Austin, Texas, USA

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[edit] Community

Check Salsa Nirvana Austin often for what's up on the Austin Salsa scene. These sites also offer great information:

  • 2009 Events in calendar format - Check the Salsa Nirvana Austin Google Calendar for frequent updates. Click the link already. Tabs at the top right of that page allow you to change the view.
  • Austin SalsaWeb City Guide - Find independent salsa instructors, bands, DJs, events, links of interest and much more. [Instructors, bands, and DJs, to add your contact info. to this excellent resource, please contact Mitch at the top of that page.]
  • Austin Latino Music Assn - ALMA - Celebrating Latino Music in Austin - click the calendar link for a public calendar (you can post to it).

To connect with the online community, join any of these groups, or the Yahoo groups below:

  • Austin Salsa Dance Meetup, 760 members. (Calendar can also be viewed without joining.)
  • Facebook Austin Salsa Dance group, 250 members.
  • MySpace Salsa Nirvana Austin group, 56 members.
  • Yahoo Groups - Browse posts, or post your own question or message. To post, first setup a login or login with your Yahoo ID and then become a member of the group:
    • AustinSalsa.com - This moderated group has public archives (don't have to be a member to view). Individuals and businesses regularly post information about upcoming events in Austin and surrounding areas. 957 members.
    • SalsaNewsAustin.com - Become a member to access/post info related to salsa dancing in the Austin Metropolitan Area. 490 members.
    • StreetSalsa - This group's owner promotes StreetSalsa's Cuban Casino / Rueda Style Salsa events and classes. 496 members.
    • Austin's LGBT Salsa Group welcomes everyone Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Gay-friendly. Posts should be directed specifically toward this community rather than the salsa community at large. Volunteers are sought to help get this group active. Visit also: Austin OUT Dancing. 81 members.

Austin's live bands, DJs, clubs, studios, and instructors appreciate your support! Visit the websites of the yahoo groups, clubs, studios, and bands for posted regular events, including free or $5 salsa classes offered at many clubs and live music venues before the music starts. Both regular and special events are summarized below, but should be confirmed on the links provided. Bailamos!

[edit] Austin Salsa Map

Click a marker on the map for information about the venue. To keep this page open, open links in a new window.

[edit] Salsa Nirvana News

  • El Sol y La Luna Restaurant - In it's new location on 6th street, this restaurant has live groups we like to dance to, such as Ritmo3, and other groups we may still be getting to know such as Salero and Nelson Saga. Check the calendar on their site. The venue has great potential as a hot salsa spot. Come check it out - NE corner of 6th and Red River. 600 E 6th 78701. phone: 444.7770
  • Now up and running, a calendar companion to Salsa Nirvana Austin:
    • Salsa Nirvana Austin Google Calendar Sweet! Contact Fawn to be added as a contributer. legg787 AT hotmail.
    • Local Austin Salseros services page. Post your services on a Salsa Nirvana subpage coming soon if you are a local salsero.
  • We now have the image upload capability. To find out how to embed images into this page, please read the HELP PAGE
  • Salsa Nirvana now has a much improved capability to add Google maps. For details check out the Map Extension page, or look at the sample map. Please read Max's blog to stay up to date with Salsa Nirvana and other salsa web projects of his.

[edit] Bands that regularly perform live

[As with all postings on Salsa Nirvana Austin, confirming events on the websites provided is recommended.]

  • The Brew is a latin jazz band with a loyal salsa following. Check their regularly updated Shows page for upcoming gigs. FREE beginner lessons. Always verify on Brew calendar:
  • Cienfuegos has a very nice website with an up-to-date calendar:
    • Wed. at Ruta Maya (see Clubs section below). $5 cover.
    • Thurs. 8-11pm at Baby A's - IH-35 & 290. No cover.
  • Visit Ritmo3 MySpace for show info. Son Cubano, timba, cubmia, salsa, cha cha...
    • 2nd and 4th Sundays at Ruta Maya (see Clubs section below). $5 cover.
  • Visit Salero! for show info. The hottest Salsa/Pop/Tropical music band in Austin! Featuring Jose Luis, former lead singer of the Brew. Check Salero's calendar.
  • Son 5 - Traditional Cuban music. Great show, some space to dance. For show info, visit the MySpace page.
    • Wed. and some Sat. nights, 7-10pm at Baby A's - 9505-B Stonelake Blvd. Austin, Tx 78759.
  • Visit El Tule Myspace for show info. El Tule plays original Cha Cha, Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue, Afro-cuban. Salsa Candela and other Salsa dancers regularly attend enjoy the variety of Latin dance music.
  • Other bands:
    • Cuban Style:
      • Buscando El Monte - info needs update
      • Proyecto Saoko - Guaguanco, Rumba, and more.
    • Puerto Rican Style: Juan Carlos y su Grupo Soncache (Killeen)

