Discover the best schools for learning salsa, bachata, kizomba, and konpa in Rotterdam, along with a brief historical context of these vibrant dance styles.
Why learn Latin and Caribbean dances in Rotterdam?
Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city that offers an amazing dance scene. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the social dance community, improve your fitness, or simply have fun, these dance schools are the perfect place to start.
Not only will you learn new dance styles, but you’ll also meet a diverse group of people who share your passion for Latin and Caribbean music and culture. Many of these schools also organise events, giving you the opportunity to practice your moves and socialise.
From LatinXpress at Grounds every first Saturday of the month to Latincafe Dox at Nieuwe Luxor every third Wednesday of the month, or Mama Juana and Striktly every week at Stadhuisplein, there's always something happening to keep you moving. Additionally, the dance schools themselves often organise enjoyable dance nights for their students.
This article will guide you through the top schools for each dance style, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your dancing journey. If you're not sure what these dances (Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba etc.) are, scroll below for an explanation.
Top SBK dance schools in Rotterdam
Here are some of the top Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and Konpa dance schools in Rotterdam, offering lessons in various styles:
Typical Tropical
- Styles offered: Salsa, Bachata
- Website: typicaltropical.nl
Typical Tropical is a long-standing name in Rotterdam, with two colourful studios on Schiekade 830 close to Hofplein. The school offers structured salsa and bachata programmes across many levels, plus kizomba (occasionally) and special technique courses.
Courses typically run in blocks of 4, 5 or 10 weeks, and there are multiple seasons each year, so you rarely have to wait long to start. Alongside weekly classes, Typical Tropical organises some of the city’s biggest parties, including LatinXpress at Grounds and Latincafé Dox in cooperation with Nieuwe Luxor.
If you want a large school with many levels, different styles under one roof and frequent events, this is one of the most comprehensive options in the city.
Salsability
- Styles offered: Salsa on2 (New York style), Bachata
- Website: salsability.nl
Salsability, based at Delftseplein 36 near Rotterdam Centraal, is known for its focus on salsa on2 and musicality. The school offers structured salsa on2 classes from beginner to advanced, alongside bachata lessons and intensive bootcamps that also touch on merengue.
Their approach emphasises rhythm, leading and following technique and body control, influenced by Eddie Torres style training. Salsability also hosts regular parties and beginner intensives, which let newcomers learn a lot in a single afternoon and give more experienced dancers a chance to refresh their basics.
If you are especially drawn to salsa on2, this is one of the most specialised addresses in town.
MamboMike
- Styles offered: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba
- Website: mambomike.nl
MamboMike offers a friendly, well-organised programme of salsa, bachata and kizomba in Rotterdam and nearby towns such as Capelle aan den IJssel and Maassluis. The school runs 75-minute classes, so students have more time to practise, and it welcomes dancers with or without a fixed partner.
Alongside weekly lessons, MamboMike organises themed bootcamps and the “Burn The Floor” socials, which mix salsa, bachata, kizomba and other Latin styles in a relaxed setting.
This is a good fit if you value a structured lesson plan, plenty of explanation and a sociable atmosphere.
El YoYo
- Styles offered: Salsa, Bachata (kizomba via private lessons)
- Website: elyoyo.nl
Dansschool El YoYo has built a reputation as a warm, community-minded school with a strong focus on salsa and bachata partnerwork. Courses run in ten-week blocks, with levels from beginner to advanced, and include both partnerwork and individual drills such as footwork and body movement.
Beyond the core partner dances, El YoYo also offers open-level solo classes in styles such as reggaeton, high heels, modern and Latin mix, as well as workshops and bootcamps throughout the year. Kizomba is currently available as a private-lesson option rather than a regular group course.
Dancers who like a somewhat smaller school with close links between students and teachers often feel at home here.
