Best Salsa Bars In Sacramento
Whether you are a novice or a more experienced Salsa dancer, this sizzling, Latin-trend is here to stay. From steamy, cozy dance studios to larger "Cali-style" night clubs offering a heated sauna-like groove, below find four prime locations to help you and your partner heat up the dance floor.
Antigua
723 K Street, Sacramento, CA
(916) 444-1322
When: Saturday, 9:30 p.m.
Price: Cover charge of $10 before 11 p.m.; $15 after 11 p.m.
antiguasacramento.com
Make Antigua a must for you next night of dancing! DJ Omar Torres leads heart pounding Salsa dancing and lessons for the past year and a half at Antiqua. But Torres is no stranger to the dance floor he has been teaching Salsa for over 15 years. Music ranges from traditional Salsa to Muchacha, Cumbia, and even Merengue. "He's got a crowd that follows him every Saturday," said Luis Mirazo, the bars general manager. "If you like Salsa, you would like Antigua. They mix the music. One after another one," said Torres. "At other clubs, they give you a break." Clearly not here!
The Davis Graduate
805 Russell Boulevard, Davis, CA
(530) 758-GRAD
When: Tuesday, 10 – 1 a.m.; lessons with Van 9:30 – 10 p.m.
Price: Cover charge of $6; 18 and up
www.davisgrad.com
What makes The Davis Graduate especially popular is it introduces Salsa dancing to college-aged students in a nightclub atmosphere. The Graduate has had Salsa for more than 20 years, according to Danny Ramos, general manager. "It's extremely popular. Everyone has a good time and they want to come back," said Ramos. The oak-hardwood floors are what makes the club perfect for dancing, "We don't just have your typical plywood," he says. DJ Nehad orchestrates the Salsa night serving up more than just the traditional Salsa music. He also introduces a wide array of Salsa dancing from Central, North, and South America. "He doesn't just bring the styles of Cuba and Puerto Rico. It's international," Ramos said.
The Steel Station
1100 Orlando Avenue
Roseville, CA
(916) 722-2405
When: Thursday, 9:30 p.m.; Salsa lessons at 8:30 p.m. (Free)
Price: Free and 18 and up
www.steeltrainstation.com
The Steel Station is an exceptional spot for Salsa dancing, plus there's no cover charge. Salsa has been taking place at the Roseville location for over three years now. With the help of Del Campo Dance Studio providing free lessons, the music follows soon after. "It's predominantly Salsa music. We have a good turnout," said Travis, The Steel Stations general manager. The club offers two dance floors designed for, you guessed it, dancing. The best thing about the club according to Travis is the quality of the dance floor. "We have Brazilian-hardwood dance floors. The dancers appreciate it," he said. "The wood is set in. It's not nailed in, so it gives a little bit."
The Dance Corner
Del Campo Dance Studio
2927 Fulton Avenue
Sacramento, CA. 95821
(916) 483-5292
When: Tues. 7 p.m. beginner, 8 p.m. advanced; Wed. 7 p.m. intermediate
Price: $5 - $10, group rates available, private lessons
www.delcampodance.com
If you prefer to learn Salsa dancing in a studio rather than a nightclub, then Del Campo Dance Studio at the Dance Corner has the atmosphere you crave. Mike Del Campo and his wife, Gina, have been offering lessons to students for 15 years. "We're the pioneers. No one has been teaching the authentic Salsa as long as we have," said Mike Del Campo, dance instructor. The age range varies by the class – anywhere from teens to people in their sixties. "The music has been around for years, so it's not uncommon to see two or three generations at the same table." Del Campo says that students that have come out of his class have gone on to be part of a Salsa performance team.
