Apasionado Dance

Are you in Pennsylvania, particularly in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, and looking to immerse yourself in the rich world of dance? Apasionado Dance is a truly unique and exceptional "school" – or rather, a specialized dance studio – that offers far more than just dance lessons. It's a place where passion for movement, cultural heritage, and deep artistic understanding converge, creating an immersive and highly rewarding experience for its students. For locals seeking to "level up their dancing" or simply enjoy a "fun night out" while exploring diverse dance forms, Apasionado Dance stands out as a distinguished point of interest within Pittsburgh's thriving arts scene.

Apasionado Dance prides itself on a distinctive approach to dance education, emphasizing not just technique but also the artistry, style, history, and cultural roots of each dance form. This commitment to a holistic understanding of dance makes every lesson a rich and engaging experience. As one highly satisfied customer noted, "In every lesson there is an emphasis on the various aspects of great dancing - technique, artistry, style, history, and culture." This philosophy ensures that students develop a profound appreciation for the dances they learn, connecting deeply with their origins and evolution.

The studio is led by a team of impressive instructors, including Matías and Irina, who are celebrated for their expertise, patience, and passion. Matías is lauded for his supportive and encouraging teaching style, always adjusting lessons to meet students' abilities, goals, and desires. Irina, described as an "impressive, perspicacious, patient, and gentle instructor," brings an "encyclopedic knowledge of her craft" and an expansive career as a dancer. Together, they foster an environment where learning is not just about mastering steps but also about personal growth and self-discovery. "You'll walk out of her studio feeling like a truer version of yourself," remarked a student of Irina's private lessons. This dedication to student well-being and comprehensive development makes Apasionado Dance a true gem in Pittsburgh, a place where, as one reviewer exclaimed, "We are blessed to have this studio in Pittsburgh!!"

Location and Accessibility

Apasionado Dance is conveniently located at 5604 Solway St Floor 3, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA. This address places the studio in the Squirrel Hill South neighborhood of Pittsburgh, a well-known and accessible area within the city. Being on the third floor suggests a dedicated and potentially spacious studio environment, often found in urban dance centers.

Squirrel Hill South is a vibrant and central part of Pittsburgh, offering excellent accessibility for residents from various parts of the city and surrounding suburbs in Pennsylvania. The neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, including bus routes, making it convenient for students who rely on transit. For those driving, street parking or nearby parking facilities are generally available, although it's always advisable to check specific parking situations. The studio's location within a bustling Pittsburgh neighborhood ensures that it is easily reachable for a wide array of dance enthusiasts, making it a practical and appealing choice for locals looking to engage with specialized dance forms.

Services Offered

• Partner Dance Instruction: Apasionado Dance specializes in instruction for dances within the Ballroom, Latin, and Swing dance families. This includes popular styles such as Salsa, Bachata, Rumba, Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, and Jive.
• Niche Dance Offerings: The studio is particularly noted for its unique and specialized dance offerings that honor cultural heritage. These include:
  • Salsa Caleña: A distinct style of Salsa originating from Cali, Colombia.
  • Rueda de Casino: A Cuban style of Salsa danced in a circle by multiple couples, with a caller leading the moves.
  • Kathak: A classical Indian dance form known for its intricate footwork and storytelling.
• Private Dance Lessons: Apasionado Dance offers personalized one-on-one private lessons tailored to students' individual abilities, goals, and desires. These lessons focus on technique, artistry, and a deeper understanding of the dance. Pricing options are available for single lessons, 5-lesson blocks, and 10-lesson blocks, with a discounted introductory first lesson.
• Group Classes: While specific schedules are not detailed, the studio offers various group classes to foster a sense of community and allow students to learn in a social setting. One review mentions lessons for "several students or only a few."
• Wedding First Dance Packages: The studio provides specialized packages for couples looking to learn a custom first dance for their wedding. These packages range from "The Bare Essentials" (2 lessons) to "Standard Package" (5 lessons) and "Shock Your Family" (10 lessons), offering bespoke choreography and advanced techniques.
• Cultural Immersion and History: A core aspect of their service is an emphasis on the history, culture, and origins of each dance style, providing an "immersive" learning experience beyond just physical steps.
• Performance Opportunities: While not explicitly detailed as public "recitals," the studio may offer opportunities for students to perform or showcase their skills, given their focus on artistry and competitive elements of dance. They are known to teach and perform at numerous locations.

Features / Highlights

• Highly Supportive and Encouraging Instructors: Matías and Irina are consistently praised for their encouraging, supportive, and patient teaching styles, making learning dance an enjoyable and comfortable experience for all levels.
• Emphasis on Holistic Dance Education: The studio goes beyond basic steps, deeply integrating technique, artistry, style, history, and cultural heritage into every lesson, providing a rich and comprehensive understanding of dance.
• Specialization in Niche and Culturally Rich Dance Forms: The unique offerings like Salsa Caleña, Rueda de Casino, and Kathak set Apasionado Dance apart, honoring and teaching the authentic cultural roots of these styles.
• Personalized Learning Approach: Instructors are adept at adjusting lessons to individual student abilities, goals, and desires, whether in private settings or small group classes.
• Fostering Community and Social Expansion: The studio actively "fosters opportunities to merge typically divergent dance communities," helping students expand their social circles and learn in a deeper, more connected way.
• Expert Instructors with Extensive Backgrounds: Irina, a USADance National Champion and USA representative to the World Championships, and Matías, an Adjunct Professor of partner dances, bring vast knowledge and experience to their teaching.
• Transformative Personal Growth: Beyond dance skills, students report feeling like a "truer version of yourself" after lessons, highlighting the profound personal and emotional benefits of their instruction.
• Accessible Pricing and Introductory Offers: The availability of various lesson packages, including a 50% off first lesson, makes their high-quality instruction more accessible to new students.

Contact Information

Address: 5604 Solway St Floor 3, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA

Phone: (412) 805-9798

Mobile Phone: +1 412-805-9798

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents across Pennsylvania, especially those in Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas, Apasionado Dance is an incredibly suitable and enriching point of interest for anyone looking to learn or advance their dance skills. What makes this "school" truly stand out for locals is its unique blend of professional expertise, deeply rooted cultural appreciation, and an exceptionally supportive learning environment. This isn't a generic dance studio; it's a specialized hub where instructors like Matías and Irina are not just teaching steps, but imparting the history, artistry, and soul of each dance.

The emphasis on "niche offerings" like Salsa Caleña, Rueda de Casino, and Kathak provides unparalleled opportunities for Pittsburghers to explore culturally rich dance forms that might be difficult to find elsewhere. For those interested in Ballroom, Latin, or Swing, the personalized approach and profound knowledge of the instructors ensure a superior learning experience, whether in private lessons or small group settings. The testimonials highlight how the studio helps students "level up their dancing" while also expanding their social circles and fostering a deeper connection to themselves.

Furthermore, its location in the vibrant Squirrel Hill South neighborhood makes it easily accessible for many within the city. For anyone in Pennsylvania seeking more than just dance classes—a truly immersive experience that builds skill, fosters community, and honors the cultural heritage of dance—Apasionado Dance is an invaluable local treasure. It’s a place where you are genuinely encouraged to "take a chance," grow, and discover a truer, more expressive version of yourself through the joyous art of dance.

Apasionado Dance

5604 Solway St Floor 3, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA