Salsa Dance Classes in Atwater Village, Los Angeles
Join a welcoming, creative community and learn from top instructors in an intimate, structured setting.
We offer Salsa dance classes for brand-new beginners and advanced dancers every week.
We also have practice sessions, socials, and live music events every month.
Thursdays
8:30 - 9:15 pm | Salsa On2 1 | Brielle Friedman
9:15 - 10:00 pm | Salsa On2 1.5 | Brielle Friedman
10:00 - 10:30 pm | Open Practice FREE with any class! | Brielle Friedman
Level 1 | Brand-New to Salsa On2!
No partner or experience needed to join the Intro class!
In this Salsa On2 dance class, we focus on developing comfort with the rhythm, connection, and structure that form the backbone of Salsa partner work and shines (i.e., solo dancing during musical breaks). Each week, we'll break down new steps in a way that's easy to follow and review material from the class before, so you'll have a strong, confident foundation by the end of this 8-week series.
Level 1.5 | Beginner Salsa
Pre-Requisites:
Solid foundation of Basic Salsa On2 timing
Right & left turn (Solo and in partner work)
Cross body
Cross-body inside turns
Traveling outside turns
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Meet Your Instructor
Brielle Friedman | Salsa / Bachata
Brielle Friedman is a world champion dancer, instructor, and choreographer based in Los Angeles by way of New York City. A graduate of Brown University and recognized as one of Southern California’s top Salsa and Bachata dancers, she has performed and taught across the U.S. and internationally, and collaborated with recording artists on live shows and music videos.
Known for her playful femininity, elegant lines, and dynamic power, Brielle brings both artistry and athleticism to the dance floor. A long-time competitor, she holds titles from numerous prestigious championships, including The Summit, World Latin Dance Fest, and the Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress. Her creative choreography and original work as a director and producer have been featured in performances around the globe and online.
As an instructor and coach, Brielle is passionate about sharing movement mechanics in a way that feels accessible and empowering with her students. She learned to dance as an adult and loves teaching students of all ages and diverse backgrounds, as well as supporting others in finding a deeper connection to themselves and their creativity.
Students often call her “a fairy godmother with X-ray vision” for her unique ability to see the subtle shifts needed to unlock new technique, precision, and expression in dance. She is incredibly welcoming, patient, and nurturing, and will help you take your dance dreams to the next level.
You can learn more about Brielle and her creative work at www.helloitsbrielle.com/creative or connect with her on Instagram @helloitsbrielle.
Sign up for Brielle’s Bachata and Salsa classes at Motivo Dance LA via the app here!
About Salsa On2 Dance
Salsa is a dynamic and expressive partner dance with Afro-Latino roots and global reach. Danced socially and on stage, it fuses rhythm, movement, and connection, offering both challenge and joy to those who practice it. Salsa is danced to Salsa music, a genre of music that incorporates many rhythms, including mambo, chachachá, rumba, and son.
Salsa On2 (often known as New York Style Salsa) is known for its intricate turn patterns and graceful rhythm. Dancers break forward on the second beat of the music, which creates a syncopated, grounded feel that invites creativity, control, and connection. On2 Salsa is especially loved for how it allows dancers to play with instrumentation and rhythm in a nuanced way, making the dance feel musical, expressive, and sophisticated.
Whether you're new to Salsa or transitioning from another style, Salsa On2 is an incredibly rewarding technique to learn—one that deepens both your artistry and your ability to connect on the social dance floor.
Join Brielle Friedman and Motivto Dance LA to begin your dance journey into Bachata, a style celebrated and danced across the globe in all its forms - traditional, urban, and sensual - uniting people through music, movement, and the joy of shared rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No partner required! In class we rotate frequently so everyone gets a chance to dance and practice with different people. If you do come with a partner and prefer to stay together, that’s totally fine too. Just let the instructor know at the beginning of class.
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Wear shoes that are comfortable that you can move in. Dance shoes with suede soles are great, but not required — sneakers or flats with a smooth sole work just fine. Avoid shoes with a sticky, rubbery bottom, heavy boots, flip flops, or anything that sticks to the floor.
We also have shoes available for purchase at the studio when you’re ready to invest in a good pair of dance shoes!
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You can reserve your spot directly through Motivo LA’s app for iPhone here or Android.
We recommend signing up in advance to guarantee your place and to make checking in before class quick and easy, but walk-ins are welcome!
We offer single drop-in class packages, 8-class packages, and 16-class packages. All classes expire one year from purchase, so you have plenty of time to use your credits!
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Yes! Motivo Dance LA offers weekly social practice sessions where you can apply what you’re learning in class in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s the perfect way to get more comfortable dancing with different partners and to enjoy the community.
Open practice sessions are included when you take any class that evening at the studio!