I started social dancing my first year of college (2019). I had taken a few classes here and there growing up, but most of what I knew of salsa and bachata came from learning from relatives at family functions. Jumping into the Atlanta scene was the breath I didn't know I needed. As a first-year biomedical engineering student, I needed something that would balance class-work and lab-work. Social dancing became that for me. So much so that I decided to join the executive board of my school's Salsa Club my first year.
3 years later, and I am now the president of the organization that has been such an integral part of my college experience: GT Salsa. While this post is meant to introduce you to the top socials in the Atlanta scene, I also want to encourage those college-aged readers or faculty/staff of universities to join these types of clubs and develop a community that is rooted in joy. Dance is an art form that means different things to people. For me, it's the way I express myself when words aren't enough. Through GT Salsa, I was able to meet people from my university like me, but I was also introduced to so many amazing souls that make the Atlanta scene what it is.
Every social has its character. DJs, dance styles, venues, and attendees make a social stand out. Luckily, these gems also all feature free parking! Yay! Without further ado, here are the 10 socials in the Atlanta Latin-dancing scene that you can't miss with a few honorable mentions. Fair warning, I am Salsa and Bachata dancer at heart, so most of these will be socials that are centered around these two styles. Zouk is next ;)
Pro tip: Having a general sense of awareness for what you bring to socials is good, but don't stress too much. Most people bring their change of shoes and/or bags, so just check on yours every once in a while throughout the night.
Every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday of the month at Taverna Plaka
Known previously for its $5 cash cover, BachaTuesdays are the perfect break for your week. DJ Mike Arana features urban and sensual bachata songs with a splash of salsa. His set consists of pop remixes and classics that leave you wanting more. DJ Mike keeps things fresh every 5th Tuesday with a new theme to follow.
I haven't been to BachaTuesdays as much as the other socials, but every time I do go, it feels like such a lax and fun way to boost my week. There is a security guard that will keep an eye out for your car, but they also search your bag for any water. I have, without fail, tried to sneak some in every time. Has it worked? I guess we'll never know.
Taverna Plaka's floors are surprisingly easy to dance on considering it is a restaurant-turned-social. There are seats along the walls if you want to take a break or a balcony that features pretty lights for a good photo op. If you're into feeling a buzz while dancing, there's also a bar. If you're not, they also sell water!
In between his sets, DJ Mike also takes pictures during the event. You can check out his gallery on the BachaTuesday Facebook page. Featured below is my friend Nico Bernal and I. DJ AK also made the cut here ;)
Every Fall and Spring on Georgia Tech's campus
Did you think I was going to pass up this opportunity for a shameless plug? No, I'm not above that when it comes to GT Salsa. Thankfully, it's for good reason. We had our first social of the year on April 22nd, and let me tell you...it was amazing! There were a few technical difficulties at the start (what's a Tech school without technical difficulties?), but we came out swinging with DJ Yasaf. We've always seen the love from our fellow Atlanta dancers, DJs, and studio owners, and this year was no different.
GT Salsa featured a complimentary salsa/bachata 1-hour lesson, an indoor social in Georgia Tech's Exhibition Hall for the first two hours, and ended with an outdoor social in our Arts Plaza. From an outsider's perspective, going to GT Salsa socials is a great way to meet the future of the scene and have the opportunity to dance with many of the greats. GT Salsa features performances by our very own performance team, dance teams from other studios around Atlanta, and other student organizations like Tekstyles (a freestyle, hip-hop dance club at Tech). Unfortunately, this social is the only one on the list that does not have free parking (perks of being in Midtown).
Fun fact: GT Salsa featured Elena Shinohara, 4x Rhythmic Gymnastics National Team member, in our Fall 2019 social.
Here's a clip of what the outdoor portion of our tropical-themed social looked like.
Every 2nd Saturday of the month at Academy Ballroom
Tumbao is characterized for its grand, high energy salsa room, hot (literally) bachata room, and featured performances. DJ Mike hosts yet another banger every month at Academy ballroom. If you're looking for a lot of salsa, this is the place. The performances kick off the bachata room at around midnight. In the meantime, the salsa floor sprinkles some in for us bachata fiends.
Chairs line the walls and along the back of the ballroom for when you need a break. Both rooms at Academy are lined with mirrors if you're into that. Fair warning, the bachata room gets incredibly hot even though there are fans lining the inside of the room. The great thing about Tumbao is that you can bring your own water, snacks, etc. if you so desire. Please do not forget your water.
Tumbao features performances from pro-dancers from around the world. Salsa. Bachata. Zouk. It's definitely something you don't want to miss.
Pro tip: if someone asks you to dance or vice versa, direct them to the fan. It is a lifesaver.
