Reviews of La Clave Cubana Salsa (Dance School)

Yavor Papazov

I've been living in Seattle for many years, but I've tried Cuban dance and Rueda de Casino classes in other cities as well - Chicago, Boston, Denver... definitely La Clave Cubana classes are the best ones I've taken - amazing teachers and great atmosphere. Daniela and Reinier know how to create a balanced environment of discipline and fun.

Chelsey DiPasquale-Hunton

My whole experience with these guys has been wonderful! Daniela and Reinier have been so welcoming and have made me feel like I truly found the salsa community I have been craving for a long time. They are both extremely knowledgeable and their love of dance pours out of them! I also really love how they have found a balance between pushing you to get better and better while still making class fun :) I would highly recommend classes with la Clave Cubana!

Monica M. Rojas

Very proud to have Reinier Valdes and La Clave Cubana as part of my artistic familia in Seattle! Reinier is a natural leader; very professional, talented and charismatic. I've had the opportunity to take lessons from him, perform with La Clave Cubana and also hire him and the troup for various workshops and performances. Five starts all around. La Clave Cubana makes Seattle proud.

Rene Quarshie

I met Reiner and Daniela at San Diego Cuban festival (2017). After the class, Reiner spent some time to walk me through some of the moves that he worked on and gave me several feedback on what will help. Spent a weekend in Seattle taking privates lessons with both of the teachers. The price was really great and it was worthy. Reiner and Daniela were thorough about their teaching philosophies. Even though I was new to their school, they both treated me like family. Taking classes with Reiner and Daniela is a must for any dancer who wants to improve. And will definitely be going back to Seattle for more classes. Agua...

Israel West

Their dance classes and socials are super fun! The friendly people who go start feeling like one big family right away. They're great for beginners and experienced dancers can gain more sabor!

Menonite Browneis

If you are looking for fun yet chill Latin dance classed with highly skilled instructors, look no further. I've tried out a number of different classes in the area and this place has no comparison. The director & his wife are phenomenal dancers - but they are also super likable & patient instructors- which soo important for new students. Taking a new style of dance can be intimidating - they break it down in a way that teaches to whatever skill level you have to leave everyone feeling confident. The specialty focus here is Cuban salsa - but they also have a number of other types of Latin dance. Students & performers are all very supportive & I have to say joining lessons here is like joining a family! Highly recommended.

Javier Marú

I highly recommend it to both beginners and advanced dancers, or even to those coming from a different style. Classes are a lot of fun and Reinier makes it really easy for everyone.

Rachel Benitez

I have taken many dance classes in the past, and this is definitely one of the most memorable. The instructor Reiner was fun and knowledgeable in the dance and music. The atmosphere was fun and non judgmental, I have definitely gone back for more :)

lucia fraire

My favorite dance studio in Seattle! I fell in love with the rhythms and style of Cuban salsa and gained a huge appreciation for the history, culture and authenticity that Clave Cubana provides. Reinier and Daniela are amazing dance instructors and have the most welcoming dance community I have come across! From the dance lessons, to the workshops and social parties, Clave Cubana is the place to be!

Kathryn Burger

This is truly a hidden gem! The classes are fun, positive, and enjoyable. Daniela and Reinier have created an immersive experience, where you can learn the moves in class, and go to regular social dances. The most up to date info on classes is on their Facebook page. Recommend contacting them via email or Facebook ahead of your first class to make sure you get the right level and start date. Enjoy the Latin heat, Aggggguuuuuuaaaa!!

Laura Pulido

Among all salsa-dancing styles, I have always loved Cuban salsa because it is the one where you always see everyone smiling

mwasilewko .

La Clave is the best place to learn true cuban salsa/timba and rueda (dancing in a circle with other people and exchanging partners) in a greater Seattle area (and not only!). The owners - Rey and Daniela, are extremely positive and professional dance teachers with a great attitude towards all dancers. They have built an amazing community over years, so coming to classes is not only a great fun, but also a great time spent with amazing people. Everyone is very open and it is only a matter of (short) time until you get to know everyone :) Courses are well structured and you have 3 levels to choose from - basic, intermediate and advanced. You will advance fast with a lot of detailed and spot on instructions from instructors. La Clave has a huge contribution to salsa scene in Seattle - they organize a lot of live concerts, salsa nights, cruises, shows and workshops, so you won't get bored! That also gives you a lot of opportunities to practice and socialize :) Come and see our great "family" of salsa addicts! :D

Zuri Cambron

La Clava Cubana is amazing! I'm finally learning salsa! Daniela & Reinier are great instructors (my favorite so far), they are passionate about dancing and friendly; always willing to help. They create a great environment for everyone. I’ve been to other salsa studios and felt out of place but here everyone makes you feel welcome. Thank you Dani & Reinier for creating a great dancing community. Also, the other instructions are great; extremely nice, and always willing to help as well. I will definitely continue taking classes here. Check them out!

