Salsa Y Control Introduce
As a local Massachusetts resident eager to dive into the vibrant Latin dance scene of Greater Boston, Salsa Y Control in Cambridge is a name that consistently comes up as a premier destination. More than just a dance school, Salsa Y Control—often referred to as SyC—is an established, well-loved dance company that has been inspiring people to dance the passionate rhythms of Salsa and Bachata for over two decades. Founded by Colombian-born brothers Johnny and Andres Giraldo, the company is passionately committed to providing a fun, humble, and welcoming environment for dancers of all levels and backgrounds.
The Cambridge location serves as a critical spot for the Boston Latin dance community, often hosting classes within the vibrant ecosystem of The Dance Complex. Salsa Y Control is widely recognized throughout the Boston area for its top-quality and easy-to-follow instruction, allowing beginners to confidently take their first steps and experienced dancers to refine their skills with intricate partnering and footwork. Their reputation is built on a foundation of professional, patient instruction and an infectious love for Latin music and culture.
The studio's mission is simple yet profound: “Inspiring Others to Dance.” While they are recognized for fast footwork and musicality in their choreographed performances, their classes are designed to be accessible to everyone. Whether your goal is simply to be comfortable on the social dance floor or to join one of their nationally recognized performance teams, Salsa Y Control offers the curriculum, expertise, and community to help you achieve it.
Feedback from local students often highlights the professionalism and approachable nature of the instructors. They are known for breaking down complex choreography into easy-to-understand segments, ensuring that students get a lot out of every class. This commitment to supportive learning is what makes SyC a staple of the Massachusetts Latin dance community, regularly making appearances at local, national, and international events, including the annual Boston Salsa Festival.
The Cambridge location of Salsa Y Control is strategically placed in a bustling, easily accessible part of the city, right in the heart of cultural and educational activity. This is extremely convenient for students coming from Cambridge, Boston, and the surrounding areas via public transit or car.
The primary physical address associated with their Cambridge classes is:
Address: 536 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
This address corresponds to the location of The Dance Complex, a well-known institution in the Central Square neighborhood of Cambridge. This location provides access to a professional studio setting and benefits from being steps away from the MBTA Red Line’s Central Square station, making it highly accessible for anyone commuting from anywhere on the subway line, including students and professionals from Harvard and MIT. The energy of Central Square further contributes to a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for dancers.
Salsa Y Control provides a comprehensive range of Latin dance classes and related services tailored for a diverse student base, from those taking their first basic steps to seasoned performers. Key offerings include:
- Salsa Classes: Instruction across multiple levels (e.g., Level 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4) focusing on basic footwork, leading/following technique, cross-body lead, turns, and advanced patterns. Classes emphasize the popular on1 style.
- Bachata Classes: Partner work and footwork classes taught across various skill levels (e.g., Level 1, 2), focusing on rhythm, technique, and sensual movements.
- Partner Dance: Specialized instruction in the art of leading and following, essential for social dancing and ensuring smooth partner connections.
- Private Lessons: Personalized, one-on-one instruction with a dedicated instructor for focused skill development, refining technique, or preparing for a specific performance or event.
- Choreography and Performance Teams: Opportunities to audition and join one of their multiple Salsa (On1) and Bachata dance teams at varying levels, from beginner performers to professional troupes.
- Dance Performances: The professional teams are available for performances at weddings, corporate events, festivals, college functions, and local dance socials.
- Special Events & Dance Socials: Organizing and hosting local events like the Tambo Salsa Social and the SyC Vinyl Jam Social, providing opportunities for students to practice their skills in a fun, real-world setting.
- Studio Rental: The company offers studio rental options at their dedicated studio space (located in Allston) for rehearsals, classes, or private functions.
- Ladies Styling Classes: Focused sessions designed for women to enhance their body movement, arm styling, and shine work.
Salsa Y Control is known across Massachusetts for a few distinctive features that cement its place as a leader in the local Latin dance community:
- Founding Expertise: The school is run by the Giraldo brothers, Johnny and Andres, who bring a high level of professional performance and choreography experience to every class.
- Community Focus: SyC prides itself on fostering a supportive and humble dance family. They are deeply involved in the Boston Latin dance social scene, encouraging students to participate in events and socials outside of the studio.
- Performance Pedigree: The company is one of Boston's elite dance studios, with its performance teams regularly competing and showcasing their skills at major national and international dance congresses and events.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: They offer a well-structured, multi-level class system that systematically guides dancers from basic steps (Level 1) to complex routines (Level 4, requiring instructor approval).
- Central Location in Cambridge: Operating out of The Dance Complex in Central Square provides an energizing and highly accessible location via the Red Line and local bus routes.
- Social Dance Integration: By hosting their own social events, they seamlessly connect classroom learning with the practical application of social dancing, which is essential for students to gain confidence.
- Focus on Core Principles: The instruction emphasizes fundamental concepts like musicality, timing, and proper leading/following technique to ensure students become well-rounded and proficient social dancers.
For residents in Massachusetts who want to register for classes, book a private lesson, or inquire about performance teams, the following contact details for Salsa Y Control are reliable points of connection:
Cambridge Class Location (The Dance Complex): 536 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
Primary Phone: (617) 312-6464
Mobile Phone: +1 617-312-6464
Email Contact (e.g., for Level 3 Salsa): johnny@salsaycontrol.com (or andres@salsaycontrol.com for team inquiries)
Choosing Salsa Y Control in Cambridge is a commitment to receiving Latin dance instruction from one of the most respected and established companies in Massachusetts. For local users, particularly those working or residing near the vibrant hubs of Cambridge and Boston, the convenience of the Central Square location is a major draw, placing top-tier dance education within steps of major public transportation.
The primary reason to choose SyC is the caliber of instruction. The Giraldo brothers and their team are not just teachers; they are elite performers who translate their deep passion and intricate technical knowledge into easily digestible, progressive lessons for every student. This approach ensures that whether you are a complete beginner nervous about the first step or an experienced dancer looking for advanced choreography, you will find a supportive path to growth.
Furthermore, the emphasis on building a welcoming community is paramount. While one review noted a need for better lead/follow balance in a specific beginner class setting, the overwhelming reputation of SyC is one of professionalism and inclusion, focusing on the sheer joy of dance. Their consistent organization of social events creates a direct bridge between the studio classroom and the social dance floor, giving students immediate opportunities to practice and make lasting connections within the Massachusetts Latin dance family. For a dedicated, progressive, and fun immersion into the world of Salsa and Bachata, Salsa Y Control is a proven, excellent choice right here in the heart of the Commonwealth.
Salsa Y Control Services
Dance School
- Bachata Classes
- Dance Performances
- Dance Studio
- Dance Studio Classes
- Partner Dance
- Private Lesson
- Salsa Classes
- Special Events
- Studio Rental
Salsa Y Control Photos

Salsa Y Control Location
Salsa Y Control
536 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
Salsa Y Control Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I can’t speak highly enough of this dance company. I took salsa level 3 with Johnny & Kelly in Cambridge. They are professional, easy to understand, and made the environment welcoming and non-intimidating. You can tell they love what they do, and it’s a place to go simply to enjoy yourself. They choreograph different combos and I got a lot out of every class and made some new dance friends in the process.
December 16 · Nathalie EcheverriWent to two of their beginner salsa lessons at The Dance Complex in Cambridge. On the plus side, I thought the instruction was pretty decent for a beginner lesson. On the minus side, about twice as many people who wanted to dance lead (largely guys) than follow. Paying $17 for a lesson where you are dancing without a partner half the time didn't appeal to me (a guy) so while I normally learn to dance lead in a new rhythm I decided to dance follow for my second lesson Turns out they have some homophobic twits in their class. Ironically for someone on the receiving end of that, I'm not gay (not that it should matter). I'm just not hung up on the gender of people i learn dance steps with. I told the instructor about my negative experience while signing out and paying. Think that telling me not to pay would be the least one might expect, but, well, apparently not. I'd guess my review would be quite a bit more positive if the lead/follow balance had been better and I had been leading. Certainly I'd discourage people from dancing in their lessons if not doing gender normed lead/follow dance roles. Or if the lead/follow balance isn't decent. Won't be back.
June 21 · David ResnickI attended their dance a month or so ago at the Dante Alighieri in Kendall Square. So many outstanding dancers!But I really had problems with the music. I learned to dance salsa on one, and I just could not lead to this music. So I asked some good leads to let me follow and they did. And that’s how learned, after so many years, to dance salsa on two. And I love it!Now I love to dance on two, but I struggle to lead. So I guess I will follow! Gracias, Salsa Y Control!
April 22 · Eric HoustonI have had an amazing experience working with Johnny. We have taken bachata, salsa, and "first dance" lessons with him over the last several years. Extremely friendly and an excellent dancer. I'd recommend him highly.
October 09 · Andrea AmourI did 2 sessions with Andres in Allston last year and it was great...I purchased a punch card to Drop-in but haven’t had the discipline to return. Been attending lessons/social/performances with Andres & his brother & Artem at Havana and Tavern in the Square and I ADORE IT!! Planning on returning to Allston studio to fine-tune technique.
August 15 · Katherine McCubrey
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