Kizomba Lounge
- Styles offered: Kizomba, Urban Kiz, lady styling and sensual dance
- Website: https://kizombalounge.nl
Kizomba Lounge is one of Rotterdam’s biggest and most visible kizomba schools. Based at Ludolf de Jonghstraat 35 in the northwest of the city, it runs clear course cycles in urban kizomba, plus themed bootcamps for different levels, from Beginners 1 up to inter advanced.
Alongside classes, Kizomba Lounge hosts regular socials and concepts such as Sensual Sunday and other special events, which draw dancers from across the Randstad. It is a natural reference point if you mainly want kizomba and urban kiz, with a strong party calendar built around the studio.
Elevate Your Kiz
- Styles offered: Kizomba, Urban Kiz, high heels and lady styling
- Website: https://elevateyourkiz.com
Elevate Your Kiz is a Rotterdam based school that specialises in kizomba and urban kiz, plus high heels and styling classes. It presents itself as a cosy and welcoming dance school and runs weekly group lessons, private training, workshops and intensive bootcamps.
The focus is on connection, technique and confidence, with a strong community feel and regular weekend events such as summer weekenders and themed workshops. This is a good option if you like a kiz focused school with a clear emphasis on technique and personal growth.
Dança Angolano
- Styles offered: Kizomba, Semba
- Website: https://www.kizombasemba.nl
Dança Angolano is a long running kizomba and semba school led by Angolan teachers Vivaldo and Belinha Neto. They describe it as the first dedicated kizomba and semba school in the Netherlands, active since 2008, and they continue to teach with a clear Angolan flavour.
The school offers lessons in Rotterdam as well as parties under the Tarde Sensual label, with a focus on authentic partner connection, musicality and social atmosphere. If you are specifically interested in more traditional kizomba and semba, this is a natural place to start.
Mi Zjilea
- Styles offered: Urban Kizomba, heels classes, lady styling bootcamps
- Website: https://www.mizjilea.nl
Mi Zjilea is a specialised urban kizomba school based in Hoogvliet, within the municipality of Rotterdam. The name means "my element" and the school focuses on solid technique, partner connection and a relaxed, family like atmosphere.
Mi Zjilea runs regular urban kizomba classes, practise nights and summer parties at its studio on Lampreistraat 106. The team includes experienced teachers with international festival experience, and the school is often recommended as a home base for urban kiz dancers in the south of Rotterdam.
Salsa by Charissa
- Styles offered: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba
- Website: https://www.salsabycharissa.com
Salsa by Charissa is a lively SBK school with locations in Rotterdam Centrum, Rotterdam Zuid and Vlaardingen. The homepage makes it clear that the team offers salsa, bachata and kizomba lessons from beginner to advanced, in a friendly and professional setting.
The school works with memberships and strippenkaarten, offers trial classes for new students and organises its own socials and workshops. Lessons focus on clear explanation, a positive atmosphere and accessible progression, which makes Salsa by Charissa a strong all round choice if you want to try multiple styles under one umbrella.
Latin Supreme
- Styles offered: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba
- Website: https://latinsupreme.nl
Latin Supreme is a Latin dance company active in Leiden, Zoetermeer and Rotterdam, led by Adilson Eduardo. The school offers workshops and group lessons in salsa, bachata and kizomba, as well as ladystyling, merengue and wedding dances.
In Rotterdam, Latin Supreme runs bachata and salsa group courses and summer bootcamps at Hoofdweg 490 in the east of the city. The programme is structured, with clear packages by month, and the company is known for its upbeat teaching style and a strong focus on technique, connection and fun.
Poetic Motion
- Styles offered: Salsa, Kizomba
- Website: https://www.poetic-motion.nl
Poetic Motion is a well known Rotterdam salsa school that also offers kizomba classes. The dance lessons page highlights a broad, structured programme in salsa and kizomba, with a tiered system of levels and learning phases, and access via flexible monthly memberships.
