Get ready to spice up your dance moves!
Salsa in the Square
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.
Tuesday, July 7
Salsa in the Square Launch Party
Celebrate the launch of Salsa in the Square with an evening of dancing, live music, and community in Springer Market Square!
- The night begins with a free salsa lesson from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Followed by live music from Los Garcias from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
What to expect at Salsa in the Square
Latin Dance Classes
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 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.
General Dancing & Group Line Dancing
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 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, youâll be moving, laughing, and feeling the music all night long.
No experience or partner requiredâjust bring your energy and join the fun.
Schedule
Tuesday, July 7
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Latin Dance Class
Enjoy a special opening lesson with a demonstration from all the instructors participating in this season.
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Live Music with Los Garcias
Join us as the square comes alive with music, dance, and vibrant energy to launch this season of salsa in style with Los Garcias.
Tuesday, July 14
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Latin Dance Class with Braulio
Todayâs class focuses on Salsa Cubana and Rueda de Casino, led by Braulio from El Club de Baile.
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Open Dance floor
Tuesday, July 21
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Latin Dance Class with Los Encanto
Todayâs class focuses on salsa and Latin fusion styles, led by the founders of Los Encanto Kingston Latin Dance.
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Open Dance floor
Tuesday, July 28
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Latin Dance Class with DANSANI
Todayâs class focuses on a mix of salsa and Latin partner dances, led by the founder of DANSANI Dance Company.
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Open Dance floor
Tuesday, August 4
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Latin Dance Class with Braulio
Todayâs class focuses on Salsa Cubana and Rueda de Casino, led by Braulio from El Club de Baile.
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Open Dance floor
Tuesday, August 11
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Latin Dance Class with Alee
Todayâs class focuses on Cuban salsa, led by returning instructor Ali Zaydan.
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Open Dance floor
Tuesday, August 18
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Latin Dance Class with Los Encanto
Todayâs class focuses on salsa and Latin fusion styles, led by the founders of Los Encanto Kingston Latin Dance.
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Open Dance floor
Tuesday, August 25
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Latin Dance Class with DANSANI
Todayâs class focuses on a mix of salsa and Latin partner dances, led by the founder of DANSANI Dance Company.
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Open Dance floor
Experience the exhilarating rhythms of salsa!
Meet the instructors
Terra Marie, Tamara Centis and Ksenia Reidman
Founders of Los Encanto Kingston Latin Dance, a team that started as a ladies dancing team united by a passion for Latin dance and community enrichment. Their motto, âInspire, Train, Transform,â reflects their mission: each dance step is a chance for personal growth and emotional connection. Today they offer a diverse array of classes and choreography projects that are designed not just for performance and competition, but as gateways to joy, self- confidence, and a deep sense of belonging.
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 â not as an individual but collectively as a community, in the true spirit of Ubuntu.
Ali Zaydan
With over 12 years of experience dancing and teaching Cuban Salsa, I have shared my passion for Latin dance in Lebanon, the UAE, Switzerland, France, and now Kingston. After teaching with QSalsa and Pedal Works Café, I co-founded Kingston Grooves to make salsa more accessible through affordable community classes. A returning instructor and performer at Salsa in the Square, I love creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, learn, and enjoy the joy of dancing together.
Braulio Antonio
After being part of QSalsa at Queenâs University, Braulio founded El Club de Baile, a project dedicated to sharing and teaching Salsa Cubana and Rueda de Casino. Building on his experience within the Queenâs dance community, he now focuses on creating fun, inclusive spaces where people of all levels can learn, connect, and enjoy Cuban salsa culture.
Produced by
Downtown Kingston BIA, representing +700 Downtown property and business owners.