Beginner Dance Classes in Los Angeles
Never danced before? Start here. Our new semester begins January 4 with Level 1 in Salsa On2, Bachata, Swing, West Coast Swing, and Tango, in a warm, welcoming ballroom in Atwater Village.
No Partner or experience needed.
How it works
1
Pick your style
Every style starts Level 1 the same week, three times a year: January, June and September.
2
Start with Level 1
Four weeks of foundations with the same group and teacher, $100. Level 1 meets twice a week: come to one, or both to learn faster.
3
Keep dancing
Your membership continues into Level 1.5 at $145/month, with weekly practices included. Cancel anytime.
Spring Semester Level 1 classes
Classes start the week of January 4. Each style meets twice a week, so you can come to one class or both.
Mondays and Thursdays, [time]
New York–style salsa for complete beginners.
Salsa On2
Tuesdays and Sundays, [time]
A smooth, playful partner dance from the Dominican Republic.
Bachata
Mondays and Wednesdays, [time]
A modern take on swing, danced to pop and R&B.
West Coast Swing
Wednesdays 8:00 pm and Sundays 3:30 pm
An improvised dance in a close embrace, with a social right after Wednesday class.
Argentine Tango
Tuesdays 8:00–9:00 pm
The original swing dance, danced to jazz and swing music.
Lindy Hop
Mondays 8:00–9:00 pm
A close-embrace swing dance made for fast jazz.
Balboa
Tuesdays 9:00–10:00 pm
Originating from Puerto Rican teenagers in the 1970’s New York.
Latin Hustle
Want a taste first?
Join a one-hour beginner lesson before one of our social dances. You’ll learn a few basics, then stay for the party and dance with the community. It’s the easiest way to see if a style is for you before the next semester starts.
Found us mid-semester? Come to a beginner lesson while you wait for the next Level 1.
Noche Azul
Salsa and bachata. Second Friday, lesson at 8:00 pm.
Club Velvet
Swing (Lindy Hop and Balboa). Usually the third Saturday, intro to swing at 8:00 pm.
Milonga del Sol
Argentine tango. Usually the third Saturday, lesson at 1:00 pm, milonga 2:00–6:00 pm.
What’s Included
Do I need a partner?
No. Most students come solo, and we rotate partners during class so everyone dances with everyone.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move in and shoes with a smooth sole that let you turn; avoid sneakers with grip. [Dance shoes are available at the front desk.]
I’ve never danced. Is that okay?
Yes. Level 1 is built for absolute beginners; everyone in the room starts at the same place.
What happens after the first month?
Your membership continues at $145/month and you move into Level 1.5, with Level 1 still included.
Can I cancel?
Yes, anytime before your next month begins. [Your notice period.]
What if I miss a class?
No problem. Level 1 meets twice a week, so you can catch the same lesson at the other class. Each style also has its own group in the Motivo WhatsApp community, where you’ll find a summery of every class.
What if I want to start mid-semester?
Come to a beginner lesson before one of our monthly socials while you wait for the next semester. Want a head start? Book a private lesson, or join our all-levels drop-in classes, which focus on technique and movement for each style.
Your dance year doesn’t stop at week 4
After Level 1, your membership carries you into Level 1.5 weekly classes and practices. Every level you complete stays included, so you can review the basics, try the other role, and stay in your level until you’re ready to assess into the next one.
Want a taste first?
Join a one-hour beginner lesson before one of our social dances. You’ll learn a few basics, then stay for the party and dance with the community. It’s the easiest way to see if a style is for you before the next semester starts.
All Group Classes
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![A black and white photo of a man and woman close together with foreheads touching, holding hands, and appearing to be dancing or embracing.]()
Argentine Tango
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![A woman in fishnet stockings and high heels poses confidently, holding her skirt with her right hand and resting her left hand on her hip, against a plain backdrop.]()
Bachata
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![People gathered in a circle on a dance floor in a dance class or workshop, with a instructor demonstrating in the center, in a room with round paper lantern lights hanging from the ceiling.]()
Balboa
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![A smiling bald man in a black shirt sitting in an audience, with people blurred in the background.]()
Collegiate Shag
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![A man and woman dancing together, smiling, with the woman raising her arm and holding the man's hand against a dark background with dotted and star-like patterns.]()
Latin Hustle
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![A young man with a smile, arms crossed, wearing a fedora hat, a black shirt, and gray high-waisted trousers, standing against a plain white background.]()
Lindy Hop
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![A smiling woman with long, wavy hair, wearing a dark top, looking to the side, with a blurred night cityscape featuring ferris wheel lights in the background.]()
Salsa On2
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![Two women with curly hair dancing together at an outdoor event, surrounded by a crowd of people, some dancing or watching, in a park or open space.]()
West Coast Swing
Class Structure
Level 1 — Intro Series
A month-long series of fundamentals for any given style
Designed to give all students a shared, solid foundation
Once completed, and as you advance into Level 1.5, you’ll be able to retake all Level 1 series at no cost — perfect for reinforcing basics or learning the other role
Please note: Level 1 Intro Series run one month at a time and styles rotate monthly.
Level 1.5 — Ongoing Beginner
Advanced beginner level
Requires completion of Level 1 or equivalent experience
Focuses on building comfort, technique, and vocabulary in an ongoing format with monthly topics
Advancing to Higher Levels
Progression beyond Level 1.5 happens through assessment
Assessments take place during practice sessions
Please ask your instructor for an assessment if you feel ready to move up
Download the Motivo LA App for iPhone or Android for easy sign-up and class management.
