Business Details
13 Years
experience
Authentic Latin Dance Classes in Seattle | La Clave Cubana
La Clave Cubana is Seattle's fastest-growing Latin dance studio, founded in 2013 by Cuban-born Reinier Valdes and Mexican-born Daniela Gallardo. Our mission is to combat the Seattle Freeze by fostering a welcoming community through authentic Latin dance rooted in Afro-Caribbean traditions. We specialize in Salsa, Bachata, and Afro-Cuban styles, taught by instructors with deep cultural ties to Latin America.Our curriculum emphasizes social connection, cultural immersion, and technical mastery, with classes held in a dedicated wood-floor studio and Seattle's premier Latin venue, Club Sur. We host annual festivals, performances, and social events that celebrate traditional Cuban dance while building a supportive 'dance family' for all skill levels.
Services
Salsa Classes
Bachata Instruction
Afro-Cuban Dance
Rueda de Casino
Private Lessons
Wedding Choreography
Event Performances
Dance Festivals
Latin DJ Services
Event Planning
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer authentic Latin dance instruction rooted in Afro-Caribbean traditions
- Our founders are native Cuban and Mexican dancers with professional performance backgrounds
- We provide a supportive, non-competitive environment for dancers of all levels
- We operate Seattle's only dedicated Latin dance studio and partner with Club Sur venue
- We host annual festivals featuring West Coast Cuban dance instructors and live bands
What people say
Amazing instructors
Vibrant community
Authentic Latin vibe
Great social events
Professional teaching
Services
Salsa Classes
Our Salsa instruction teaches authentic partner dancing with Afro-Cuban influences. Students learn basic steps, musicality, and advanced techniques in progressive levels. Classes emphasize social interaction through partner rotation and group formations. Reinier Valdes' Cuban expertise ensures cultural authenticity while making learning accessible for Seattle's diverse community.
Rueda de Casino
This popular Cuban group format features synchronized partner exchanges called by an instructor. The social, non-competitive environment helps dancers connect with multiple partners while improving technical skills. Weekly sessions at Club Sur have made this Seattle's most attended Latin dance format since 2013.
Afro-Cuban Dance
Rooted in Yoruba traditions, this class develops rhythm and coordination while exploring Caribbean cultural heritage. Students learn traditional movements that enhance salsa styling. The curriculum combines physical training with cultural education about African diaspora influences in Latin dance.
Private Lessons
Customized one-on-one sessions accelerate learning for special events or performance goals. Instructors create tailored curricula for weddings, quinceaeras, or competition preparation. Packages range from single sessions to multi-hour commitments with flexible scheduling options available directly through instructors.
Dance Festivals
Annual Seattle Cuban Dance Festivals feature master instructors, live percussionists, and performance opportunities. Three-day events include workshops, social parties, and showcases of traditional Cuban dance forms. The festival has become a regional hub for Latin dance enthusiasts since its 2018 launch.
People
Reinier Valdes
Director
Cuban-born Salsa expert with formal training from Havana's Casa de la Cultura. Professional dancer since age 13, performed internationally, and established Seattle's Latin dance scene through La Clave Cubana since 2013.
Daniela Gallardo
Co-Director
Mexican native with 10 years of Salsa instruction experience. Former principal school dancer who developed choreography from age 15. Teaches alongside Reinier Valdes while leading performance groups at national congresses.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialize in authentic Salsa, Bachata, Afro-Cuban, Rueda de Casino, and traditional Cuban styles with cultural context.
Are classes suitable for beginners?
Yes! Our progressive levels start with fundamentals while our social environment welcomes all skill levels.
Do I need a partner?
No partner required. Our rotating partner system helps everyone connect during classes.
Where are classes held?
Most classes occur at our Weller Street studio, with social events at Club Sur in Seattle.
Can I perform with your team?
We accept passionate dancers for festival performances. Contact us for audition details.
Do you offer event services?
Yes, we provide choreography, Latin DJ services, and event planning for weddings and corporate events.
Reviews (6)
Tatiana Nikitina
Dec 21, 2021
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I recently moved to the country and was looking for new friends to socialize and spend time with. I danced a bit of Rueda de Casino before I moved and I enjoyed it, so I was looking for that specific class. I was beyond excited when I had found Reinier and Daniella! They are not only great teachers, but also they are able to create such a welcoming and friendly atmosphere in the class. I met so many nice people there and even my best friend! It feels great to come to the classes every time. So if youre looking for the same, itd highly recommend La Clave Cubana school!
V. P.
Dec 16, 2021
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Responsible teachers, broad material, very positive attitude community. Things never get old. School offers different levels, as well as experimenting with different directions of learning. Teachers are really patient and also really want you to get material properly. Everyone. And so you can use it on next social or Rueda. A ton of complimentary events like Gas Works or parctica on Sundays. Or Socials after classes sometimes. I'm sure to become a part of the community feels like to be a part of family. It's hard to keep low key profile, but it's also possible. I really hope there will be more
Stacey Fitzpatrick
Dec 13, 2021
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I highly recommend La Clave Cubana! I have done classes with Daniela and Rey and learned so much. They are each highly skilled dancers with a wide breadth of knowledge with respect to Cuban dances and are above all patient, encouraging and effective teachers. Furthermore, they just know how to create a really fun environment in which to learn. Great for dance newbies or seasoned latin dancers looking to add some depth and flavor to their dancing.
Aimee Samara
Dec 13, 2021
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Daniela and Reinier are offering fun, upbeat classes and socials in casino (salsa Cubano) and casino rueda, leading the Seattle area cuban dance scene with authenticity and *nimo*. Reinier brings a wonderful balance of humor and high expectations to his teaching, modeled from his Cuban heritage, while Daniela brings positive, clear instruction, and a natural, impressive dance form to learn from.
Rustam Mamedov
Dec 13, 2021
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An amazing place to learn Salsa.it is my favorite place for salsa in Seattle! Rainer and Daniella created a very friendly welcoming environment. Their style of dancing is different to other schools I have been to in Seattle . Its very much Cuban salsa .very smooth and beautiful.they dance so well but also teach well! Also their progressions in class all make sense because they all are connected from class to class from lower level to higher level . I have learned a lot from them !! They teach at club sur which has plenty of space to spread out. There is plenty of parking at the area all the
Eleanor Liebhaber
Jun 27, 2021
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Thank you to Rey for making my partners birthday AMAZING! Rey came over and hosted a salsa lesson for us and a few friends; we had so much fun! Rey brought a great energy and everyone was talking about the class long into the evening. We even are considering taking some of their classes at the studio; we loved it that much! Thank you, thank you!