Andrea Bailey

Best salsa academy ever! - I have been looking for a while (a few years!) for a true salsa class with a teacher who knew what he was doing and someone referred me to La Clave Cubana. I have loved every single class I have been, I have improved a looooot in only a few months and most important, the whole group made me feel like one of their own. Reinier is an amazing world class teacher and I couldn't recommend them enough! Go to one class and you won't regret it! Agua!!!!

Blair Kaufer

I'm finally learning salsa!! I have tried several times in the past to learn salsa but have had a hard time sticking to it. I have lived with salsa dancers, I have lived and worked next to studios that taught salsa, I have done group and private lessons before, but something just didn't resonate with me and I kept falling back to other dances. Finally I have found a salsa flavor that really speaks to me and my body and have found a studio I really enjoy studying at. I have done the beginners series as a follower and a leader as well as the intermediate one and two. I also got to take workshops and go out dancing at their big annual event this past July, as well as, Friday's socials at Alki and Lake Chad Cafe. I started at the beginning of summer and already I feel comfortable and well supported by the instructors, more advanced dancers and classmates to go out social dancing. It really feels like a tight, welcoming family <3 The instructors themselves are the best! Super upbeat and positive - not to mention hilarious. Before signing up, I asked a friend about these classes. She is a dance faculty member at UW who highly recommended the instructor, Reinier, saying that they love inviting him to teach cause students always have a great time. My mom is Cuban, but never taught us to dance growing up. I really am happy to be in touch with my Cuban roots, learning Cuban style salsa/rueda. I highly recommend studying at La Clave Cubana Seattle <3

Rodolfo Gallardo

Friendly diverse community with great staff making it easy and fun to learn salsa.

Anna Cristy

Having only been here three months, I can say with much joy that I have place to call my salsa home! All the instructors here have great passion and enthusiasm. I have learned so much in such a short while because the environment is so encouraging and uplifting. I always leave with a smile, waiting anxiously for the next class! If you are looking for a great place to start your salsa journey, this is the place!

Danielle Jacobs

I love La Clave Cubana! I have been taking their rueda classes for a little over a month, and I immediately felt welcomed by the very talented instructors, Reinier and Daniela, who have tons of positive energy and passion for what they do. They manage to teach us so much in just an hour while still maintaining a relaxed and fun atmosphere. You will meet some really great and down to earth people at La Clave Cubana, all while getting your dance on!

mira eso

If you want to learn true Cuban dance — rueda, Cuban salsa, AfroCuban which are rooted in Latin Afro Caribbean roots — look no further than La Clave Cubana. Dance instructors Reinier Valdes and Daniela Gallardo de Valdes are excellent! Rueda is a group dance in a circle that is a lot fun! Learn rueda and many patterns there easily translates to partner dancing in Cuban salsa. You’re essentially getting a 2-fer for the price of one lesson. Come check it out and see if you don’t agree. You will find this dance around the world; in Europe and in Asia.

Annette Slonim

La Clave Cubana is an amazing community of dancers and instructors. After moving to Seattle from New York, one of the first things I looked for was a place to continue learning and practicing Cuban salsa. From the first day, I immediately felt welcomed into La Clave’s community where everyone supports and encourages one another in their dance journey. The instructors, Reinier and Daniela, along with other Clave members, do a great job of breaking down the steps and make sure classes are challenging, fun, and rewarding. I always leave with a smile on my face and feel lucky to have found such a great dance community.

Leah Bueso

It didn't take long for La Clave Cubana to feel like my second home. Reinier and Daniela make it a point to create a welcoming community for their students and dancers, and for that I am truly grateful! And it's clear that they intimately understand Cuban salsa. Perfection!

Aishwarya Babu

I look forward to class every week coz it's so much fun. I always come out having learned something new. Cuban style salsa and Rueda are great dance forms and Reinier and Daniela are super awesome teachers. Highly recommend !!!

Zahra Shirazy

In love with Cuban Salsa because of Daniella and Reinier... La Clave is pretty much my second family! Have made lots of friends here and is the reason why I’m happy to be in Seattle!!! Makes the less sunny days much brighter, so thank you La clave Cubana!

