LA Salsa Dance Classes In Ottawa
LA Salsa On-1
LA Salsa dance classes at DQ Ballroom & Fitness Ottawa teach LA-style on-1 salsa, with a linear lead-and-follow structure and the most globally-recognised salsa timing. Beginner and intermediate group classes run with no partner required, and graduates take the dance straight to our Friday Night Party.
LA Salsa Dance Classes For Beginners
Break On One
Beginner LA Salsa teaches the basic step on-1, the side basic, the right turn, the left turn, the cross-body lead, and the basic styling. The on-1 timing is the trickiest part for new dancers, so we drill it carefully before adding figures.
- checkBasic step on-1
- checkRight turn and left turn
- checkCross-body lead
- checkBasic shines and styling
LA Salsa Classes For Intermediate Dancers
Add The Variations
Intermediate LA Salsa expands to the Cross-Body Lead with Inside Turn, the Hammerlock, the Copa, the Sombrero, and footwork patterns ("shines") for moments between figures. We work on improvisational ability, lead-follow connection at speed, social-floor navigation, and the styling that makes social salsa look effortless.
- checkCross-Body Lead with Inside Turn
- checkHammerlock and Copa
- checkSombrero and other open-position figures
- checkShines, improvisation, and floor navigation
Your First Class
A quick look at how a class actually flows from start to finish.
- 015 min early
Arrive and sign in
Sign in at reception, change shoes, and meet your instructor.
- 02~5 min
Warm-up
A short warm-up to set posture and alignment. The figures we build later all sit on top of this.
- 03~30 min
Learn the figures
Your instructor breaks down each step in small pieces, demonstrates with a partner, then walks you through it slowly with the music.
- 04~15 min
Dance with the room
Run through the figures with partner rotation, so you can practice all you've learned.
Find Your Spot In A LA Salsa Class
LA Salsa is the salsa style that travels around the world. Whether it's your first dance or you're adding to an existing repertoire, you'll be dancing to real music by the end of the first class. Browse the schedule and pick an LA Salsa class that fits your week.
LA Salsa is taught at DQ Ballroom & Fitness. If LA Salsa catches your interest, you might also enjoy Salsa Rueda or Bachata. You can also browse all of our dance classes to see the full lineup.
Real Reviews From Real Dancers
Pulled from our Google profile.
50+ Google reviews
“The best dance studio in Ottawa. It has a huge dance floor, perfect for International Ballroom. They offer classes for all ages, all levels and various styles, with world-class instructors.”
Karen Lo
a year ago
“Melanie helped us create the perfect choreo for our wedding dance. She was amazing, always nice and patient, extremely professional and experienced. She made us feel comfortable and we made a lot of progress.”
Rebecca Scano
10 months ago
“Melanie & Lionel are excellent instructors, very knowledgeable and fun to work with. The studio has a beautiful dance floor, one of the most spacious in Ottawa. The Friday dance parties and special events are my favourite, not to be missed!”
Mirka Strmiskova
a year ago
“I am very satisfied to dance at DQ where I have learned to dance with precision, style and control. Instructors are highly skilled, teach with a sense of humour, and adapt to your learning objectives.”
Yvan Beaulieu
a year ago
“A welcoming dance studio for all ages and dance experience. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient. Lots of styles to choose from on the schedule and the prices are fair. Having a really nice time in the group classes as well as the social dances.”
Catherine H
a year ago
“If you're looking for a dance studio in Ottawa, whether you have zero experience or you're a seasoned dancer, this is your sign to stop looking and try DQ Ballroom & Fitness.”
Clara Miller
a year ago
Common Questions
The questions we hear most from new students.
What does "on-1" mean in salsa?expand_more
It means the lead breaks (the longest step of the basic) on count 1 of the bar. The "on-2" timing breaks on count 2 and is more common in New York. LA-style is on-1, which is the most globally-recognised salsa timing.
Will I be able to dance at salsa clubs after a few classes?expand_more
Yes. By the end of the beginner LA Salsa series most students can hold a social salsa using basic, cross-body lead, and the right and left turns. Our Friday Night Party is a low-pressure place to try it before going to a club.
How does LA Salsa differ from Cuban Salsa or Salsa Rueda?expand_more
LA Salsa is linear (couples travel along a slot) and on-1. Cuban Salsa is circular and danced in a more rotational style, often as Salsa Rueda where multiple couples form a circle and rotate partners on cue. We teach LA Salsa and Salsa Rueda as separate classes.
Do I need salsa shoes for the first class?expand_more
No. Comfortable shoes with smooth soles are fine for your first class. Once you commit to a series, suede-soled Latin shoes (we can recommend a local supplier) make a real difference for spins and footwork.
Stay In The Loop
Join The DQ Newsletter
Class openings, social party announcements, and the occasional welcome offer for new students.
Sign Up For A LA Salsa Class
Browse the schedule, pick a class that fits your week, and reserve your spot.