3rd Saturday of the month at the Atlanta Dance & Music Academy
Fuquan Ferrell, owner of Fuego y Hielo Dance Company, hosts Mambo Mayhem once a month for all of us salsa and bachata lovers. There are usually two rooms: 1 exclusively for salsa (plus a few cha cha's) and the other for all things bachata.
The event starts with a complimentary class and ends at around 2:30 AM. They also sometimes feature performances. Mambo Mayhem is fun, but like any medium-sized room filled with a lot people breathing, it gets hot pretty quickly. I would recommend bringing your own water, towel, and/or a change of shirt to stay feeling fresh throughout the night.
#5: La Mezcla Social
Every 1st Friday of the month at Aatma Dance Studio
La Mezcla features a fun mix of salsa and bachata by DJ Amit all night long. Aatma Dance Studio owner, Ashwin Raju, is a big supporter of student dancers in the Atlanta area. He is GT Salsa's performance team choreographer and offers a student discount for his socials (go Ashwin!). His monthly socials feature multiple performances from dance teams around the Southeast.
There is a complimentary class to kick off the night, and the social is BYOB (to share if you wish). It is a medium-sized space, but it generally stays cool since all doors stay open for ventilation and fans are their best friend.
Every Friday of the month | Latin Nights at Sanctuary
Funnily enough, Sanctuary is known for their 3 AM tacos after dancing til you drop. There is a taco station right outside the entrance for whenever you need a pick-me-up. The social is split up into two "rooms." The first room (usually the bachata room) is to the left right after you enter. The tropical room which features a lot of salsa, some merengue, and some traditional bachatas is more like a floor; you just walk up the stairs, and boom! you're there. I personally love the bachata room whenever DJ Yasaf is on set. I can never sit out a good sensual bachata.
Sanctuary's Latin night this week (June 3rd, 2022) features a kizomba room along with their typical tropical floor. Upstairs features a bar and plenty of seating for when you've danced too many songs in a row and can't feel your toes. You can' t bring your own water, but you can purchase a bottle or two at the bar (sad face).
Every 3rd Friday of the month at Academy Ballroom
Bachata connection's host, Jose Hernandez, is also a big supporter of the GT Salsa community. He is one of our instructors throughout the semester and always keeps students in mind for awesome discounts (thank you Jose!).
There's an open class to kick off DJ Yasaf's killer sensual bachata set, and the entire event is always a great time. I love their personal touches; they provide water and oranges to snack on throughout the night, so you don't have to stress if you forgot yours (though I would recommend bringing your own in case they run out). Bachata connection (BC) is a great segue into Brazilian Zouk if you're interested in learning! Brazilian Zouk is a partner dance that focuses on fluid and sensual movements (thank you Google). Jose also hosts the Zouk Conexao social.
Every 1st Saturday of the month at Academy Ballroom
Start your month off with Pura Bachata featuring Dj AK's lineup at Academy Ballroom. A gentle reminder that you should always bring water to socials.
This is a relatively new social to the scene, so make the most of it! Meet new people, enjoy the set, and dance the night away!
Every 4th Saturday of the month at PasoFino
PasoFino Dance Studio has been going strong since 2004. It was Atlanta's salsa studio that started it all. They teach classes every day of the week, host bootcamps throughout the year, and now host two socials: El Hangeo every Thursday ($5 cover) and their big social every 4th Saturday of the month ($15 cover). I loved every minute of their monthly social, but, like most venues on this list, it gets very hot very fast the more people go. On the plus side, their studio is sizable, so you'll likely always have enough space to spread out a bit. If El Hangeo is anything like their monthly social, sign me up! It's a drive away for me, but the diversity and quality of dancers is great! You get to see and dance with a little bit of everything!
Fun fact: I took a few classes in '08 at PasoFino with Ana Llorente. Still remember the credit card trick for sexy fingers #goodtimes.
Every 4th Friday of the month at Aatma Dance Studio
Dj Giles is back! Dulce y Sensual took a two-year pandemic break, but they're back and better than ever! DJ Giles will be featuring 80% bachata and 20% salsa.
Here's a picture from my pre-pandemic Dulce y Sensual days (much simpler times).
Honorable Mentions
Thursdays and every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
Eclipse di Luna is a great restaurant/club atmosphere during their Latin nights with DJ Danny Blanko's lineup, but salsa and bachatas are few and far between. This is an amazing place to go with friends for a great time bopping to reggaeton and all-time classics like Atrévete-Te-Te by Calle 13 (you already know EVERYONE is singing along when this comes on), but if you're looking to social dance all night, this is probably not the place.
Every 2nd Saturday of the month
If you're looking for a Latin experience when you go out for drinks with friends, PR Productions hosts Cielo at the Marquee Club once a month.
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