Relax & Salsa – Hot Spots in Jozi

Craving something new? Why not learn to Salsa, Kizomba and Bachata? Jozi has fast become the causal dance hub in the country with the popularity of these dance styles on the rise. Sundowners, good company, and easy dancing is not hard to find. Being a dancer, this is something I want to introduce to you, that will not only change your life, but create a whole new world for you.

The first two are weekly spots, if you’re struggling to decide what to do on a Sunday afternoon, you are guaranteed a good time at either location.

Salsa @ 6

Venue: Melville Cocktail bar

Time: From 3pm until 8pm every Sunday

Situated in the vibrant area of Melville known for its nightlife and hidden gems at every corner. Mexican food, cocktail specials, friendly people and good music, you won’t be able to hold your feet.

This place is made for the beginner dancer, the person who wants to learn to dance socially, meet new people and find a new hangout.

Rooftop Salsa

Venue: Maboneng Precinct 28 Auret Street

Time: 3pm until late

Found at the centre of the arts corner in Joburg – Rooftop Salsa is the home away from home for anyone that visits. The crowd comes from all parts of the world, to meet at one central spot to dance, connect, laugh and enjoy life’s little pleasures. If you love to dance, love people and enjoy a good time outside, you will love it here!

Rooftop views, Caribbean style, worldly crowd and awesome music – everyone is welcome! It truly is the best place to be when the weather gets a bit warmer, the sun shines brighter and you’re looking for a place to let your hair down and enjoy the new season.

Sankayi Lounge and Club

Venue: 90 degrees shopping center corner Rivonia road and, Kelvin Dr, Morningside, Johannesburg, 2196

Time: Some Saturday’s from the evening until late

Sankayi aims to create a lounge setting that is intimate, and cosy. The perfect spot for those colder nights when you don’t want to be outside. It’s a smaller crowd, with a smaller dance floor, inside a venue that is secluded from the rest of the area.

If you’re just starting out and want to take a temperature check of the salsa scene before venturing out far and wide, I would recommend hitting up Sankayi. Friendly faces, dim rooms and couches to relax, nothing could possibly make you feel more comfortable.

Dance Café

Venue: 8 Milcliff Rd, Paulshof, Sandton, 2191

Frequency: Monthly or weekly

The Dance Cafe is a dance studio based in the Rivonia that offers training in different dance styles as well as Kizomba, Bachata and Salsa. They have classes that teach you how to dance with a partner / teacher at the studio. Every Friday night there is a dinner and dance open to the public.

The next four recommendations are more groups as opposed to weekly locations. How it works is you become a part of their community on their Facebook group – and every week there are classes during the week where you can go learn to dance. So, by the time the weekend arrives you are fully prepared and ready to hit the dance floor.

Do yourself a favour and become a part of one or more of these groups on Facebook, follow them and attend one of the events that you feel suits you. It will soon become home for you, a place you go to relax, destress and meet new friends.

Baila Afrika - BailaAfrika Afro Latino Dance Family is based in Johannesburg specialising in Cuban salsa, Angolan Kizomba and Semba dance, offering group/private lessons, team building and Jozi's best parties! We love what we do!
Dance Spirit SA - Dance Spirit is a dance school situated in South Africa. The school teaches and promotes Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Semba, Zouk, Merengue, Reggaeton, Afro-Beat and other Afro-Latino dance forms that have taken the world by storm.
HNS - Dancing is a wonderful cross age/cross culture experience and it's endlessly entertaining. HNS Brings you Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba. Be part of the movement!
Ahora Si - brings together Jozi's best salseros, dancing to the finest music, all while introducing salsa to a growing number of exciting new dancers.