The studio is located at Graafstroomstraat 71 in Rotterdam, close to Schiebroek and Overschie. Poetic Motion is known in the salsa scene for its detailed, artistic style of movement and for party concepts such as Blen Blen Social, which attract dancers from across the region.
Salsadansschool SuriHarold
- Styles offered: Salsa, Bachata
- Website: https://www.suriharold4salsa.nl
Salsadansschool SuriHarold is a long established salsa school that positions itself as the place to go for salsa lessons in Rotterdam and surroundings. The website emphasises quality, personal attention and a warm, social atmosphere, with both group lessons and private classes.
Group lessons are held in Rotterdam Zuid and Ridderkerk, with new beginners cycles starting regularly. Instagram and other profiles note that the school also offers bachata in group and private form, which gives students a second style to explore once their salsa basics feel comfortable. The school avoids long-term contracts and allows flexible payment options, which appeals to dancers who want structure without a rigid subscription.
Konpassion
- Styles offered: Konpa
- Website: konpassion.com
Konpassion is a konpa dance school based in Rotterdam that has been teaching Haitian konpa and sharing Haitian culture since 2022. It offers short konpa courses, private lessons, workshops and a recurring party concept called Anbyans Konpa, usually held at Nova Cultura in Hoogvliet.
Classes and bootcamps focus on partner connection, musicality and characteristic konpa body movement, with guest teachers from other European konpa scenes. For anyone curious about Haitian music and dance, Konpassion is the main specialist reference in the region.
What is salsa?
Salsa is an energetic, rhythm-driven dance with roots in Latin America and the Caribbean, influenced by Cuban son, mambo, and jazz. Rotterdam's vibrant salsa community embraces various styles:
- Salsa on1 (LA style): The most popular variation in Rotterdam, danced on the first beat, known for flashy turns and dynamic footwork.
- Salsa on2 (New York style): Danced on the second beat, offering smoother movements and a strong emphasis on musicality.
- Cuban salsa (Casino): Characterised by circular, playful motions, spontaneous combinations, and influences from Afro-Cuban dances.
What is bachata?
Originating from the Dominican Republic, bachata is recognised for its romantic rhythms, emotional melodies, and intimate connection between partners. Popular variations include:
- Dominican bachata: Traditional form emphasising intricate footwork, rhythmic hip movements, and authentic Dominican musicality.
- Sensual bachata: Modern variation with fluid body rolls, isolations, and closer physical connection.
- Fusion bachata: Offered by schools like Typical Tropical, this hybrid course combines Dominican and Sensual styles, allowing dancers to enjoy the complete spectrum of bachata movements.
What is kizomba?
Kizomba emerged from Angola, blending traditional semba with zouk and Caribbean influences, creating a smooth, close, and sensual dance. Recently, kizomba has evolved into multiple styles:
- Traditional kizomba: Known for smoothness, subtle footwork, and a deep connection with the music and partner.
- Urban Kiz: A modern adaptation incorporating linear movements, sharper steps, and influences from hip-hop and tango.
- Kizomba Fusion: Blends traditional kizomba, urban kiz, tarraxinha, and even tango or bachata elements, offering dancers versatility and creative freedom.
What is konpa?
Konpa (also spelled kompa or compas) originates from Haiti, characterised by its rhythmic patterns, melodic grooves, and flowing partner movements. It's known for:
- Gouyad: A distinctive, sensual, rhythmic body roll and hip movement fundamental to konpa dancing.
- Smooth footwork: Emphasis on elegant, rhythmic steps, maintaining a constant flow between partners, reflecting konpa’s laid-back yet passionate style.
Bonus tip: tango in Rotterdam
For those seeking something truly different, why not immerse yourself in the world of Argentine tango? Rotterdam is home to two exceptional tango schools:
Cuartito Azul: A welcoming environment with expert instructors, Cuartito Azul will have you gliding across the dance floor in no time.
Alma de Tango: With a focus on authentic Argentine tango, this school offers a comprehensive curriculum to help you master the elegance and passion of this timeless dance.
