Passion · Expression · Fitness · Community
Meet the Team
Founded by Hunter Houde. Built for adults who want to learn to dance, get fit, and find their people.
About Us
Why this school exists
Our mission
We change lives through Latin dance. Clear teaching, expert coaches and a warm community help you learn to dance while you get healthier, meet people and grow in confidence. Dance is a path of growth and self discovery. Our job is to make it easy to start and a joy to keep going.
Our approach
Step by step teaching plus real training. A clear syllabus, attention to how your body moves, and lots of time on the floor. You do not just learn steps. You learn to feel the music and dance like yourself. Each dancer moves at their own pace with a coach who pushes them a little further.
Why choose us
Whether you want to polish your technique, find community, or compete at the top level, we have the tools and the people to get you there. Top tier teaching, a lively community, and chances to perform and compete. Come see what dance can do for your body, your mind and your life.
Founder · Instructor
Hunter Houde
Hunter Houde is a Latin dance artist, teacher and competitor based in New York City. He has almost 17 years of professional experience teaching, performing and competing.
He is known for clean technique, charisma and stage presence. He has won two Rising Star championships and was Vice Champion at the World Salsa Summit in the Professional Salsa On2 division with his partner, Judith Marie Petri. Together they rank among the top salsa competitors in the world.
Hunter’s background is wide. As a kid he trained in martial arts and earned a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, which gives his dancing strength and agility. He trained in classical dance at Alvin Ailey, ballroom at Arthur Murray, and Afro-Cuban dance in New York and in Havana, Cuba.
In salsa he studied under Eddie Torres, Franklin Díaz, Anya Katsevman and Adolfo Indacochea. He has danced in film and theater, including In the Heights, and starred in the off-Broadway show Carmen: To Havana and Back. He has been a key member of teams like Balmir, Iroko and Latin Soul Dancers, performing across North America.
His teaching is about connection and musicality. Because he knows so many styles, he can shape a lesson to fit each dancer’s body and the way they learn. Hunter learned to dance as an adult too, so he knows what it feels like to start from zero.
Instructor
Kaitlyn De La Rosa
Kaitlyn took her first salsa class in November 2016, but Latin music was part of her life long before that. As a preteen she found the genre again on Pandora and realized she already knew how to dance bachata and merengue. At 15 she decided it was time to learn something new and technical: salsa.
In 2018 she joined her first semi-professional team, and her love for performing grew fast. She started at Lorenz in the Bronx as a student, worked her way up through the student team, and was then invited to join their semi-pro team and teach children’s classes.
As a dancer, Kaitlyn is known for natural body movement and effortless style. She teaches with energy and a strong focus on the basics: body movement, timing, connection and clean technique, so students build confidence from the ground up.
Her warm smile and adaptable coaching make class feel easy, even when the material is not. Dancers of every level grow, thrive and find their own flair with her.
Instructor
Gabriella Agudelo
Gabriella “Gabby” Agudelo was born and raised in New Jersey to Colombian parents. Her dancing is rooted in salsa caleña and salsa On1, which gave her rhythm, speed and precision from an early age.
In 2017 she started training in mambo (salsa On2) in New York City to widen her range, and she still trains hard, refining her technique and exploring new styles. She started salsa at 15 and now has more than ten years in it.
Gabby is studying for a degree in Dance, training in ballet, contemporary, modern and dance theater. She has performed live with bachata artists Joe Veras, Frank Reyes and Max Santos, and has been a key member of Zuberi Ladies (directed by Delia Madera) and Borinsura Pro (directed by Amneris Martinez) in New York City.
On stage she blends fast caleña footwork, expressive body movement, Afro-Cuban influence and refined ladies’ styling. In class she shares all of it with students of every level.
Our Values
What we stand for
Passion. Expression. Integrity. Community. Fitness. Growth.
Passion and expression
Dance is more than movement. It is a way to say something and to connect with yourself and others.
Integrity and community
Every student is treated with respect. Everyone is welcome here, whatever their background.
Fitness and growth
Dance is art and it is exercise. We push you to grow, master your craft, and see what dance can change.
Come dance with us.
The next beginner cycle starts Tuesday, October 6. The Beginner Special is 4 classes for $99. No partner needed.
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