Abu Dhabi has emerged as a vibrant hub for social and fitness-oriented dance, with Salsa and Bachata gaining immense popularity. The city now offers a variety of dance studios and classes catering to beginners, enthusiasts, and advanced dancers.
Whether you want to improve your fitness, learn new moves, or enjoy the social atmosphere of Latin dancing, Abu Dhabi has something to offer. This guide outlines the best salsa classes in Abu Dhabi, including top studios, private coaching, group lessons, schedules, contact information, and frequently asked questions.
- Top Salsa and Bachata Dance Schools in Abu Dhabi
- Other Notable Studios
- Class Schedules and Locations Comparison
- Benefits: Get Fit and Have Fun
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Top Salsa and Bachata Dance Schools in Abu Dhabi
Salsa classes in Abu Dhabi focus on rhythm, partner work, fitness, and social interaction. From structured in-person programmes to personalised private coaching, there is something for every level of dancer.
1. Salsa Bachata Abu Dhabi (SBA)
Salsa Bachata Abu Dhabi is a leading studio offering weekly classes in salsa, bachata, kizomba, and reggaetón. Classes cater to beginners through advanced levels and are led by Colombian coach Jonathan Unda (Papi J), who brings over 20 years of experience.
Location
It is located on the 1st floor Landmark Plaza building – Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad St(5th St) – Abu Dhabi
Contact information
+971 52 887 3044, +971 54 706 9629
Schedules
- Monday-Friday: 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
- Sunday: closed
Highlights
SBA is ideal for anyone looking to combine fitness with fun while joining a welcoming dance community.
- Fun, inclusive environment
- Social nights, parties, and workshops
- Wedding dance choreography
- Focus on confidence, technique, mental well-being, and community building
2. Ritmos Dance Community
Ritmos Dance Community is a vibrant hub offering classes in salsa, bachata, and zumba for all levels. The studio also hosts new beginner batches starting in January 2025 and provides private sessions. Instructors include Abdul and Valeria, who focus on building social dancers with technique and soul.
Locations
- Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel: Corniche Rd E- Al Zahiyah – E12 – Abu Dhabi
- Cobra Fitness, Al Raha: Upper Basement – Al Raha Blvd – Abu Dhabi
Schedules
- Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel: Monday – Thursday
- Cobra Fitness, Al Raha: Friday and Sunday
Contact information
- 02 677 3333
- 055 616 0996
Events
Timbatoma Latin Friday parties (check Instagram for latest dates)
Highlights
Ritmos is perfect for beginners and for those who want to participate in a fun, social Latin dance environment.
- Builds social dancers with strong technique
- Transformative experience for body and soul
- Community-focused approach
3. Salsa Vibez Abu Dhabi (Meetup Group)
Salsa Vibez Abu Dhabi is a public meetup group with 1,899 members, focusing on level 2 and 3 salsa classes. The emphasis is on partner work, musicality, and body movement.
Location
It is located in Cobra Fitness Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Blvd, Al Rahah, Al Bandar
Schedule
Fridays and Sundays: 6:00 PM
Events
Social Latin parties, such as Timbatoma Friday Latin Party at Up & Below
Highlights
This group is a great choice for dancers looking to improve their skills while enjoying social Latin parties.
- Socialise while learning
- Focus on vibes and community
- Level 2-3 classes are ideal for intermediate dancers
4. Motley Dance Company
Motley Dance Company offers salsa, bachata, and Bollywood classes, including private coaching for all levels.
Location
It is located on the Island – Al Rahah, Al Muneera, Abu Dhabi
Contact information
055 181 2407
Schedule
Weekly Salsa classes 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Highlights
Motley is ideal for those who want flexible schedules and tailored coaching to refine their dance techniques.
- Master moves in favourite dance styles
- Private coaching for personalised attention
- Suitable for all skill levels
Other Notable Studios
These studios offer alternative options for those seeking variety in style, location, or class size.
- Universal Dance Music & Arts: Offers Salsa On1/On2, Bachata (Moderna/Dominican), and Kizomba with experienced instructors.
- Location: It is located in Al Niyadi Building – Airport Rd – Abu Dhabi
- Contact Number: 050 407 5795
- IV Dance Studio: Provides Salsa, Bachata, and Latin classes for beginners and couples.
- Location: It is located in Das Tower – Al Bateen St – Al Bateen – F1 4 – Abu Dhabi
- Contact Number: 02 634 6144
- Sheraton Corniche Weekly Classes: Salsa
- Location: It is located in Cornice Rd E- Al Zahiyah – E12 – Abu Dhabi
Class Schedules and Locations Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of salsa classes in Abu Dhabi, highlighting beginner, advanced levels, and key venues:
| Studio/Group | Salsa Beginners | Bachata Beginners | Advanced Levels | Key Venues |
| Salsa Bachata Abu Dhabi | Weekly all levels | Weekly all levels | Yes (intermediate/advanced) | Landmark Plaza, 5th St |
| Ritmos Dance | Mon/Thu 7:00 PM (Sheraton), Fri/Sun (Cobra) | Mon 8:00 PM (Sheraton), Sun 3:00 PM (Cobra) | Yes | Sheraton Corniche, Cobra Fitness Al Raha |
| Salsa Vibez Meetup | Level 2/3 Fri/Sun 6:00 PM | Not specified | Yes (level 2/3) | Cobra Fitness Al Raha |
| Motley Dance | 7:30 PM-9:30 PM weekly | Available | Private coaching | Various |
Benefits: Get Fit and Have Fun
Salsa and Bachata in Abu Dhabi offer a holistic experience, combining fitness, social interaction, and personal growth.
- Fitness: High-energy salsa and bachata classes improve cardio, coordination, flexibility, and body awareness. Movements like spins, turns, and hip isolations help tone the body while boosting stamina.
- Fun & Social: Latin dance is inherently social. You can build confidence, make new friends, relieve stress, and enjoy dance parties and social events.
- Mental Health: Dancing enhances mood, improves emotional balance, and promotes mindfulness through movement. These classes are not only physically engaging but also mentally refreshing.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to top salsa classes in Abu Dhabi, Salsa Bachata Abu Dhabi stands out for its professional coaching and strong sense of community, while Ritmos Dance offers multiple beginner-friendly locations and regular social events and parties. For those just starting out, SBA, Ritmos (Sheraton/Cobra), and Motley Dance Company are excellent choices, providing structured classes that build confidence and technique.
The city also hosts frequent social nights and Timbatoma parties at Cobra Fitness and Up & Below, perfect for practising moves and meeting fellow dancers. Key location clusters like Al Raha (Cobra Fitness) and Sheikh Hamdan Street make attending classes convenient. A pro tip for newcomers: take advantage of free trials or RSVP for sessions, and check Instagram and Meetup for the latest 2025 schedules.
FAQs
Salsa Bachata Abu Dhabi and Ritmos Dance offer structured beginner courses with a fun, inclusive environment.
Timbatoma Latin Fridays at Cobra Fitness or Up & Below, and SBA social nights, provide regular Latin dance parties.
Yes, Ritmos, Motley, and SBA offer private sessions and wedding choreography.
Schedules vary, typically in the evenings and on weekends. Contact studios directly for pricing, as specific fees are not listed online.
Absolutely. High-energy Latin dances improve cardiovascular health, coordination, confidence, and social interaction.
