The Masacote Dance School
The Masacote Dance School is directed by acclaimed dance and music professionals. It offers authentic Afro-Latin dance and music instruction for people of all ages, levels, and abilities, and is based in Cambridge, MA.
To us, salsa is more than a dance or music style – it’s a way of life. Our devoted team of coaches utilizes a mindfulness-based approach, building strong foundations and developing students’ technique, musical connection, and body awareness skills.
As a small company with a big vision, we realize we can’t do it alone. We also offer a work-study program, where students provide practical help for the team in exchange for discounted classes.
The Masacote Beginners' Guide
$79 Introductory Rate for unlimited package available for new clients.
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What to wear
Dress comfortably! Sweat pants, dress pants, leggings, leotards, skirts, wraps and/or sarongs are all welcome. If you do not have dance shoes, we’d recommend heels or dress shoes with a slick bottom that do not give traction when spinning.
Ages of Participants
Students’ ages range anywhere from 16-60, although average falls between 25-40.
Partner Requirements
No partners needed! We rotate often during classes. Advance registration required.
When to Start
New students are accepted on the 1st of every month. If you have prior On 2 experience and understand basics well, contact us in advance to see if it is ok to start later in the month.
Salsa Stage 1 Registration
If you’re interested in taking our Salsa Stage 1/1+ classes specifically, email us ahead of time to register: .
Stages
Group classes at Masacote are organized in stages. Each stage focuses on developing specific skills necessary for later complexity. We place particular importance on fundamentals during the initial stages and thus recommend students always start with the Stage 1 classes.
Coaches
Our coaches (instructors) help provide guidance on your dance and music journey.
Non-Group Classes
We offer private lessons for individually tailored instruction and online classes for training at home.
Intensives
Intensive programs are organized in 3-12 month blocks and are not included in the memberships. Full session is required to participate, and spots are limited. Contact us for information on upcoming Intensives.
Latin Music Percussion Intensives
Offered every 3 months. Students learn about the music and how to play the instruments. No prior music experience necessary. Instruments are provided.
Dance Intensives
Offered every season. Dance intensives take a deeper dive into technique vs. repertoire. Past intensives include styling and salsa technique.
MASA2
MASA2: Professional Track Program
MASA2 is a one-year coaching program that launches every February. It is designed for dancers seeking to train with Masacote in a direct, challenging setting for staff and dancer development. Application required. This group trains on Mondays from 7:30pm-10pm.
Student Performance Teams
Student Performance Teams are organized in 4-6 month blocks over the spring and fall semesters and are not included in the memberships. Full session is required to participate, and spots are limited. Contact us for information on upcoming performance teams.
Student Performance Classes
Offered spring and fall. Students drill technique and learn choreography.
Salsa Partnering performance classes start in January/February.
Salsa Footwork/Movement performance classes start in September/October.
Both of these groups train on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30pm-10:30pm.
Open Group Classes
Afro Cuban Fusion
Afro Cuban dance classes explore a fusion of the movements & culture of folkloric Cuban dance. One stage for all skills offered.
Bachata
Bachata originates from the Dominican Republic. Our classes focus on musical groove and partner connection. Two stages are offered.
Cha Cha
No longer a limited intensive, Cha Cha now joins our schedule full-time! Attention will be placed on: cha cha music timing, partner connection, footwork & partnerwork repertoire building.
Cuban Son
Son is a dance and music style that originated in the eastern part of Cuba. Son spread across the island, Caribbean, and later to New York to become the root of what we now call Salsa. Son also provides the structural base for Casino, commonly known as Cuban Salsa. In this weekly class we begin to develop basic concepts and musicality for Son social dancing.
Movement Technique
Focus on footwork technique, weight placement, and musical awareness. Build up stronger, faster footwork while learning to build more rhythmic connections.
Rumba
Rumba is a Cuban folkloric, secular dance. Our classes focus on individual movement isolation and dance fusion. One stage for all skills offered.
Salsa
Masacote teaches NY Style Salsa On 2, centered around the Tumbao rhythm of the congas. Classes are separated into four stages of partnering and footwork.
Masacote newcomers with prior Salsa On 2 experience may begin in Salsa 1+. All others must start in Salsa 1. Higher stages require coach approval, and students are moved up as they become proficient in the skills at each stage.
Qigong & Meditation
Cultivate peace of mind and tranquility by learning some basic techniques of meditative practices for aligning mind, body and soul with Joel Massicot.
School Programs
