Everything you need to know about classes, pricing, instructors, and getting started at Baila Albany Dance Studio in Latham, NY. Don’t see your question? Call Felix at 518-334-3483.
Yes — every new student gets one free class to try us on. Reserve it through Punchpass; it is valid for 14 days after you claim it. No paperwork, no payment up front. After your free class, you decide whether to come back. Browse the live calendar at /class-schedule/ to pick a class.
No. Most of our group classes — Salsa, Traditional Bachata, Zumba, and East Coast Swing — are designed so anyone can walk in solo. For partner-work classes like Salsa Beginner and Intermediate, we rotate partners during class so you’ll dance with multiple people. Solo dancers are the norm at Baila Albany.
No experience required. Beginners are welcome. Felix tailors instruction so first-timers and seasoned dancers share the same floor. The Salsa Beginner class on Tuesday evenings and Traditional Bachata Beginner on Monday evenings are the most popular entry points. East Coast Swing on Thursdays (with Bob Fullan) is open to all levels, and no partner is needed.
Comfortable clothes you can move in. For shoes: suede or leather-soled shoes are best (sneakers stick to the hardwood floor). Low heels or flats work for women, dress shoes or clean sneakers for men. We’re not picky — just avoid flip-flops on the dance floor.
Drop-in any week. There’s no session lock-in or registration window. You can join mid-month, take a few weeks off, and pick back up. Reserve your spot through Punchpass before class.
First class is free for new students. Drop-ins are $15 per class, a 4-class card is $50, and an 8-class card is $100. The Thursday SalSwing Social is $10 for the social only or $15 with the lesson. Private lessons are $65 for a single lesson or $300 for 5. Full pricing details on the Class Schedule page.
A 4-class card is $50 and an 8-class card is $100. Use one credit per class. Cards are managed through Punchpass — buy through the pricing widget on /class-schedule/ and they show up in your account automatically.
No monthly subscriptions. We use a class-card model that fits flexible schedules better. Buy passes through Punchpass.
Yes — first class free, no obligation. After your free class, it’s a $15 drop-in, a $50 4-class card, or a $100 8-class card. No session lock-in.
Mon 6:30 PM Traditional Bachata Beginner / 7:30 PM Intermediate (Bachata). Tue 6:30 PM Salsa Beginner / 7:30 PM Salsa Intermediate. Wed 5:30 PM Zumba / 6:30 PM Salsa Advanced / 7:30 PM Casino Rueda. Thu 6:30 PM East Coast Swing (All Levels, with Bob Fullan) / 7:30–11:30 PM SalSwing Social. Sat 10:00 AM Zumba. Private lessons by appointment on Fridays and Saturdays.
On1 timing breaks on count 1 (the standard for most U.S. salsa). On2 timing breaks on count 2 — the New York Style codified by Eddie Torres in the 1970s. Felix is one of very few Capital District instructors who teaches authentic NY Style On2. Our weekly Salsa classes teach On1; NY Style On 2 returns periodically and is available on special request and in private lessons.
Cuban Salsa danced in a circle of couples with a caller. Instead of memorizing patterns, you respond to live calls (Dame, Enchufla, Setenta, etc.) and rotate partners every move. It’s high-energy and friendly because the caller does the thinking. Wednesday nights at 7:30 PM at Baila Albany (Intermediate/Advanced — newcomers welcome to try). Full details: /casino-rueda/.
Latin Medley (a single class covering Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and Cha-Cha) is not currently on the weekly schedule. Details remain on /latin-medley/; check the class schedule for what is running now.
Yes — Zumba® Latin Dance Experience runs Wednesdays at 5:30 PM with Veronica Puente and Saturdays at 10:00 AM with Jason “Zumba J”. All levels welcome. /zumba-classes/.
Yes — East Coast Swing (all levels, taught by Bob Fullan, no partner needed) runs Thursdays at 6:30 PM, followed by our weekly SalSwing Social at 7:30 PM. Your free first class includes that night’s social. Reserve a spot through Punchpass.
Felix Ortiz (owner, lead Salsa, Casino Rueda, Traditional Bachata, Merengue, Cha-Cha) and Veronica Puente (Zumba® Latin Dance Experience). Full bios on /about/.
Owner and lead instructor at Baila Albany. Bronx-born (“bronxsalsero”), moved to Albany in 2000. 25+ years of Latin dance experience. Baila Albany is his third Latin dance studio. Specialties: Salsa (NY Style On2 and Casino Rueda), Bachata, Merengue, Cha-Cha. Community involvement includes Universal Preservation Hall pre-concerts (Alex Torres), Ichabod Crane Middle School wellness program, and Dancing with the Capital Region Stars charity ($430K+ raised).
Yes — by appointment (Fridays and Saturdays). Private lessons are $65 for a single lesson or $300 for 5. Felix and instructors offer private lessons for individuals, couples, and small groups. Common requests: wedding first dance, social dance technique, ladies styling intensives. Call 518-334-3483 or email bronxsalsero@gmail.com to schedule.
Yes — you can rent the studio by the hour: $65/hour, or $234 for 4 hours, $332 for 6 hours, or $416 for 8 hours (up to 40 guests, 1,500 sq ft). Add-ons: speakers $25, wireless mic $15, PA + mic $35, playlist $25, group lesson $75, event support $50. Full details: /private-events/.
Yes — our SalSwing Social runs every Thursday from 7:30 to 11:30 PM ($10 for the social only, $15 with the lesson), and we host themed socials and special events throughout the year. Past themes: Havana Nights, Prohibition River, Lake George summer events. Eventbrite: eventbrite.com/o/baila-albany-dance-studio.
Yes — rent the studio by the hour and add a group lesson ($75) for weddings, bachelorette parties, corporate holiday events, and milestone birthdays. Book 4-6 weeks in advance for most dates; 6-8 weeks for Friday/Saturday nights. /private-events/ for full rates and FAQ.
952 Troy-Schenectady Road in Peter Harris Plaza, Latham, NY 12110. Free dedicated lot parking. We’re 8 minutes from downtown Albany, 12 from Schenectady, 15 from Troy. Map and directions on /contact/.
Yes — free dedicated lot parking right at the studio entrance in Peter Harris Plaza. No street parking required, no meters, no permits.
Most students live within 20 minutes. We regularly see students from Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Clifton Park, Guilderland, Saratoga Springs, Cohoes, Niskayuna, and beyond. If you’re in the 4-county Capital District (Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, or Rensselaer counties), you’re close enough to make a weeknight class work.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 6:00–10:00 PM; Thursday 6:30–10:00 PM (the SalSwing Social runs until 11:30 PM); Saturday 10:00–11:00 AM; closed Sundays. Full hours on /contact/.
Felix is happy to talk through your specific situation. Call, email, or just walk in — your first class is free. Wondering how far the studio is from your town? Find your closest town page for the route and the classes nearby.