes. Latin dance classes include Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Cha-cha-cha. A variety of Ballroom dance classes are offered at DANSANI and include, for example, Slow Waltz, Viennese Waltz, jive and others. Weekly group and private dance classes are offered in each of the dance styles. Special dance workshops are also offered every 4-6 weeks.
Nomsa Mngoma
Founder of DANSANI Dance Company an award-winning dancer with competitive ballroom dance experience. She has been a dance instructor in the Greater Kingston area for over 10 years and her diverse portfolio spans many genres including Salsa, Semba, Kizomba, Bachata, Merengue, Argentine Tango, International Standard Ballroom and Latin dance. She has danced in many countries including, several countries in Africa, the Caribbean, USA, Spain, Italy, and of course, across Canada. DANSANI, derived from the isiZulu word for dance, expresses a sense of rhythm that is embodied in each of us — not as an individual but collectively as a community, in the true spirit of Ubuntu.
Produced by
Downtown Kingston BIA, representing +700 Downtown property and business owners.