Hawaii Salsa 101- Linda Melodia Dance Company

Note: Salsa New York Style (on 2)
Overall
Salsa from Linda Melodia Dance Company (LMDC) is the first dance of any kind, I’ve ever tried. I’ve never really been good at dancing (being drunk and thinking I’m dancing in sync and well doesn’t count LOL) so progressing through 101, 102, and 201 with the Linda Melodia Dance Company has been nothing short of amazing. Class is always enjoyable, and thus I always look forward to it. I highly recommend their Salsa class!
Class Format
Warm-​ups
Shines
Partner work
Teaching Style
Class is broken down into technical, bite-​sized lessons that encapsulate body balance/​coordination, rhythm, structure and footwork; lessons were never too difficult, yet always remained challenging enough to keep me on my toes (pun intended). The shines seemed to be hand picked to help prepare for the partner work concept of the day, i.e. remember those shines hook step and turn footwork? Well that’s for the partner work too!
Instructors
Both Emily and Stefan are energetic and very passionate about Salsa. They are both amazing at pinpointing areas to improve on, and communicating very simply and efficiently, where and how to step, at what body angle, intensity, and flow of timing under an umbrella of a «dance move» (especially to a novice like me) showcases their prowess in Salsa.
Stefan was my primary instructor in 101 and for 102; he is a very good balance of being technical and lighthearted — his corny jokes and analogies help create a fun environment. Emily mostly teaches the females (also with styling and spinning), but she’s helped me on multiple occasions via partner work. In effect I think it’s so useful to have a team/​couple teaching because you can get both perspectives of Salsa.
Misc
The people that dance salsa here at LMDC (and related events) are all so nice and helpful! Everybody seems to exude fun and classiness. It’s a good feeling!
In conclusion, I’m very grateful to have stumbled upon LMDC. Great instructors, assistant instructors, and always great sessions. Worth your time and money!!! Happily continuing!

Whether you are looking to learn to dance for the first time or improve upon your current abilities, LM will lead you (without thumbs) to becoming a successful dancer. They teach classes throughout the week with their beginner classes focused on the weekends and your first class is free. Stefan and Emily, co-​owners of the dance company, are an amazing team. They are passionate about dance and gladly encourage questions during lessons because they want to help you grow and succeed as a dancer. Stefan will help men build the swag and techniques to dance confidently with ladies of all skill levels. Emily will help women with styling techniques and spinning to make every lady feel beautiful and confident on the dance floor as well. Stefan and Emily are also assisted by many of their advanced students who are just as passionate about dance and eager to help you learn and improve.

Stefan and Emily helped me – a guy who never thought he could learn ANY dance in even the most basic sense — gain confidence in learning salsa in the New York «on 2» style. They are both immaculate professionals who brought their passion for dance to Hawaii in an effort to grow the local scene. Their energy and commitment is evident, and they teach in a method that is fun, clear to understand, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Rarely have I dedicated my time and energy to an activity as strongly as I have to learning salsa at Linda Melodia Dance Company. I firmly believe it has been the encouragement of these two teachers who kept me going, despite the occasional frustrations that come with learning something that you never considered yourself capable of.
If you want to learn salsa dancing, look no further than Linda Melodia. There is simply no equal on the island.

Stefan and Emily are great dancers and such great teachers that I was able to pick up some moves even with two left feet. I love the teachers, music, and other students. Students of any level should take lessons here.

Stefan and Emily are very technical dancers who can explain everything you need to know. Unlike some other instructors who do the «watch and copy» style of teaching they will break it down piece by piece so everyone from beginners to advanced dancers can understand.
Their first level class is labeled Salsa 101, but even if you have years of experience you should still start with 101. They will take moves you thought you knew and clean it up so you will be 10 times better. When I took the class there was a former instructor from another dance school, someone who organizes salsa events, and a zumba instructor and they all learned new skills from 101.
They also dance with all of the students so everyone gets one on one time and personal tips and advice.
I’ve taken classes and workshops from dozens of instructors over the past 3 years and I highly recommended for all dancers.

Best place in Hawaii to learn Salsa! Both Stefan & Emily are knowledgeable, experienced, and make the lessons fun for EVERYONE! After my first beginner class I caught the Salsa-​a-​d-​d-​i-​c-​t-​i-​o-​n-​WOW! For all beginner and seasoned Salsa aficionados, Stefan & Emily have the cure: MORE SALSA!!! :)

I love their lessons!!. I have been taken their lesson a few month only, but now I can dance on 2 at social! It’s a little challenging but you must like it.

I highly recommend this company since it has and is continuing to help me build my skills as a Salsa dancer.

I have been dancing for about 6 years and have just finished taking their beginner lesson as a refresher and a way to take what I know and fine tune my skills. I have to say that they are the real deal, they are great at explaining moves in a way that everyone will get them. They also have a great class structure that build upon the last concepts and techniques.