Queer Latin Dance is building community through dance. Lead, Follow, Switch, and Celebrate!
See Upcoming Events
Queer Latin Dance is building community through dance. Lead, Follow, Switch, and Celebrate!
See Upcoming Events
Salsa is an energetic partner dance with Afro-Caribbean roots, particularly from Cuba and Puerto Rico. It features quick footwork, spins, and dynamic partnering. Salsa is danced to upbeat Latin music and offers endless opportunities for creativity, improvisation, and joyful expression.
Salsa On1 and On2 refer to the timing and style of salsa dancing. On1, also known as "LA style," breaks on the first beat of the music, while On2, or "New York style," breaks on the second beat. The choice between On1 and On2 often comes down to personal preference and the specific dance community.
Bachata is a romantic dance and music style that originated in the Dominican Republic. It features sensual hip movements, close partner connection, and smooth footwork patterns. The music is typically slower than salsa, making it accessible for beginners while offering rich opportunities for expression.
Learning Salsa or Bachata is a journey unique to each person. Most people can start enjoying social dancing after just a few classes, especially with regular practice. With consistent attendance (once a week), you’ll feel comfortable with the basics in 1–3 months. Becoming truly confident and expressive can take 6–12 months or more—remember, the most important part is to have fun and enjoy the process!
Queer Salsa at the Park is an outdoor dance event that fosters a sense of community and inclusivity. Participants of all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome to join, learn, and celebrate Latin dance in a supportive environment. The event features a basic salsa/bachata lesson & social dancing.
We want you to feel comfortable with your decision to join our community. If you're not satisfied with your first class, please speak with Michelle and we'll work together to find a solution that works for you. Our goal is to ensure everyone feels supported in their dance journey.
Queer Latin Dance SD is a community-centered space for queer folks to connect, learn, and celebrate Latin dance and its rich cultural roots. We are committed to degendering dance by empowering everyone to lead, follow, or switch, regardless of gender. Our monthly donation based socials welcome all levels, no partner or experience needed. Inspired by other queer Latin dance communities, Michelle founded QLDSD with a vision for a growing community where members can build connections within themselves and with each other through dance.
Salsa is more than a dance: it's a living, breathing celebration of Afro-Latino culture, resilience, and joy. Its roots stretch across the Caribbean, blending rhythms and movements from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the vibrant immigrant communities of New York City.
Salsa's foundation lies in Cuban son, rumba, mambo, and cha-cha-cha, mixed with Puerto Rican bomba and plena. In the 1960s and 70s, New York became a melting pot where these styles fused with jazz, soul, and other influences, giving birth to the salsa we know today.
The heartbeat of salsa is Afro-Latino. African rhythms, percussion, and call-and-response vocals are at its core, reflecting the deep influence of the African diaspora in the Caribbean.
No salsa history is complete without Celia Cruz, the legendary Cuban singer known as the "Queen of Salsa." Her powerful voice, infectious energy, and iconic shout—¡Azúcar!—made her a global ambassador for salsa and Afro-Cuban music.
Cruz's music transcended borders, bringing the rhythms of Cuba to audiences worldwide. Her collaborations with artists like Tito Puente and Willie Colón helped popularize salsa in the 20th century.
Cruz's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and dancers, reminding us of the power of music to unite and uplift.
Salsa music is a rich tapestry of rhythms and instruments. The clave, a two-note pattern, is the backbone of salsa's rhythm, guiding dancers and musicians alike. Brass sections, piano montunos, and bass lines create a vibrant soundscape that invites movement.
The conga drum is essential to salsa's rhythm, driving the music with its deep, resonant tones. Alongside timbales, bongos, and cowbell, the conga brings the pulse of Africa to every salsa song.
Salsa is a dance of improvisation, where dancers express themselves through movement, rhythm, and connection. It's a dance that transcends language, culture, and identity, inviting everyone to join in the celebration.
Today, salsa is a global phenomenon, connecting people of all backgrounds and identities. Its spirit of community, improvisation, and joy lives on in dance floors around the world!