Thanks to Ofer’s diligent scouring of all-things-Cuban-in-Paris, we discovered another fantastic spot for lessons with the added benefit of a roaring good party afterward.  And on a Monday night at that.  La Pachanga is located in the 14th and features Alex Salserito.  Alex presides over two hours of casino and suelta lessons (which start somewhere between 7 and 8) before he moves into the DJ box around 10 pm.  If you like the spaghetti arm moves, Alex is your man.  Great group of dancers here, very friendly and welcoming.  Women will especially enjoy the ratio of men to women (about 3:2), or lead to follow, as the case may be.  (I should say that the men here are also quite good follows.)  8 euros gets you entry to the club, dance lessons and a cocktail.  Coat check is another 2 euros.  Not too shabby!  http://www.lapachanga.fr/

Wednesday nights are now dedicated to suelta classes with Harold el Bantu.  (His last name is Kinanga, but el Bantu makes it fun, non?)  Each class is thoughtfully organized and well-paced with each move building in complexity.  Ofer learns more quickly, but I begin every new addition agonizing, Ohh, I’ll never get this tonight.  And 5 or 6 reviews later, we’re all stepping to music with surprising ease.  Harold’s instruction is top-shelf.

When in Paris, don’t miss Harold el Bantu.  Find him here:

Studio Le Legato

145 rue de Belleville Paris 19

Metro 11 – Station JOURDAIN

Mardi 21h15 : Cours Niveau 1

Mercredi 20h45 : Cours Niveau 2