Natalie Munter

La Clave Cubana is much more than just salsa classes. It's a warm community where you learn about cuban culture while you learn new moves and you loose up your hips. A place to make friends, to have fun and disconnect from your daily routine. La Clave Cubana literally saved me when I moved to the rainy and grey Seattle. Everything looks better when you dance (cuban) salsa!

eva rangel

Excelente escuela de baile, una pareja con una dinamica increible, simplemente los mejores. Excellent dance school, a couple with an incredible dynamic, simply the best.

Josh Bauer

I walked into my first Salsa dance class about three and a half years ago thinking it was the first class of a beginner series, only to find out that it was the intermediate class. Instead of asking me to come back later for the beginner classes, Reinier pulled me off to the side of the dance floor, and bounced back and forth between me and the rest of the class, giving me my own private beginner lesson while he taught everyone else. By the same time next week, I had enough down to join the intermediate class and grow from there. I have been taking lessons with him ever since. Reinier is a great instructor that will put as much effort into teaching you as you are willing to put into learning. I also lucky enough to have him DJ at my wedding, and he was a huge hit. He taught a salsa lesson to my all of my guests, did an impromptu performance with his team, and was the highlight of the reception. I strongly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn to dance like a Cuban!

Sara B

La clave cubana has created a wonderful Cuban dance community in Seattle! The instruction is fun and approachable and I've always felt welcome each time I've attended a clave cubana event! Dancing with Reinier and Daniela is a great way to learn about Cuban culture and meet new people. I highly recommend their classes for beginners and those with more experience!

Stephanie Mano

Taking classes with La Clave Cubana is a great way to enter the wonderful world of Cuban salsa. Reinier and Daniela are excellent instructors - classes go at a good pace, they break down the moves when necessary, classes are always great fun and people are friendly and supportive. Also their trip to Cuba is wonderful - an experience you will never forget.

Barrie Rein Thunemann

Reinier and Daniela are first rate Cuban Salsa teachers. If you want to learn any type of Cuban dance in Seattle, this is the place! It's a very friendly environment as well where everyone feels welcome. I highly recommend taking classes here. You will hav a great time!

Sharon Gracia Marin

I love this place. This is by far one of the best studio for salsa classes in Seattle, to anyone looking to learn salsa, while being part of an encouraging and fun environment that focus on improvement, quality and building community. Excellent instructors and very good vibes. I highly recommend it.

Amanda Carey

I had so much fun at La Clave! As a beginner salsa dancer, everyone was extremely welcoming and helpful. In the beginning of the night, the instructors did a quick group lesson which gave me the basics to work with. I'll definitely be back!

Selenium Test

This is the best place to learn cuban Salsa in Seattle. They have a lot of fun activities like: classes, outdoor dances, workshops every week! Also, I really like the personal attention that they have for all the people! The classes are based more on trust in a way that anyone can start to dance and improve the steps day to day.

Ursula Mosqueira

I have been taking different dance classes all my life and La Clave Cubana has become a community of dancers that makes me feel at home. People of all ages and nationalities come together in the simple joy of learning and practicing Cuban types of dance; that diversity and welcoming atmosphere is one of my favorite qualities of this community. The instructors are dedicated and knowledgeable in their craft, and I have enjoyed observing throughout the years how their hard work translates into a growing dance community. Reinier has brought some much appreciated Caribbean flavor to Seattle and we are lucky to have him among us!

Danniel Varona-Marin

Forget about LA style salsa, Cuban salsa is where the flavor is at! I've been to three other dance studios in Seattle and nothing compares to La Clave. From day 1 I felt super welcomed, like I was joining a great community, not just a dance studio. Not to mention, Reinier is a world class dancer and teacher. Best Salsa dance studio in Seattle to meet new people.

Ivonne Ward

If you want to learn to dance Cuban salsa, La Clave Cubana is THE place to learn. Reinier and Daniela are the real deal. You'll get much more than some killer dance moves out of it. You'll learn about Cuban music, history, and culture through special workshops, social events, and travel opportunities... and in their super warm and welcoming classes you'll meet some of the nicest people in Seattle.

jose otero

La Clave Cubana is hands down the best salsa lessons you will find in Seattle and the PNW! They stay true to the Afro-Carribean latin roots of salsa, where salsa is originally from. You will notice the instructors will be committed and invested in you developing your dancing. You will learn all that fancy stuff you see out there, but more importantly, as you learn, you will have fun and enjoy dancing to the rhythm of salsa!

