Business Details
13 Years
experience
Premier Latin Dance School in London for Salsa, Bachata & More
Established in 2013, Caramelo Latin Dance has cultivated a vibrant community for Latin dance enthusiasts across London. Our mission is to share the transformative power of dance through structured, progressive learning in a welcoming environment. With two central London venues at St Marylebone School and Paddington Academy, we offer Salsa, Bachata, NY Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Kizomba, and styling classes tailored to all skill levels. Our 4-week courses build technical proficiency week-by-week, while 1-day intensives provide accelerated learning for beginners.Over 12,000 students have benefited from our experienced instructors' expertise, with 10,000+ teaching hours delivered and 100+ social events hosted annually. We emphasize proper technique, musicality, and social connection, creating a supportive space where students develop confidence, coordination, and lasting friendships. Our performance teams and Friday night socials extend learning beyond the classroom, fostering a family-like community that values diversity and artistic expression.
Services
Salsa Classes
Bachata Classes
Cha Cha Cha
NY Mambo
Kizomba Classes
Styling Classes
Performance Courses
Private Dance Classes
1-Day Intensive Courses
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer 11+ years of dedicated Latin dance instruction with 10,000+ annual teaching hours
- Our structured 4-week courses build technical proficiency week-by-week
- Experienced instructors emphasize proper technique and musicality
- Two central London venues with professional dance facilities
- 100+ annual social events fostering community connections
What people say
Skilled instructors
Welcoming atmosphere
Structured progression
Build confidence
Great social environment
Services
Salsa Classes
Our Salsa classes teach authentic Cuban and New York styles through progressive 4-week courses. Beginners master basic steps and turn patterns before advancing to complex combinations. Instructors focus on timing, partner connection, and musicality. Classes incorporate both solo and partnered dancing to develop versatility for social settings.
Bachata Classes
Learn traditional Dominican Bachata alongside modern interpretations in our structured courses. Curriculum covers basic footwork, body waves, and partner styling. Classes emphasize musical interpretation and close partner connection. Progress from fundamental movements to intricate patterns suitable for social dancing.
1-Day Intensive Courses
Fast-track your dance education with 4-hour intensive workshops covering beginner Salsa or Bachata fundamentals. These Saturday sessions condense 4-week course content into one day through focused instruction. Ideal for busy professionals or those wanting rapid skill acquisition before social events.
Performance Courses
Develop advanced performance skills through choreographed routines in our intermediate/advanced courses. Focus on stage presence, precision, and artistic expression. Participants learn complete choreographies for public performances, building confidence and technical mastery through weekly rehearsals.
Private Dance Classes
Customized one-on-one instruction tailored to individual goals and learning pace. Sessions address specific technical challenges, prepare for performances, or develop personal style. Private tuition complements group courses by providing focused attention for accelerated progress.
People
Shaan
Lead Instructor
Award-winning Latin dance instructor with 15+ years experience specialising in Salsa and Bachata. Known for engaging teaching style and ability to make complex techniques accessible to beginners.
Dorian
Senior Instructor
Professional dancer and choreographer with expertise in NY Mambo and advanced styling techniques. Brings international competition experience to classroom instruction.
Ovgu
Instructor
Specialises in Kizomba and sensual dance styles, focusing on connection and musical interpretation. Creates welcoming environment for students of all experience levels.
Yulia
Instructor
Experienced teacher of Cha Cha Cha and Latin footwork fundamentals. Known for patient approach and attention to technical detail in beginner instruction.
Katie
Instructor
Specialises in women's styling techniques and solo performance skills. Helps students develop personal expression while maintaining technical precision.
Questions
What Latin dance styles do you teach?
We offer Salsa, Bachata, NY Mambo (On2), Cha Cha Cha, Kizomba, and styling classes at beginner to advanced levels.
Do I need a dance partner?
No partner required – we rotate partners during classes to ensure everyone practices with different dancers and develops versatile skills.
What should I wear to classes?
Comfortable clothing that allows movement. We recommend Latin dance shoes for proper support and floor connection, though trainers are acceptable for beginners.
Are there social dance events?
Yes! We host monthly Friday night socials with wooden dance floors and professional DJs, plus special events featuring international instructors.
Can I try a single class before committing?
Our structured courses require full 4-week commitment, but we offer 1-day intensive workshops for those wanting to sample instruction before enrolling.
How do I progress between levels?
Instructors provide feedback at course end to recommend next steps. Our progressive curriculum allows natural advancement from beginner to improver levels.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Divna Gakovic
Nov 19, 2021
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I cannot tell you what an uplifting experience this was. Shaan is an incredible teacher. His passion for this dance and talent as a teacher is what carries and develops you. Everyone in the group was a beginner and, by the end, we were ready to go dancing at a salsa club. Thank you for such an amazing experience; I will definitely be going again!
John Paul Zampetti
Oct 15, 2021
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I did the 1-Day Intensive Bachata Beginners Course and absolutely loved it! Our instructor, Ovgu, was super friendly and welcoming, and we really crammed a lot into the day! For me, it was the perfect balance of fun and challenging :)
If you're looking for a crash course to get you comfortable with Bachata basics by the end of the day, then I can't recommend this course highly enough :)))
Thanks again Ovgu & Caramelo Dance!!
If you're looking for a crash course to get you comfortable with Bachata basics by the end of the day, then I can't recommend this course highly enough :)))
Thanks again Ovgu & Caramelo Dance!!
Kay M.
Oct 15, 2021
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This past month, Ive had a great time attending both the salsa and bachata beginner classes - with my friend who suggested it. Shaan is a great instructor and breaks down the basic steps really well. Shaan and Teresa also showed us amazing partner work! No matter if you pick up the steps fast or slow everyone is encouraged equally. Practice , practice , practice is key. This is a great environment to learn Latin dances and meet some new people!
Katerina Papagavriel
Oct 13, 2021
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I attended the 1-Day Intensive Salsa Beginners Course in the beginning of October and it was great! Shaan was an excellent instructor and explained everything in detail. The day went by really quickly and the things we covered didn't feel too overwhelming. Would definitely recommend!
Ricardo
Sep 27, 2021
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We started with the intensive Sunday Bachata course and found it very well structured by the instructor Mr Shaan, his experience, personality and good humor helped us relax to enjoy the lesson in company of charming course mates. We liked it so much that we joined the 4 weeks course to improve further. The reception staff are extremely charming and helpful. All in all a lovely experience.
Elvira & Ricardo
Elvira & Ricardo
Stumps Cranks
Sep 14, 2021
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Great location and fabulous instructor. Made the class instruction so enjoyable. Couldn't believe it when it was time to head off home - the day just whizzed by so quickly. Thoroughly recommended for absolute beginners. Thanks Shaan and Carmelo. Really enjoyed!
