When I was traveling in South America with NOMATRIBE last year, I took some salsa classes and really enjoyed it! Dancing doesn't come naturally to me, so salsa forces me to move my body in different ways — and to get comfortable with all of the non-verbal communication that partner dancing requires.
Back in Melbourne, I've been taking salsa lessons at one of the city's biggest dance studios, which is (perhaps unsurprisingly) a bit heteronormative.
Although the instructors try their best to be inclusive, pointing out that anyone can be a "lead" or a "follow," they often default to terms like "guys" and "girls," and my non-binary partner found it difficult to set that aside and enjoy the lesson.
But, I was pleased to see that there are plenty of queer salsa classes out there — most of which offer free beginner classes, affordable intermediate lessons, and mixed-level social dances and special events.
Check out our list of the best queer salsa and bachata classes around the world so you can learn Latin dance in an inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly setting:
Sabor by Wilson
Where: Melbourne, AU
Sabor by Wilson offers "beginner-friendly dance training for all ages & skill levels," including Salsa levels 1.5, 2.0, and social dance parties.
Last year, classes were held on Sundays at UBQ, but check the Linktree for the latest options and class schedule.
They also offer private, personalized dance lessons if you want to practice with your partner or improve your skills one-on-one.
Queerchata
Where: LA, SF, NYC, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Saskatoon
If you're in North America, check out Queerchata, which offers salsa and bachata lessons in LA, SF, Seattle, Denver, and more. They focus on "degendering dance" by welcoming "people of all skill levels to lead, follow, or switch."
In Seattle, you can choose from a 4-week bachata dance class for beginners ($125 USD), a Queerchata class and social ($15-20 USD), and unlimited studio classes ($98-250/month). Visit their website to find an event near you.
Sanura Dance
Where: London, UK
Sanura Dance offers queer salsa and bachata classes in London for "everyone who identifies as FLINTA, LGBTQ+, and feminists". At their lessons, "everyone learns to lead and follow, transcending gender norms and fostering an inclusive dance environment."
Their regularly-scheduled lessons take place at several different venues in London, and include a pay-what-you-can beginner crash course, a 12-week workshop (£18 to £21 per class), and a monthly Queer Dance & Mingle (PWYC - £16).
Lak'ech Dance Academy
Where: Oakland, CA
Lak'ech Dance Academy is based in Oakland, CA, and offers "a safer and more affirming space for LGBTQ2S+ people to participate in Afro Latin dance." Their weekly drop-in dance classes cover salsa, bachata, cumbia, and more, while their signature training series takes you all the way from zero to Advanced Beginner.
Their membership options include unlimited classes for $189 USD per month, a 10-class pass for $169, or a single class for $25-30.
Alliance Dance Academy
Where: Commerce, CA
Alliance Dance Academy offers salsa and bachata classes in East Los Angeles, with a focus on "footwork, partner-work connection, and body movement." The studio is run by a "community of LGBTQIA2S+ members with a passion to dance." They offer an 8-week unlimited class series for $180 USD, as well as private lessons.
They're also hosting the LA Queer Weekender in Long Beach from March 20-21, 2026, which includes "two days of salsa and bachata classes, performances, and social dancing for the LGBTQIA+ communities" for $145 USD.
Mambo Mongay
Mambo Mongay
Where: New York City
Mambo Mongay hosts queer salsa and bachata nights in Brooklyn, where the aim is to "Respect Gender Expression — Not Gendered Roles".
Although they don't currently have any classes on their calendar, you can follow them on social media to find out when their next event is happening.
Queer Baile
Chiara Profenna
Where: Portland, OR
Queer Baile offers "free non-gendered and queer centered Latin dance classes for our community" in Portland, OR. As of 2025, their events are being held at the White Owl Social Club, where they alternate between cumbia and bachata and attract as many as 100 people per night.
As with most of the events on our list, you don't have to attend with a partner; participants rotate throughout the night and anyone can lead or follow.
Find Queer Baile on social media or read more about them here.
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