For college students often priced out of extracurriculars, one of Miami’s oldest salsa studios is removing the financial hurdle entirely. A dance academy that has operated in South Florida since 1998 is bringing free instruction back to Florida International University, giving students a no-cost way to connect through Latin dance.
Salsa Kings®, recognized as one of the first salsa dance studios in Miami, is reintroducing free salsa classes on the FIU campus. The initiative offers students an entry point into Latin dance at no charge, using the same teaching methods the studio has refined across South Florida for more than two decades.
No previous dance experience is required, and students do not need to bring a partner. Group classes are designed to build confidence from the very first session, while private lessons give those who want individualized guidance a chance to get personal feedback. Both formats reflect the studio’s core mission: helping people form relationships and strengthen interpersonal bonds through dance.
That teaching philosophy has drawn praise from students. Aselya A., who takes classes at Salsa Kings®, shared her experience with one of the instructors: “Ralph is truly the best! He knows Salsa better than anyone else I’ve learned from. He’s so much more than a teacher, he’s like a mentor who genuinely cares about your growth. He has such a gift for explaining even the trickiest footwork in a way that just makes sense, and he’s endlessly patient no matter where you’re starting from. You can feel how much love and passion he has for what he does, and it makes every class feel special. If you want to really learn Salsa, not just get by, I couldn’t recommend him more.”
Cost often stops college students from trying something new. Salsa Kings® has eliminated that barrier entirely for FIU students: they can sign up for a free account at salsakings.com and receive their first group class plus a beginner salsa video course at no charge. The video course allows new dancers to practice foundational steps on their own schedule, either before attending in-person classes or alongside them. The FIU classes are also open to the general public, including current Salsa Kings® members, who can join at the studio’s regular rates.
Flexible scheduling has also appealed to students with packed calendars. Kayla M., another Salsa Kings student, noted: “I just love that if Im not able to make it class on the days I normally go, I do have the option of going on other days too. If you want to learn how to dance salsa, and have fun doing it-one thing Salsa Kings will do is get you right!”
Tanya S. described her first impression at one of the studio’s locations: “Atmosphere and instructors are amazing! Great location for those coming from parts of Hialeah, like myself! Thank you!”
Salsa Kings® has been cultivating that environment since 1998, when founder Elba—originally from Cuba—opened one of Miami’s first salsa academies after noticing the city lacked dedicated dance studios. The studio has since expanded to serve Doral, Homestead, Kendall, Cooper City, Cutler Bay, Weston, Miami, and Miami Lakes across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The FIU program brings that reach directly onto a university campus. In addition to regular classes, Salsa Kings® offers workshops, VIP events, dance groups, and a full-charter cruise for salsa enthusiasts through SalsaCruise.com—a community that FIU students can now join. The studio’s motto, #BetterTogether, underscores a central belief: growth comes through connection with others.
The studio is led by Andres Fernandez, owner of Salsa Kings®, who brings more than two decades of experience in salsa and the dance industry. Fernandez has focused on making salsa accessible to beginners and on creating welcoming spaces for new dancers. The leadership team also includes Rafael Valle, Tanya Soto, Mike Osborne, Cassandra Malanche, Pablo Peña, and Galo Paredes.
FIU students can find more information about the free salsa classes and create a free account at salsakings.com, or call +1 305-553-0555. The studio’s blog at salsakings.com/blog also provides resources for those just starting out.
Why it matters: By eliminating the cost barrier for FIU students, Salsa Kings® is making Latin dance accessible to a generation that might otherwise never try it. This kind of campus partnership not only builds community but also introduces students to a lifelong skill that promotes physical activity, social connection, and cultural appreciation.
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About Salsa Kings®
Founded in 1998, Salsa Kings® mission is to train, recruit, and unite dance talent and entrepreneurs from all over the world to provide a global, loving, all-style dance culture that offers first-rate instruction, unforgettable events, premium dance supplies, paramount showcases, and more income opportunities in the arts to the masses.
Contact Details:
Kendall
10549 SW 109th Ct,
Miami, FL 33176
United States
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4STcQ87Hw5dSs9fC6
Weston
16646 Saddle Club Rd.
Weston, FL 33326
United States
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sepc1bnd382kWhrVA
Miami Lakes
14018 NW 82nd Ave
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
United States
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=18424554146626478890
Homestead
112 N Krome Ave.
Homestead, FL 33030
United States
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MSffTLY4Z9e4nMEX8
Doral
8260 NW 27th St. #408
Doral, FL 33122
United States
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6GjXkDb1gx1xyPXi9
Cooper City
12330 SW 53rd St. #702
Cooper City, FL 33330
United States
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DWdC2u63M8jJe2NR7
Cutler Bay
20505 S Dixie Hwy, 1315
Cutler Bay, FL 33189
United States
http://maps.app.goo.gl/pvST4P9THw9pn8op9
Notes to Editors:
• All testimonials included are direct quotes from real clients.
• The company currently serves clients in Miami, Cooper City, Cutler Bay, Doral, Homestead, Kendall, Miami Lakes, and Weston, within Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
• For further validation on the health benefits of dance, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): CDC.gov
END OF PRESS RELEASE.
Andres
Salsa Kings®
+1 305-553-0555
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