[edit] Clubs with weekly salsa nights

  • Fridays, 10pm-2am, Cielo Nightclub. DJ Baby G spins Latin music - Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Cumbia, Bachata, and little Hip Hop y Pop Espanol for a mostly younger crowd. JD also plays dancers' requests. Ladies FREE, $2 drinks specials - Live broadcast 92.5 FM. 416 Congress, 78701 flyer
  • Copa, (view on the map), the best asset to the Austin salsa community, has a Flash-based website with a calendar. Check also Copa's MySpace. Thurs-Sat 8:30 Salsa lessons. Thurs the Brew plays 9:30. Most Fridays and Saturdays they have salsa DJs upstairs and Urban Latin down. Cover is usually $8 or less. $5 group lessons at 8:30. The better dancers seem to prefer Friday. Saturday is busy too. Beautiful, spacious, new wooden floor downstairs. A typical message that Copa posts weekly to the AustinSalsa Yahoo group feature not only salsa and other latin rythms, but also exciting world music opportunities.
  • Go Dance offers various salsa dancing and learning opportunities throughout the month including Déjà vu Sunday, a variety social dance. $5 all night.
    • FREE Mini Lessons throughout the evening:
      • 6-6:30pm Beginner and Intermediate Country (2 rooms)
      • 9-9:30pm Beginner and Intermediate Salsa (2 rooms)
    • Social Dance:
      • 6-8pm Country Western (including Two-Step, Triple-Two, Swing, Polka, Nightclub, Cha Cha, and Waltz)
      • 8-9:30pm West Coast Swing
      • 9:30pm-12:30am sizzling Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, & Cha Cha!
  • The Oasis. Sundays in summer for 11 years, the Brew has played a FREE all ages show, 7-10pm, with a FREE lesson with DANCE U2. On the 3rd floor of the lovely Starlight Terrace. Large, indoor dance floor! Incredibly beautiful space, open to the fresh air and uncomparable Lake Travis sunset view facing the outdoor terrace. About a 30-40 min. drive from downtown Austin.
  • El Rincon in Pflugerville. Salero, the hottest Salsa/Pop/Tropical music band in Austin, plays Sundays 7-10. 8:30-9:00, FREE beginner lesson. Diners and band appreciate dancers. Restaurant: 990-0250.
  • The Roux, A new salsa venue downstairs from the Parish. The Roux plays Live. 10-11pm Join Sidney for a FREE salsa lesson. A great place for food with lots of space to dance, eat, and drink. Check out appetizer and drink specials. 214 East 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701 - Not sure if this is still happening...
  • Ruta Maya, a very Austin coffee house, has a concrete floor. Free parking. Open to all ages. Friendly to alternative life styles.
    • Wednesday Cienfuegos plays 9-11pm. $5 cover. 7:30-8:30 FREE Cuban Casino / Rueda style class with StreetSalsa's Esther.
    • Sunday classes with StreetSalsa's Sandra - 3 levels from 2-5 pm. Arrive early, after 2, you cannot join the first class. 2-3 beginner, 3-4 intermediate, 4-5 advanced. Please try to arrive 15 minutes before class to check in. New students $5/class; repeat students $7/class; 5 class Express card $20 with a Ruta Maya food/beverage purchase (receipt). Beginning January 2009, Ritmo 3 plays 2nd and 4th Sundays from 7-10pm. Fun show, lots of dancers and Cuban-style dancers.
  • El Sol y La Luna Restaurant - In it's new location on 6th street, this restaurant has live groups we like to dance to, such as Ritmo3, and other groups we may still be getting to know such as Salero and Nelson Saga. Check the calendar on their site. The venue is great as a hot salsa spot. Come check it out - NE corner of 6th and Red River. 600 E 6th 78701. phone: 444.7770
  • Speakeasy - The Brew plays most Tuesday's and occasional weekends. Sometimes Ritmo3 plays. Hardcore salsa crowd Tuesday. On weekends, for a regular party crowd with few trained dancers, the Brew alters their music accordingly by playing mostly Latin jazz and "standards" like Gypsy Kings and Carlos Santana. Spotty service, crowded, small wooden dance floor. Main entrance moved to street.

