Latin Dance Classes in Nelson
Learn Cuban salsa, bachata, Rueda, rhythm, connection and confidence in a friendly local group. No partner needed. Beginners welcome.
Cuban Salsa & Rueda
Come and dance Rueda de Casino, a joyful Cuban salsa danced in a circle, where couples move together, change partners, and follow fun calls from the leader.
This is an 8-week open-level class, starting 20 July at CherCher. We will review figures from previous classes and then focus on some classic Rueda moves, including Setentas, Enchuflas, and Sombreros.
Beginners are very welcome, especially if you are happy to jump in, follow along, and learn by doing. You do not need a partner. Rueda is social, playful and supportive — everyone dances with different people, and mistakes are part of the fun.
Good for you if
- You have done a little salsa, bachata, Rueda or partner dancing before
- You are new but comfortable learning in a moving group
- You enjoy social dancing and do not mind changing partners
- You want to build confidence, rhythm, connection and Cuban salsa vocabulary
What we'll cover
- A short warm-up and rhythm practice
- Review of previous Rueda figures
- Setentas, Enchuflas and Sombreros
- Partner changes, timing and circle flow
- Plenty of dancing, laughter and practice
Start date: 20 July
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Length: 8 weeks
Venue: CherCher, 17 Parere Street, Nelson
Cost: $140 for the full 8-week block
Casual class: $25 per individual class
Partner needed: No
Rueda de Bachata
Come and dance Rueda de Bachata, a fun and social way to dance bachata in a circle, where couples move together, change partners, and follow playful calls from the leader.
This is an 8-week open-level class, starting 20 July at CherCher, straight after the Cuban Salsa Rueda class. We will review figures from previous classes and then add new figures, focusing on connection, timing, simple turns, partner changes and smooth circle flow.
Beginners are very welcome. You do not need a partner. Rueda de Bachata is social, relaxed and supportive — everyone dances with different people, and mistakes are part of the fun.
Good for you if
- You have done a little bachata, salsa, Rueda or partner dancing before
- You are new but comfortable learning in a moving group
- You enjoy social dancing and do not mind changing partners
- You want to build confidence, rhythm and connection
What we'll cover
- A short warm-up and bachata rhythm practice
- Basic bachata steps, timing and body movement
- Review of Rueda de Bachata figures from previous classes
- New Rueda de Bachata figures and combinations
- Simple turns and partnerwork combinations
- Partner changes and rueda-style calls
- Circle flow, connection and musicality
- Plenty of dancing, laughter and practice
Start date: 20 July
Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Length: 8 weeks
Venue: CherCher, 17 Parere Street, Nelson
Cost: $140 for the full 8-week block
Casual class: $25 per individual class
Partner needed: No
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a partner?
No. You can come on your own. Rueda is a social group dance where people change partners, so you do not need to bring someone with you.
Q: Are beginners welcome?
Yes. Beginners are welcome, especially if you are happy to jump in, follow along and learn by doing. The classes are open-level, which means we explain the moves clearly, but the class keeps moving so the whole group can dance together.
Q: What if I have never danced before?
You are welcome to come and have a go. If this is your very first dance class, expect to feel a little lost at times. That is normal. We keep the atmosphere friendly and supportive, and mistakes are part of the fun.
Q: What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that let you move easily. You do not need special dance clothes. Just wear something you feel good moving in.
Q: What shoes should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes that stay on your feet and let you turn. Shoes that are too grippy can make turning harder, so avoid heavy running shoes with strong grip if possible. Flat shoes, casual shoes, or dance shoes are all fine as long as you can move safely.
Q: What should I bring?
Bring: Water, comfortable clothes, shoes you can turn in, and a willingness to have a go.
Q: Can I come casually?
Yes. Casual classes are $25 per individual class. If you can, it is best to come for the full 8-week block because the classes build over time.
Q: How much is the full course?
The full 8-week block is $140. Payment is by bank transfer after registration.
Q: Can I do both classes?
Yes. The classes are back-to-back, so you can do Cuban Salsa Rueda first and then stay for Rueda de Bachata.
Q: What happens if I miss a class?
That is okay. Just come back the following week and join in again. The course builds over time, so regular attendance helps, but missing one class does not mean you cannot continue.
Q: Is the class physically hard?
The classes involve movement, turning and partner changes, but they are not fitness bootcamps. You can take care of your own pace, have a break when needed, and rejoin when you are ready.
Q: Is it okay if I feel nervous?
Yes. Many people feel nervous before their first class. You can come a little early, say hello, and settle in. The class is friendly, social and supportive.
Q: Do I have to dance with different people?
In Rueda, partner changes are part of the dance. That is what makes it social and fun. If you are new, we will help you understand how it works.
Q: Is this for singles or couples?
Both. You can come on your own, with a friend, or with a partner. Everyone is welcome.
Q: What age group are the classes for?
The classes are mainly for adults. People of different ages and backgrounds are welcome.
Q: Do I need to book before coming?
For the full 8-week course, please register through the website. For casual attendance, it is still helpful to register or send a quick message first, especially if it is your first time.
Q: Where are the classes held?
Classes are held at: CherCher, 17 Parere Street, Nelson.
Q: How do I register?
Go to the Register page, fill in the form, then pay by bank transfer. Your place is confirmed once payment has been received.
Q: What if I am not sure which class is right for me?
Send us a message and we can help. If you like energetic Cuban salsa and group movement, try Cuban Salsa Rueda. If you prefer bachata music, connection and smoother flow, try Rueda de Bachata. You can also do both.