When it comes to salsa dancing, it is a pastime that seems to occupy the lives of many people in South America, and Cali in particular has a reputation for producing some of the best salsa dancers in the world. While many people in Latin America will dance the traditional Cuban style salsa which is relatively calm and relaxed, those in the city of Cali, Colombia have developed a faster and more intricate style which has drawn plaudits and prizes in many of the most prestigious salsa festivals.

When it is done well salsa dancing is graceful and beautiful to watch, but it is always best to take a few lessons before taking your dancing shoes on to the dance-floors of the salsa clubs, otherwise your dancing partners will not thank you for their bruised toes.

Son de Luz
Son de Luz is one of the longest established dance schools in Cali, and has been sending some of its most talented pupils to professional salsa competitions for several years. Many of these dancers also take some of the courses in Son de Luz, and learning from some of the most successful dancers in the city is a great encouragement, and there are a variety of different classes on offer. For those looking for a quick way to learn salsa there are private lessons available, while there are also regular group classes for novice and intermediate salsa dancers available too.

El Manicero
El Manicero is the public wing of a salsa school that largely works with younger salsa dancers through schools and public bodies, and has teachers that are particularly familiar with teaching new dancers the basic salsa steps.

One of the best aspects of learning at El Manicero is that it teaches salsa all the way from the basic steps through to advanced dancing moves, and also hosts regular salsa shows that are open to the public. The general aims of the school are to teach natives of Cali to develop their salsa, but if you can get on a course it is likely to be one of the best available.

Swing Latino
This is another of the leading salsa dancing schools in Cali that not only teaches new dancers the basic moves of salsa, but is also an award winning school that has achieved international recognition for its dancing. The top end of the salsa dancers in the school come under the direction of choreographer and director Luis Eduardo Hernandez, and its dancers have also won competitions in Colombia and the USA, while its dancers have also appeared on several television shows. One of the great attractions of learning to dance in Swing Latino is the chance to learn with some of the stars of Cali salsa, and to get tips from these excellent dancers.

Rucafe
One of the great features of learning to dance at Rucafe Salsa School is that there are lessons available throughout the day, and whether you want to dance in the morning, afternoon or evening, there are classes available. The theory of salsa at Rucafe is directed by Carlos Trujillo, and operates under the aim of bringing people of all classes and backgrounds together through salsa. For those who are looking to become a truly accomplished dancer it can take many months of lessons, but a seven month course at Rucafe promises to turn even the clumsiest dancer into a slick salsa sensation.

Tango Vivo Y Salsa Viva
This dance school is well established in Cali and has been teaching salsa and other dances for several years, and will have novices learning the basic steps in the first few lessons. While many schools offer Cali style salsa lessons, Tango Vivo y Salsa Viva offers a comprehensive guide to all the steps and includes Cuban style salsa too. While it is a great place to start learning salsa, it is a reassuring sight for visitors to see the five salsa world championship trophies that are on display in the entrance hall to the school.