[edit] Events Google Calendar

Volunteer(s) needed to help post information to the Salsa Community Calendar. If you'd like to contribute to the community in this way, contact Fawn: legg787 AT hotmail DOT com

2009 Events in calendar format - Check the Salsa Nirvana Austin Google Calendar for frequent updates. Many more regular and special events are listed on the google calendar with event details. Click the link already. Tabs at the top right of that page allow you to change the view. Contact Fawn for permissions to add events to the Google Calendar or to add event details there: legg787 AT hotmail DOT com.

Keep your finger on the pulse of Austin salsa. The yahoo groups, club, studio, and band sections/websites above and below this section post lots MORE REGULAR EVENTS HAPPENING IN AUSTIN in addition to the events listed here. Share an event - YOU can contribute to this page for FREE, just log in.

[edit] Infrequent or Special Events

Mark your calendar

  • El Sol y La Luna Restaurant - In it's new location on 6th street, this restaurant has live groups we like to dance to, such as Ritmo3 Cienfuegos, and Salero. Check the calendar on their site. The venue is great as a salsa hotspot. Come check it out - NE corner of 6th and Red River. 600 E 6th 78701. phone: 444.7770
  • Each 2nd and 4th Sunday. Ritmo 3 live from 7-10pm. Fun show, lots of salsa dancers and Cuban-style dancers. Ruta Maya has free parking and is open to all ages. Friendly to alternative life styles. Sunday classes with StreetSalsa's Sandra - 3 levels from 2-5 pm. Arrive early, after 2, you cannot join the first class. 2-3 beginner, 3-4 intermediate, 4-5 advanced. Please try to arrive 15 minutes before class to check in. New students $5/class; repeat students $7/class; 5 class Express card $20 with a Ruta Maya food/beverage purchase (receipt).
  • 10/22 - 10/25, 2009. Capitol City Salsa Fest. Join us and be part of history in the making of a strong Salsa Scene in Austin. Whether you come to take classes, social network, or just have a good time, DANCE YOUR HEART OUT! Event site

Monthly or less often

  • 6/4, each First Thursday Pura Salsa Social & On2 Lesson @ MACC - Mexican American Cultural Center 600 River St, 78701. Marion of Salsa y Bembe and DJ Fabian organize a GREAT First Thursday Monthly Salsa Social in the gorgeous Mexican American Cultural Center. Come on out and enjoy this great place! Show some support and enjoy this great space!
    • 6pm-7pm - $10 - Marion teaches a fun beginning On2 Salsa class. (Class is taught 1st and 3rd Thursdays.) Register for 1 month's classes for $20 and attend the social free. (Marion teaches here twice per month: 1st and 3rd Thursdays.)
    • 7:30ish-10pm - $5 - Join us for social dancing with DJ Fabian. This is a gorgeous large space with a professional sound system. A fine wood floor for dancing, and plenty of foyer space for socializing. Free and ample parking, water provided. Don't miss this special event!
    • Volunteers attend free and are needed to make this event happen. Thanks for your support! Contact Marion: marion AT salsa-bembe DOT com.
  • First Saturdays, 9pm-1am. Esquina Tango Noche de Salsa (gets going more around 10pm). Salsa Socials at Esquina are fun, relaxed and have plenty of great people & music to enjoy and dance all night! Noche de Salsa is open to all ages and levels of dancing. Just East of downtown at 209 Pedernales St. and 3rd St. 78702.
  • Fourth Saturdays, 7pm-1am. Austin Salsa Dance Meetup House Party! See link for details. Casita de Ritmo Potluck - 7pm Lesson; 8pm-? Salsa social/Potluck.

[edit] Studios, Dance Teams, and Classes

Let them know you found them here - say Fawn Legg on Salsa Nirvana referred you. Much appreciated!

