With an ever-growing Latin dance scene, Bangkok has something to offer every night of the week from Salsa to Bachata, and Tango to Kizomba. Here are my top picks for Latin dance classes, parties, and festivals in the city where I began my own dance journey as a beginner. For full listings of classes and events, check out Salsa Bangkok, the number one guide de dancing Latin in Bangkok.
This is the dance school where I took my very first dance steps, signing up to beginners classes in Bachata, NY Salsa, Flamenco, and Samba before leaving Bangkok to embark on my Bailando Journey through Latin America. The studio is run by Apple Busakorn, who transmits her passion for dance by bringing a huge variety of dance styles from across the world to the studio and even teaching a number of the classes herself. Their vast schedule spreads out across two branches and beyond Latin Dance styles also includes Belly Dance, Striptease, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Ballet, as well as body conditioning and yoga. You can sign up for a short course or show up for a drop-in open class.
Amarin branch. BTS: Chitlom. Tel: (+66) 092-204-9655. Jasmine City branch. BTS: Asoke. Tel: (+66) 092-204-9677. Email: rumpuree@hotmail.com
According to many on the Bangkok Latin Dance scene, this is the oldest Latin Dance school and club in Thailand, which opened back in the 1990s. They offer classes in Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba. They also host a number of dance nights in different venues across Bangkok, including Bachata Tuesdays at Zak’s Wine Bar. Check out their Facebook page for full listings.
Tacos and Salsa Mexican Restaurant, Sukhumvit 18. BTS: Asoke. Tel. (+66) 094 942 6479. Email: aoysalsa@yahoo.com
More of a pop-up workshop and party than a studio, Forró Tailândia deserves a special mention as the only event providing workshops and parties in Brazilian dances such as Samba de Gafieira, LambaZouk, and Forró. Taught my Floryen Hoffman, he has an excellent teaching style and is a great leader. As a beginner, you will feel that you learnt so much in just one workshop, and the Brazilian music is beyond magical. Check out their facebook page for upcoming events and their Brazilicious parties on Fridays.
Various locations. Tel: +66 92 381 2810
Most dance classes are followed by a “dance social” so you can practice your moves, but if you’re looking for more of a club atmosphere that feels like a night out, there are some Latin Dance parties not to be missed.
A Bangkok classic Latin night at my favourite rooftop bar. Every Wednesday, the world-famous and Grammy-nominated Latin DJ Henry Knowles spins Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue with a view over the city’s glittering skyline. The night is free entry and with promotion on margaritas and mojitos for ladies.
Frasier Suites, Sukhumvit 11. BTS: Nana. Tel: +66 (0) 2 038 5111.
An elusive speakeasy, Havana Social Club takes us back to pre-revolutionary Cuba in the days of Hemmingway. Serving classic Cuban cocktails like Mojitos, Daikiris and Cuba Libres the décor will make you feel like you stepped into Old Havana with its crumbling walls and dim lights. A live band plays classic Latin hits, followed by DJs from 10 pm onwards spinning mostly Reggaeton and Latin Pop. You can catch DJ Pepe, Bangkok’s legendary Reggaeton DJ, on Thursday and Friday nights, and the iconic Henry Knowles on Saturdays. There’s no sign, so look out for the phone booth and dial the password to get in through a secret door.
Sukhumvit Soi 11 (tiny soi opposite Fraser Suites). BTS: Nana. Tel: +66 (0) 87 066 7711
Salsa Bangkok hosts this Latin Dance party on the second and fourth Friday of every month with a different theme or dress code, and with DJ Henry Knowles on the decks spinning Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Cha Cha. Held in the Drawing Room at the Marriot Marquis, enjoy a beautiful décor and great views over Bangkok. Check out Salsa Bangkok’s facebook page for upcoming events.
South East Asia’s longest running Latin Dance festival will be hosting its 14thedition from 1-4 November 2018. The first of its kind, it brings champion dancers such as Karen & Ricardo and legendary icons like Jimmy Anton. Organized by a committed Bangkok-based team, including Rumpuree’s Apple Busakorn and DJ Henry Knowles, you know you’ll be in for an amazing programme full of workshops, showcases, and performances, including the Salsa Bangkok Asia Pacific International Dance Championship.
Started in 2016 the Latin Dance Congress takes place every June/July bringing together a variety of international Latin Dance instructors and performers for workshops, performances, and social dancing. The 2018 edition, which was covered by Bailando Journey, saw the likes of Trombonist Jimmy Bosch, Mambo dancer Adolfo Indacochea, and lady style dancer Brenda Liew.
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Behind every dance, there is a story. This book will take you dancing from New York to Buenos Aires, immersing you in the local culture, history, and happiness with every dance step. Aliénor Salmon is represented by Gregory Messina of the Linwood Messina Literary Agency.
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