Salsa Baby

I was looking for dance fitness classes in ABQ, when someone mention this place to me. Since the drop in fee is just $5 I figured I'd give it a chance. I went to one of their 12pm classes with Zumba instructor Ven. It was a blast! The studio was big and had two big mirrors in the front. Instead of having the studio completely lit up, the white ceiling lights were turned off and we were dancing with the club/party color lights on, which completely got me in that "dancing mood". Ven was very energetic and kept me interested on the class the whole time. I had fun and the most important, it was quite a work out!

SalsaBaby is closed. Too bad, it was a nice place and great for its time. No money in it I suppose. The place became a cheap party rental place and moved. The salsa community in Albuquerque is really great. You can find salsa socials at maple street dance studio in nob hill. Dance instruction at Hiland Dance Studio, (Abdul is an awesome person and teacher) Also, the cooperage is the place for live salsa music year round. Summers on Friday at the Abq. museum are great outdoor events for live salsa bands.

This is the first time I've ever bothered writing a review, but I owe it to potential customers to share my experience. I bought a Living Social deal for $40. It was suppose to be for 6 group classes but I got the bait and switch and was sent a one hour private lesson instead (Reg $45- not much of a deal). I called and talked to Avery. He went on and on about how a one hour private would be so much better because I would "learn more", "go to all the clubs" and be a "sought after dancer"... He even said, "I can change your life in a month." None of his promises were actually as appealing as the 6 group lessons I purchased but allowed him to talk me into the new "deal." He canceled our first lesson because he double booked the room. I had to cancel the 2nd lesson because I pulled a muscle in my neck and shoulder. We rescheduled the following week, and although I had broken out in an allergic hive in my eye, I showed up anyway. The woman at the studio told me she thought Avery had forgotten and called him. I told her that I could stay for the lesson if he wanted to come back, but that I was ok rescheduling because of my eye. He chose to reschedule. The following week my eye was even worse and I called and said, "let me call you when I know I am through this," and he agreed. But he again went on and on offering me "unsolicited advise" (his words) about how I should become a vegan. I was surprised when he called me the following Monday confirming an apt we didn't make. I explained that we didn't reschedule and i had other plans. Avery became angry and said, "you need to find a new dance teacher. You're too flakey." Avery didn't honor his initial Living Social deal, cancelled our first lesson, forgot about another lesson and then scheduled a lesson I didn't request.... and then called me flakey. Clearly it is Avery that is flakey.

I NEVER post to Yelp. Actually, this is my first time and I specifically created an account for this post. I called Salsa Baby this morning to get more information on the Zumba program, as I've never been to the studio. I had a list of questions to ask regarding membership fees, etc., but only asked one question -- then I was quick to get off the phone because the person was so rude.I asked if they offer a free class for first time participants -- reasonable question, because most places in town (Zumba or not) offer a free trial class. His response was, "You've never taken a Zumba class before? I don't think you need a free class. We have the best instructors in town." But in the most rude town I've ever heard.Salsa Baby - no thank you. You just lost a potential monthly membership.

I had my wedding at salsa baby aka Albuquerque party space. I have to say it was the worst experience of my life! They made my wedding a nightmare! The staff was so rude to my guest all night and the girls dressed like the were street walkers.The place had no running water and the bathrooms were out of order. my guest had to find near by places to use the restroom and wash there hands. The bathroom looked like they had not been clean in months. Then people started coming in and eating my food saying they were the '"dancers" that worked there. I can't express how heart broken I am that they made that day for me so bad. I spent every penny I had on what i thought was going to be a wonderful day. My guest are still telling me how sorry they are for the way we were treated. I am still so embarrassed.

The staff here has the worst customer service I have ever seen. My friend had her wedding here, unfortunately for her. The staff was rude and tactless. The photographer was kind and had to double as the bar tender because the bar tender was late. The bar tender spent the night either yelling at people or snapping back at the bridal party. When there was confusion about what time the space was rented until, she slapped her schedule down pointing and talking to the wedding organizer like she was an idiot. The men of the working staff spent there time texting or making racial jokes with the bar tender. Throwing around the n word and the f word at a wedding is simply not appropriate. The bathrooms were out of order so we had to wander around downtown to find working pluming. I have never been to salsa baby for their dance classes. Perhaps they are better because you don't actually have to interact with the staff. I would never recommend renting the space for an event.