  • Austin SalsaWeb City Guide - Find independent salsa instructors and much more. [Instructors, for inclusion, please contact Mitch at the top of that page.]
Azucena Perez
Azucena Perez

Many people in the salsa community attend:

  • Austin Uptown Dance North location offers Thursday night socials and classes On1 and On2 with several local and in-house salsa instructors including Roy Hernandez, Christian Villalobos, and David Cantu. 13 salsa (or salsa related) classes Monday through Friday; also ballroom, latin, swing, and country. New student discounts available.
  • Go Dance also offers new student discounts, private lessons and group classes for a variety of dance styles, including salsa (on1 and on2), cha cha, merengue and bachata. Located at the corner of Anderson and Burnet in the newly renovated section of Northcross Mall. In-house salsa instructors include Amanda Cardona of NY, David Abril, Sidney Joseph, and Taletha Jouzdani.

More places to attend salsa classes, including performance teams:

  • Austin Ballroom Dancers (ABD) is a social organization dedicated to ballroom dancing. They sponsor dances, classes, and workshops for people of all ages. Offering Classes: traditional Cuban Rumba, Mambo, Cha Cha as well as Ballroom Latin dances
  • Cepeda Library Salsa Class - 651N Pleasant Valley Rd.(corner w/7th St.) Saturdays from 2-4pm. Contact instructor Raul Ramirez - easysalsa AT yahoo DOT com.
  • Dance Institute of Austin - High-quality dance classes for beginner to professional dancers of ALL ages. Regular programs include Salsa, as well as Ballroom, Ballet, Latin, and social dancing. Also offering Latin Dance fitness-oriented classes. Near 620 and 2222 at 6612 Sitio Del Rio, 78730.
  • Diasporic Movement Afro-Caribbean Salsa & Movement gives students enhanced awareness of their bodies that enables greater movement and creativity. Learn elements of rumba and Cuban folkloric as well as contemporary Caribbean and Afro-Caribbean movements. Tuesdays 6:30pm-7:45pm, Carver Cultural Center-Drop-ins always welcome-1165 Angelina Street,Austin Texas / Starting October 9th / Thursdays 8:00pm-9:00pm & Saturdays 4:00pm-5:00pm, Lucila Dance Studio-1700 South Lamar Blvd #316, Austin Texas / Contact: derrickw@diasporicmovement.com
  • El Sol y La Luna Restaurant - In it's new location on 6th street, this restaurant has live groups we like to dance to, such as Ritmo3, and other groups we may still be getting to know such as Cienfuegos and Nelson Saga. Free Salsa lessons every saturday from 9 to 9:45pm. Salsa bands start at 10pm. Check the calendar on their site. The venue is great as a hot salsa spot. Come check it out - NE corner of 6th and Red River. 600 E 6th 78701. phone: 444.7770
  • Esquina Tango - Monica Caivano's tango studio offers salsa classes, salsa aerobics, and yoga - check calendar. East of downtown at 209 Pedernales St. and 3rd St. 78702.
  • Fuerza Latina Dance Company - Delilah Torrence, the director and choreographer, also teaches salsa classes and is available for privates.
  • Jazzy Dance Co's 4-time TX Salsa Champions and renowned independent instructors, Azucena Perez and Carlos Leon, teach On2 classes regularly, are available for privates (On1 or On2), and lead a performance team. They base their privates primarily at Go Dance studio. If you haven't tried it yet, the popularity of On2 Salsa dancing is growing in Texas and around the world.
  • Lonestar Dance in Pflugerville - Lorenzo Brizeno teaches affordable Monday salsa classes and is available for privates near the Arboretum. He is also the photographer and producer of the Texas Salsa Diva's calendar. Be inspired by getting to know the Diva of the month on his site Salsa with Style.
  • Mezcla Training and Performance Team with Lorenzo Brizeno. A great opportunity for UT students to learn salsa very inexpensively to an advanced level, perform, and have fun! Attendance and commitment required.
  • Salsa Austin - Authentic Latin master Alvaro Gomez teaches latin dance classes with Colombian flair and is available for privates.
  • Salsa Candela - A group of friends who love to perform together at parties, fundraisers and events. All the Latin dances get them moving: salsa, Cuban-style casino de rueda, cha cha, bachata, and merengue! Specializing in overviews of the various styles of dance and non-intimidating beginner-level lessons.
  • Willow Tree Dance Center "A Christian approach to dance." In Cedar Park. Latin Friday Nights Salsa series with Toni of Street Salsa.

