Below is a recommended list of places that I can personally vouch for as legit New York Style Salsa instruction also known as On2. This is the style of salsa native to NYC. Each of these instructors/schools I have personally investigated and confirmed that they do provide proper On2 salsa training.
Finding a place to learn to dance does require a bit of research and time. If your new to the dance scene, be a smart consumer and try a couple of different dance schools first before devoting yourself to one.
MANHATTAN
Silvio Neris
Pearl Studios 519 8th Ave, 12th fl.
Silvio is one of the best social dancers on the scene and a extremely patient instructor. This is a great place to start and learn your basics. Silvio offers progressive beginner cycle classes with a small class size. Ideal for new dancers.
Joel Salsa
Pearl Studios 500 8th Ave, 4th fl.
(718) 824-9425
Joel’s motto is learn to dance with feeling. A great place to start if you are a beginner. They offer friendly progressive classes at an affordable price. They have a very comprehensive program that covers all areas of the Salsa from footwork to partnerwork and Maria also teaches ladies styling.
BeSalsa
Pearl Studios 500 8th Ave, 12th fl.
(917) 294-4375
Kevin is a classically trained dancer. His spinning classes are affordable and extremely helpful for those looking to learn or improve their spinning technique. He also offers classes for beginners
Lorenz Latin Dance Studio
Multiple Locations
65-52 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385
(718) 418-5484
105-02 Northern Blvd, Corona, NY 11368
(718) 779-5969
1232 Castle Hill Ave, Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 892-6105
2153 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10029
(646) 590-3642
Lorenz is a chain with four studios around the New York City area. The beginner level does get crowded but their classes are taught in a progressive manner. All four studios follow the exact same curriculum and there are benefits to having that kind of scale for example; They have their own weekly social where you can practice your steps with other fellow students. It’s also one of the few On2 salsa studios with a children’s program.
Eddie Torres
The Ball NY – 131 West 35th street 5th fl.
(718) 319 – 9317
Considered by many as the Father of New York Style On2. Learn the classic steps of salsa from the man who created them. Eddie Torres does not have a absolute beginner level. You must know the basics before taking his advanced beginner class and his intermediate class is actually borderline advanced.
Frankie Martinez
You Should be Dancing Studios – 412 8th Ave, 4th floor, Midtown
(212) 244-0011
Frank Martinez coined the term Afro Latin Funk for his unique style. Known for his signature body movement and isolations. This is more recommended towards intermediate and advanced dancers who are trying to add more flavor to their dancing.
OUTER BOROUGHS
Yamulee
2435 Grand Concourse, Bronx
(718) 292-9768
Learn Performance style salsa from one of the most respected performance teams, complex footwork and patterns. This is the most established studio in the area for those who love in the Bronx. Yamulee is also known for it’s ladies styling. Recommended for intermediate to advanced dancers who want to perform and are in the Bronx
Huracan Studio
97-16 Northern Blvd. 3rd Fl, Carona Queens
(347) 617-1822
Learn Performance style salsa from a innovative dance company. Convenient for those who live in Queens. Recommended for intermediate to advanced dancers who want to perform and are in Queens.
Nieves Latin Dance Studio
670 Grand St. Williamsburg, NY 11211
(347) 721-3178
Cycle based classes that take their time to teach beginners the fundamentals. A great place to learn the basics if your in Brooklyn. They also have student performance teams that you can sign up for if you’re interested in performing. Nieves is one the few studios with a great children’s salsa program. Good for new dancers and beyond!