Marla Roberts

La Clave Cubana is fantastic! The best Cuban-style salsa classes for beginning through advanced level dancers. The class atmosphere is welcoming and FUN, and the quality of instruction is excellent. Check them out. Seriously. Now!

Leigh Owens

Is very good Clave Cubana Salsa and their food is good . You won't leave hungry that's for sure.

Javier Anderson

I can't recommend La Clave Cubana enough - great classes! Reinier and his wife Daniella are an excellent team - working together teaching the ins and outs of Cuban social dancing - both of them supremely knowledgeable - with Reiner specifically holding the distinction of being a native of Cuba & having just recently arrived - he has a special knowledge base that those interested in the art form will especially appreciate. They also host multiple events around town to meet up with other dancers in fun venues - I've met some great people so far - five stars for sure - can't wait till the next class! Saludos!

Boaz Porath

I've been dancing salsa for over 10 years in various schools around the world. Even though Cuban Salsa and Casino are very popular it's difficult to come across a Cuban instructor who was actually part of a Cuban dance team in Havana, which is why I really cherish this rare privilege to regularly dance with and learn from Reinier. In addition to enjoying the great atmosphere and energy in the classes and weekly parties, I focus on taking advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about Cuban culture, origins of Latin music, and body movement, all influenced by ancient Cuban tradition and sacred societies. Gotta love it! :)

Lola Taylor

I'm a new dancer to Seattle , and was introduce to the Cuban flavor by a colleague of mine . I started taking Reuda classes here a few weeks ago , and absolutely fell in love with it and the amazing instructors. They take the time To go through the material and project it in a manner that's easy for any level dancer to follow. The energy is super high working with Reiner and Daniela and they always keep the students engaged and fill with laughter at the same time. It is def worth the time and energy! It is an amazing experience and I'm happy I stumbled across such a unique group of people that are so welcoming. I love it !!!

Ellen M Blau

I fell in love with Cuban music and dance while visiting Cuba in 2014 and 2016. I've taken salsa classes before but once I had been exposed to Cuban style there was no going back. When I asked around about finding a Cuban dance teacher in Seattle one name kept coming up: Reinier Valdes. I've taken private and group lessons from Reinier as well as some workshops (Casino, rueda, and rumba/Afro-Cuban) and Latin styling with other teachers, and I can't get enough! La Clave Cubana is a community, welcoming and supportive of all dance levels. I was actually able to dance in a casa de musica in Cuba in December with local dancers after taking these classes! If you want to dance Cuban style, this is the place for you, and these are your people. Try it -- so much fun!

Carlos Reyes

This is the best place to learn cuban Salsa in Seattle. They have a lot of fun activities like: classes, outdoor dances, workshops every week! Also, I really like the personal attention that they have for all the people! The classes are based more on trust in a way that anyone can start to dance and improve the steps day to day.

Izchel Chacon

I started taking classes about 2 months ago and I have fallen in love with La Clave Cubana! I have taken a few salsa classes previously, but nothing compares to Casino de Rueda. I hadn't heard of it before, but now it's the only thing I ever want to do. You learn moves you can use while social dancing and you have the opportunity to dance with a lot of different people in a short amount of time. It's the first time I had heard different moves having their own names and it makes it's pretty cool knowing that we all speak the language of this dance... if that makes sense :) La Clave Cubana is also an amazing community to be a part of. Right away I felt welcomed and it's fun to socialize with people who share an interest and passion with you! PLUS, social dancing at Lake Chad Cafe on Fridays gives me another opportunity to get out there practice (and to get out of my house!). I usually go by myself and it's not weird at all! Reinier and Daniela are amazing dancers and teachers and I honestly can't see myself wanting to go anywhere else for lessons!

Ivelisse Marie

The classes are very good! The dinamic is vibrant and full of Caribbean flavor. The teachers are amazing and they really know how to teach you how to dance salsa having a delightful and fun experience.

Cubanita Dale Candela

¡Excelente! Fun and welcoming ambiance. Low-pressure and relaxed style.

Tamara Dickson

The instructors are great, the music is super upbeat and fun- Cuban salsa is where it's at! It's all fun and community at La Clave!

Brittany Gilmore

Classes are a nice change from the more common LA style. Little more loose & fun.

Anna Bernice

La Clave Cubana, it's Director Reinier, his beautiful wife and its members are hands down one of the most energetic salsa dancers in the Seattle area. I came out to the PNW looking for something different (after dancing In LA my entire life) and this is it for me! Cuban Salsa is where it's at! If you're looking to spice up your Salsa, La Clave Cubana has it all for you! Its sooooo much FUN! =D