[edit] Austin on YouTube

Notable Austin salsa dancers on YouTube:

Azucena and Carlos of Jazzy Dance Co Fuerza Latina
Christian Villalobos Sidney Joseph
Roy Hernandez 1 Roy Hernandez 2


More:

[edit] Of interest, not specifically salsa

  • Esquina Tango offers:
    • Salsa Aerobics Classes - Saturdays 10:30-11:30am with Stephanie. All levels. Ladies, move to the fun beat of Salsa Aerobics! Learn sexy footwork and flirty hips while you sweat. For any woman in need of a space to relax, have a good time, exercise, sweat, and learn about rhythm and coordination. Just walk in and try it out! $12 per class; $40 for 4 classes. Check or cash only.
    • Authentic Brazilian Samba Classes - Tuesdays 7:45-8:45pm Beginners and Saturdays 11:45-12:45pm with Rebekah Fowler. This class will cover the fundamentals of samba as it is danced in the Bahia and Rio regions of Brazil. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the basic samba step, developing proper technique, and learning a range of movements and footwork associated with each regional style. EsquinaTango is located at 209 Pedernales St. Call 512.524.2772 for more info or check website!
  • Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center is an active non-profit cultural center; one of four on the mainland US affiliated with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. Everyone is encouraged to visit, whether experiencing Puerto Rican culture for the first time, or interested in learning more about or sharing the Puerto Rican culture with others. PRFD promotes cultural awareness and pride through high-quality cultural and historical programs; and authentic traditional performance arts, including dance (Bomba, Plena, Seis, and Danza), and music. Puerto Rican Studies topics also include literature, food, arts, crafts, and more.
  • Dancer's Exercise Class with Sherry at Austin Uptown Dance weekdays at 12. Sherry also offers a highly recommended once monthly Fundamentals of Partner Dancing workshop on connection for all partner dances. Held 1st Sundays?
  • Ballet Austin Community class Ballet Fit classes, Sat 9-10 w/Greg Easley, combine the muscle sculpting and abdominal control gained in a regular ballet class with the fun and cardio workout of an aerobics class. Work, sweat, improve your health, but most importantly meet people and have fun.
  • Latin Aerobics Burn calories with Carmen Degollado to a combination of Salsa, Merengue, Regetton, Quebradita, Duranguenze, Bachata, Cumbia Colombiana y Cumbia Tejana, Tango, and Hip Hop. Very intense and fun class! First class is FREE. Begins Wed. Jan. 2. Mon. and Wed. 6-7 pm at Parke Zaragosa Rec. Center. 2608 Gonzales St. 78702. Just show up or for info. email carmendego2002 AT yahoo DOT com or 632-6857. $20.00 per month
  • Tapestry offers Moving Women: Women Moving Wednesdays. 1.5 hr dance class - no experience needed! 30 minute pilates and yoga stretching warm-up, then an hour dancing. Move freely without worrying about how you look or who might be coming up behind you. Ever dreamt of being a prima ballerina, a salsa diva, or just want to get your body back into that 30 something shape?

[edit] Dance gear, clothes, shoes, and such

  • Jazzy Dance Co's 4-time TX Salsa Champions Azucena Perez and Carlos Leon present Everyone Can Salsa! - Intermediate/Advanced Salsa Turn Patterns Order DVD. This DVD is full of fun, 100% leadable, and unique partner-work combinations sure to make you want to get on the dance floor! Demonstrated on1 AND on2. Featuring the music of mega-hit orchestra La Excelencia from New York! Shot in Austin's own beautiful Copa Bar & Grill. If you haven't tried it yet, the popularity of On2 Salsa dancing is growing in Texas and around the world.
  • Quality Aris Allen dance shoes available on-line at Dance Store. The retro runner is a popular shoe.
  • Check out the model "Classic," another fantastically comfortable and stylish flat for men and women is made by Ballo (or Gaballini). Sold by vendors at large salsa events and on-line - baila brand (also sells fun shirts).
  • demitasse designs Elif rocks custom hats and accessories made from recycled and vintage materials. She can create one especially for you!
  • Foot Pain Relief Store - Very informative website for foot problems. Experienced and caring, Gus provides quality work. Not too fast, with reasonable prices. Have any shoes made into dance shoes (don't be in a huge hurry to get them back right away). Get custom orthotics for pain relief. Many other ideas to keep your feet feeling good.
  • Uptown Goddess boutique located at Uptown Dance Studio offers gorgeous super blingy fun new and used costumes for competition and fun dancewear for clubbing. Rhea hand selects and hand stones items.
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