Our Cuban Dance School
Your Meeting Point to Learn, Feel & Connect Through Cuban Dance in Athens
Welcome to Cubania Dancehouse, your go-to place for authentic Cuban Salsa and passionate social dance in the heart of Athens. Our school was born from a deep love for Cuban culture and has grown into a vibrant community where people of all ages and backgrounds learn to dance — with joy, structure, and soul.
Many search for "Salsa classes" or "Latin Dance" in Athens. At Cubania, we specialize in the vibrant, unique, and soulful Cuban style. With us, you don't just discover steps; it's a journey of connection – to music, to your body, and to others. Our teaching system blends clear structure with expressive movement, helping you grow both technically and emotionally as a dancer.
What makes us unique? At Cubania, we believe that dancing is far more than just steps. It's about genuine connection – to the music, to your own expression, and to the people around you.
On this page, you'll discover:
Our unique teaching system
The three core elements that shape our dancers: Structure, Body Movement & Mastery
A clear overview of our dance levels, from absolute beginner to advanced social dancing
Whether you're taking your first steps or searching for a deeper connection through dance – you're in the right place.
Scroll down and explore the Cubania way.
Our Teaching System
Structure. Quality. Expression.
The Cubania Dancehouse Method incorporates over 30 years of teaching experience, movement pedagogy, and a pure love for Cuban dance culture. Our system was developed by Elena Gkotsi to teach dancers not just figures – but to impart a deep understanding of body, music, and social dance. We empower you to move freely, confidently, and authentically on the dance floor.
What makes our system special?
Structured Progression – from the basics to free improvisation
Technical Clarity – body awareness, balance, leading/following, and timing
Cultural Depth – we don't just dance steps; we dance origin, history, and energy
Our teaching system is divided into three essential pillars that will guide you on your dance journey:
Structure & Technique – You learn the principles behind partnerwork, rhythm, posture, and movement logic to create a solid and secure foundation for Salsa Cubana.
Body Movement & Energy – You develop style, expression, and body awareness through Afro-Cuban, Rumba, Reparto, and other movements that enrich your Cuban dance and unleash your energy.
Mastery & Interpretation – Here, you connect music, technique, and your personality to create your own unique dance style, enabling you to be spontaneous and creative – the true essence of social dance and improvisation.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your dance – our system will guide you step by step into the world of Salsa Cubana. With clarity, respect, and pure joy in movement.
Curious? In the next sections, you can delve deeper into our “Building Blocks” and dance levels.
Our Building Blocks: The Pillars of Your Dance
To enable a clear, structured, and sustainable dance journey, we have divided our unique teaching system into three fundamental "Building Blocks." These building blocks are the key to a deep understanding and true mastery in Cuban Dance. They ensure the highest quality in your learning process and lay the indispensable foundation for your personal expression and joy on the dance floor.
In the following sections, you can delve deeper into each individual building block and understand how we at Cubania Dancehouse work to shape you into a confident and expressive dancer.
Structure is the invisible backbone of your dance – it lends it aesthetics, grace, and effortless beauty. When we speak of structure, we mean the logical progression that begins with a first, fundamental building block. All subsequent steps, figures, and footwork build upon it. A solid foundation is therefore essential: many advanced dancers struggle because they lack this clear foundation, making their dance appear less aesthetic or fluid. Through our unique system, our goal is to provide you with this unshakeable basis from the very beginning.
Technique is the "how" of these building blocks: We precisely show you how to correctly shift your weight, how to step, what to pay attention to regarding posture and body tension, and how to execute each movement perfectly to master the specific building block. Yes, this sounds very detailed, but in practice, you'll find that you internalize these subtleties with great fun and joy, while your dance becomes more graceful and confident from the ground up.
Our Dance Levels: Your Tailored Path to Mastery in Cuban Dance
At Cubania Dancehouse, we systematically guide you through a clear learning path that continuously develops your dance skills from the very first steps to free, authentic interpretation.
Our carefully structured dance levels are designed so that at each stage, you learn exactly what you need for your next progression in Cuban Dance. Whether you are an absolute beginner or want to elevate your Salsa Cubana to the next level – you will find your suitable level here.
Explore our dance levels to see where your journey begins or how you can deepen your existing dance:
Everyone is welcome here who has no prior dance experience and wishes to discover the fascinating world of Cuban Dance from scratch. In this level, we lay the indispensable foundation for your entire dance journey:
You will learn the basic steps of Salsa Cubana.
We will teach you the first 10 essential pre-figures, giving you a first insight into partner interaction.
Special emphasis is placed on understanding rhythm, so you can move confidently and securely to the music.
You will develop a feel for your balance and correct body weight transfer – absolute cornerstones for any stylish dance.
With these solid fundamentals, you will master the first steps and figures with fun and ease, building a strong basis for future learning.
