Dance On 2

I just took my first salsa class here at Dance on 2. I did the Beginner 1 combo. Can I please say I loved it?! I’m a person who usually can’t dance, don’t dance, and have two left feet.
First, the class is divided by gender, Jai Catalano taught the guys and
Dayana Martinez led the girls. We learn the basics, footwork, turning, and so forth. Then after a five minute break, we partnered up. I was so nervous about partnering with someone, because I kept on messing up on my footwork in the beginning of the class. I absolutely did not have confidence in myself. I thought «Great! First class, already fallen behind. If I can’t keep up with the basics then how can I dance with another person?» I went up to Jai and Dayana about it. They told me it was normal to feel this way, and that there were a few other first timers there as well. Most of the people in the class have been attending for a few weeks now, but they started out the same way. They both believed I could do it.
There is such a huge difference between copying what the instructor is doing vs. dancing with a partner and having someone lead you. This review might sound naïve, but it’s because I’ve never had to dance with anyone before. What I really appreciated was that when I was having a difficulty with something or they noticed a wrong footing, they were quick to teach me side by side. I also loved how by dancing with someone, we were learning from each other and getting it through together. After an hour into the class, subconsciously it was like my feet knew what to do next. I wasn’t looking down anymore, but actually looking at my partners’ faces. One of them was even surprised to find out this was my first time! Under Jai and Dayana’s guidance and instructions, we even got a little intricate too with all these turn patterns, and we were all getting better and better with each repetition.
I totally recommend learning how to salsa at Dance on 2. It was such a comfortable atmosphere based on learning and having fun. Can’t wait to go next week!

I’ve taken a few seasons of DanceOn2’s 10-​week performance classes (both ladies and couples). Mel and Gabe are excellent instructors (and the hottest in the NYC area)! They know how to break things down clearly, while also having a lot of fun demonstrating the do’s and don’ts. They are down-​to-​earth, approachable people who genuinely care about their students. Melanie’s styling is extremely sexy and sensual, but also classy and graceful. I highly recommend DanceOn2 for anyone looking for salsa lessons in Manhattan!

Definitely the best salsa studio in new york! I’ve been to a number of schools since i started salsa two years ago, and none compares to the combination of excellent instruction, energy, and fun environment that Melanie and Gabe bring to the school. They teach practical skills for social dancing, and they take the intimidation out of learning.
Their «two instructors for every class» format works because neither the leader nor the follower is ever left out. at most schools, you either get a male or female instructor (never both), and over time, the group that is under-​served starts to leave; creating an imbalance (it’s extremely rare that any instructor can teach both roles equally well). i also like that Dance on 2 charges by the class (and at competitive rates), as opposed to schools that make you buy a full month package and make you go every week or lose out on your class credit.
check out their website. melanie and gabe will make you wish you can dance like them.

This dance class is very fun. I have never danced before. I just do my 2 steps in the club but I decided to try it out. I like it so much I attend weekly. I do recommend you giving it a try.

A note about myself: I’ve taken salsa classes on the weekends at Dancesport (a different studio) since November 07 and have so far attended the Beginner I class on Saturdays and the Advanced Beginner class on Friday.
The Beginner I class is designed for people just learning how to salsa, so if you have previous experience with salsa it should be pretty straightforward. The class starts with Melanie or her co-​instructer teaching some basic shines (solo footwork and movement) before splitting the class into guys and gals for seperate instruction on each side’s respective steps. Finally, everything is put together in partnerwork where the guys/​gals will rotate partners frequently and practice. The class moves relatively quickly, so if you are brand new you may feel a bit lost — Melanie however is very good at giving you additional help and personal attention if you need it. The primarily complaint I have about this class is the smaller size (typically 7 or 8), incredible lopsidedness in male/​female ratio (more males). It could also use more people my age. The class itself is quite fluid however, and aside from a few ‘regulars’ the class makeup can change every week.
The Advanced Beginner class is probably a misnomer because if you can survive this class you would be probably very comfortable social dancing and would look quite good in the process. I certainly couldn’t handle it, but the people were exceptionally friendly and the class was well balanced (both in number of people and guy/​gal ratio).
The best thing I like about Dance on 2 is that its quite fluid — for the most part, you don’t have to prepay, so if you have the time you can stop by and only pay for the classes you take (which are also quite affordable as well).
Would definately recommend the place. Especially if you are female. Happy dancing!

Dance on 2 is run and organized by Melanie Torres, the daughter of Eddie Torres the Mambo King himself. Here she teaches, along with her dance co-​instructors, salsa including shines, partnerwork and advance styling, etc…
She runs a number of classes at different levels starting at absolute beginner up to very advanced so there is definitely something you can get out of one of her classes. You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish in one hour as I’ve seen plenty of two-​left feet beginners come in and leave after a class with confidence and a few good moves for the dance floor.
Be aware though that these classes are challenging and that you should be reasonably fit, at least fit enough to do an hour long aerobics class. Plus, bring a bottle of water and a notebook because you’ll cover so many different moves and combinations that you’re bound to forget a few things.
So, if you’ve ever watched someone salsa and thought to yourself that you would really love to do that then come take a class with Melanie, its not expensive, nobody is judgmental and you’d be surprised to see what you can learn in a short period of time.