Heyo! I'm Tam. I created Bachata Library to help new people become amazing bachata dancers. Let’s skip my boring dance story and get you the deets you're looking for.

Last updated: May 28, 2024. Say hi to me if you're in town @tamphambachata

💃 Best Salsa and Bachata Socials and Classes in Mexico City (CDMX)

Grupo Esencia México

Grupo Esencia México is my favorite group to dance with. The teachers are highly technical, super fun, and are trained by the famous bachata partners, Marco y Sara from Spain.

They have classes for all levels in beautiful Parque México.

• Wednesdays — Bachata at 6:30pm
• Saturday & Sunday — Salsa at 12pm and Bachata at 1pm

Address: Parque México, Av México s/n, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX

If you’ve never been to Parque México before, find the main quad, and go to the hallway surrounding the quad. Listen for loud bachata music and look for their giant banners that say “Grupo Esencia”

There’s usually a social directly after classes for their students to practice what you've just learned. It is lovely to dance in the park with the beautiful sun shining down.

For more info, follow Pepe on Instagram (@bachateamepapa).

ISM (International Salsa Meetup)

This was the community I first got involved with when I first landed in México. Expect to see a mix of foreigners and locals. Friendly and open vibes everywhere.

ISM has bachata, salsa, and Cuban salsa classes literally every day for beg/int dancers. They also have bootcamps to level up with the same group at a higher intensity.

Skill levels lean toward beginner/intermediate dancers.

They host at several different locations including their brand new studio. See their Instagram (@ismmexico) or the founder Kentaro (@kentaroyoneda) for updates.

Tlatelolco

This social has the highest level of talent under one roof. It's a bit outside of the touristy areas but it is definitely worth the trip. 🔥

Address: Centro de Convenciones y Exposiciones Tlateloco, Manuel Gonzalez 171, San Simón Tolnahuac, Cuauhtémoc, 06920 Ciudad de México, CDMX

Follow Juan Miguel Vieyra Bello for the latest events, typically on Friday and Sunday nights. This FB page and IG account also have events there but it's a bit outdated, so use them as a backup.

Mon Amour

A festive place to dance salsa and bachata every Friday night. Also some Kizomba & Reggaetón as the night progresses. I’ve celebrated a few of my friends’ birthdays here and the people and scene give very good vibes.

The vibe is less for social dancers and more for bringing your friends to hang out, people-watch, and dance a few songs together. So expect a more "party / fun" night out rather than a pure social dance.

Address: Their location changes a lot. So look at their Instagram to find the next event (@monamour.party).

Mama Rumba

A staple in CDMX. Mama Rumba is known for Cuban Salsa or Salsa Cubano. I don't dance much Cuban Salsa but many of my friends love their classes and socials.

They’re most known for the nightlife vibe. Have a drink and dance the night away with your friends here at Mama Rumba!

Address: C. Querétaro 230, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX

See their Instagram (@mamarumbacdmx)

Sensual Room CDMX

This is a newer event that I've enjoyed going to because, on top of bachata and salsa, they also teach Zouk and Kizumba if you're into that.

Address: Av Sonora 207, Condesa for the Tuesday nights. A different address for the Thursday and Sunday events.

See their Instagram (@sensual.room.cdmx) for the next events.

Bachateros CDMX

Small, tight space but a bumping dance scene. There are some really good dancers who frequent these Tuesday-night socials. It's not my favorite place to go, mostly because of the space limitations.

Address: Acapulco 62, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX

See their Instagram for their next event (@bachateros_cdmx).

El Babalú

They have classes of many Latin styles throughout the week along with socials afterward. When I danced there, the social was mainly salsa. They even bring in a live band to play!

After (or before) dancing, there’s an elegant restaurant downstairs to eat and drink called Salón Ríos.

Address: C. Río Lerma 218, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX

See new events weekly on their Instagram (@el.babalu)

Bachata Feeling

The one I’m most familiar with is their Thursday “Bachata Feeling” events. They usually have a salsa class at 7:30pm and a bachata class at 8:30pm followed by a social.

Address: Marsella 23A, Juárez Cuauhtémoc CDMX

See @sensualfeelingmx and @axelozada for updates.

La Bonita

Many groups use this space to host socials. Grupo Esencia (mentioned above) hosts the best social here once a month. Dance Room (@dance_room_mx) also hosts events here. But you can see all events at La Bonita's Facebook page.

They typically host events on the weekends. My friends have gone and it's a great social.

Address: Ezequiel Montes 136, Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, 06030 CDMX

Bachetea Love

Monthly events on the weekend. Looks like I’m writing this as they are preparing their next event. See their Instagram for up-to-date info (@bachatealove).

Salsa Condela

They teach salsa, bachata, and kizomba at their studio. Many of my friends have taken classes here and like the focus on technique.

I haven’t been since it’s a bit further than where I am now (the venue is near Fórum Buenavista). But if you’re in the area and want a structured learning environment, check them out on their website.

Address: Estafetas 99, Postal, Benito Juárez, 03410 Ciudad de México, CDMX

Latin Tribu Dance Academy

Dani (@daniloug12) is one of my favorite bachata teachers in CDMX! Latin Tribu Academy hosts bachata classes on Thursday nights at Medellín 273 (2nd floor). Plus salsa and bachata classes on Saturday mornings in Parque España.

Address: Parque España, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140 Ciudad de México, CDMX

See their Instagram for the latest events (@latintribu_danceacademy).

Salsa Dance Club Condesa & Polanco

This studio is known for salsa but they also teach bachata. I didn’t enjoy my bachata experience there.

I also thought their pricing was too much of a commitment (it felt like signing up for a gym membership). But I have heard amazing things about their salsa classes.

Address (Condela): Gral. Salvador Alvarado 20, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX

Address (Polanco): Av. Ejército Nacional Mexicano 42-Interior 2G, Anzures, Miguel Hidalgo, 11590 Ciudad de México, CDMX

See for yourself (@salsacondesa).

Royal Latin Co.

A great studio that is mainly known for its intense salsa classes. I haven't been yet but my friends swear by it, and I'm a big fan of the studio director Jorge Velasco (@jorgevelasco.royal)

Follow them here (@royal.latin.cdmx)

All other socials in Mexico City (CDMX)

There are dancing events every night in México City. When I asked my friends for more suggestions, they recommended these events. I haven't been to these ones yet but I'll leave more names and links here for you to explore.

1. Esencia Bachata Social
2. Dancing Souls Polanco
3. Somos Casineros en México
4. By-lo social

Thank you to all my friends who suggested these events + many others throughout the page. Teamwork!!

My recommendations for private teachers

1. Casey (@caseyward_) for sensual bachata
2. Carlos (@carlos.minguela) for men's styling
3. Mannu (@mannu.mendez) for salsa línea
4. Jorge Velasco (@jorgevelasco.royal) for salsa línea
5. Ricardo (@jossuericardo) for salsa cubano (and cumbia)
6. Bren (@bren.moon_) for zouk

Tell them that I sent ya! 😇

🕺 Bailamos?

As an Asian man/foreigner with little Spanish, dance is the universal language I needed to connect me to new communities anywhere I travel. I hope this page connects you to a community that has brought so much joy to my life.

For more resources about bachata, click here for the full list. Say hi to me on Instagram (@tamphambachata). See you on the dance floor! 🕺