Alisa's House of Salsa

For residents across Connecticut, especially those in the culturally rich city of New Haven and its surrounding areas, Alisa's House of Salsa stands as an incredible beacon of rhythm, passion, and community. More than just a dance studio, it's a vibrant hub where the infectious energy of Latin dance, particularly salsa, comes alive. Whether you're a seasoned dancer looking to hone your skills, a complete beginner with "two left feet," or simply searching for a unique and exciting "date night fun," Alisa's House of Salsa offers a welcoming and exhilarating experience right here in our local community.

At the heart of this dynamic establishment are Alisa Bowens-Mercado and her team, celebrated as "awesome instructors." Alisa herself is renowned for leading "each class with passion, excitement, and skill," ensuring that even first-timers feel "automatically welcome." Her dedication to teaching is legendary, even famously having taught on MTV's "Made for proof." For over 25 years, Alisa's House of Salsa has been a cornerstone of Connecticut's thriving salsa community, providing not just dance lessons, but a genuine pathway to "awesome dances" and lasting friendships. It's truly a place where the joy of movement connects people, creating a lively and supportive atmosphere that makes it a top choice for anyone in Connecticut ready to embrace the rhythm.

Alisa's House of Salsa is conveniently located at 506 Blake St 2nd Floor, New Haven, CT 06515, USA. Situated in the vibrant city of New Haven, in New Haven County, this address places the studio within a dynamic urban environment that is accessible to residents throughout the greater New Haven area and beyond. Blake Street is a well-known thoroughfare, facilitating relatively easy navigation for those driving.

While the studio is on the 2nd Floor, which might require a bit of attention to locate initially, its presence in New Haven ensures it's a central point for those commuting from neighboring towns like West Haven, Hamden, Woodbridge, and North Haven. Public transportation options within New Haven are generally robust, offering alternative ways to reach the studio for those who prefer not to drive. Free street parking is also available, which is a significant convenience in a city setting. The accessibility and central location of Alisa's House of Salsa make it a practical and appealing choice for anyone in Connecticut eager to immerse themselves in Latin dance.

Alisa's House of Salsa offers a dynamic and comprehensive range of dance services, primarily focusing on Latin dance forms, catering to individuals of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced dancers.

• Salsa Dance Classes: The cornerstone of their offerings, with classes available at multiple levels:

  • Beginner Salsa: Focuses on fundamental footwork, basic dance positions, musicality, and the essentials of leading and following.

  • Intermediate/Advanced Salsa: Builds upon basic skills, introducing men's and women's styling, more complex variations, advanced turns, syncopated footwork, and intricate patterns.

  • Salsa On1 and On2: Specific instruction in different salsa timing styles to cater to diverse preferences and regional variations.

  • Mixed Level Salsa: Classes designed to accommodate dancers of varying experience, allowing for a collaborative learning environment.

• Bachata Classes: Offering classes like Mixed Level Bachata, which teach basic and advanced steps, spins, hip movements, partnering patterns, and smooth body transitions.

• Chicago Steppin': An introduction to the basics of this distinct style of dance, providing a unique alternative Latin dance experience.

• Kizomba Classes: Focused on teaching basic steps, smooth partner movement to Kizomba rhythms, common step patterns, isolations, and controlled transitions.

• Kids Group Class: Providing younger students with opportunities to learn salsa, bachata, and merengue, fostering a love for Latin dance from an early age. Recitals are held twice a year for these classes.

• Dance Fitness Classes: Including sessions like Step Class Aerobics and Sassy Senior Step Fitness, demonstrating a commitment to dance as a form of physical activity and well-being for various age groups.

• Private Lessons: Available for individuals and couples, offering personalized instruction tailored to specific needs and goals, allowing for accelerated learning and focused technique refinement.

• Private Parties & Events: The studio is available for booking private parties, corporate events, bachelorette parties, birthdays, Sweet 16s, and more, providing a lively and unique venue for celebrations.

• Latin Nights & Socials: Alisa promotes and hosts "Latin Nights" at various local nightclubs and restaurants, providing students with opportunities to practice their skills in a real-life social dancing environment.

• Performance Team: For students interested in deeper involvement, the House of Salsa Company team offers more intense training and opportunities to perform across the country.

Alisa's House of Salsa stands out in the Connecticut dance scene due to a multitude of compelling features and highlights that contribute to its vibrant atmosphere and enduring popularity.

• Expert and Passionate Instruction: Alisa Bowens-Mercado and her team are consistently praised as "awesome instructors." Alisa herself is noted for her "passion, excitement, and skill," with a patient teaching ability and a "Let Me Entertain You" Broadway style of dance that makes learning engaging and fun.

• Welcoming and Inclusive Community: The studio is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that "even if it is first time, she will automatically welcome you." This fosters a strong "salsa community in CT" where people build friendships and feel a sense of belonging, regardless of prior experience or whether they come with a partner.

• Proven Track Record: Celebrating over 25 years in business, Alisa's House of Salsa has a long history of success and dedicated students. Alisa's personal journey, from being self-taught in salsa to teaching on MTV's "Made" and holding a Dance Masters of America (DMA) Professional Teaching Certificate, speaks to her expertise and commitment.

• Extensive Performance and Recognition: Alisa and her dance company, Latin Heat Dance Team, have an impressive performance history, opening for Grammy-Award winners like Rubén Blades and Jose Alberto "El Canario," and sharing stages with notable artists at major concert series and theaters. Alisa also holds a Guinness World Record for teaching the "World's Largest Salsa Lesson."

• Transparent Pricing and Communication: While detailed pricing wasn't given, general reviews suggest fair and clear structures, with mentions of options like individual group lessons, packages (e.g., 6 or 12 lessons), and unlimited monthly classes, indicating flexibility for students.

• Unique Social Opportunities: Beyond studio classes, the promotion of "Latin Nights" at local venues provides invaluable real-world practice opportunities, helping students integrate into the broader dance community.

• Specialization in Beginners: The studio excels at teaching "the newest of newbies," making it an ideal entry point for anyone curious about Latin dance without feeling intimidated.

• Holistic Approach: Reviews highlight that students not only learn to dance but also build friendships and enjoy a "family vibe," emphasizing the studio's role in social enrichment.

For those in the Connecticut area interested in connecting with Alisa's House of Salsa, here is their contact information:

Address: 506 Blake St 2nd Floor, New Haven, CT 06515, USA

Phone: (203) 562-5472

Mobile Phone: +1 203-562-5472

For locals throughout Connecticut, especially in New Haven and surrounding areas, Alisa's House of Salsa is an exceptional and highly recommended destination for embracing the world of Latin dance. Its vibrant atmosphere, led by the passionate and skilled Alisa Bowens-Mercado, makes it perfect for everyone from curious beginners to seasoned dancers looking for a place to truly shine. The overwhelming positive reviews, highlighting the welcoming environment and the joy of joining a strong salsa community, underscore its suitability for anyone seeking both artistic expression and social connection.

Whether you're planning a unique "date night fun," looking to immerse yourself in the rhythms of salsa and bachata, or simply want to experience the thrill of movement in a supportive setting, Alisa's House of Salsa provides an authentic and enriching experience right here in our Connecticut community. It's more than just lessons; it's an invitation to a dynamic cultural experience where every step leads to confidence and connection.

This video provides a brief glimpse into the lively atmosphere and instruction style at Alisa's House of Salsa, which can help potential students visualize their experience. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb5xHY69OZo)

Alisa's House of Salsa

506 Blake St 2nd Floor, New Haven, CT 06515, USA