Pexava Dance Company

I've been going every Tuesday for years and I have no intention of stopping because I still enjoy it and I still learn. The teaching is top class and Gil and Shelley are lovely people as are those they work with. I could leave it at that but I do however want to respond to some of the criticisms made in another review by somebody who thinks they know how dance should be taught, but appears to lack experience. Firstly, the top salsa teachers in the world all agree that shines are a vital part of becoming a great salsa dancer, and the ones Gil teaches are certainly not unreproducable, it just takes time and application. I'm no Johnny Vasquez, but these days I manage all of them... I may not look super cool doing it, but I manage, and they make me a better dancer. As for the partnerwork part of the lesson, over the years I have taken lessons in probably a dozen different dance styles (some were just tasters at congresses, others I've done more seriously), from tens of teachers (from the guy who taught me my first steps at a local pub to people with multiple world titles) on four continents, and I think they ALL had basically the same format as that which the other reviewer was criticising. Turn patterns and footwork are taught with explanations of technique to a count, with two or three tracks interspersed through the lesson to apply what you've learned to music. The reason they all do it this way? Because it works. You have to stay afterwards and actually dance though, the lesson gives you the tools to become a better dancer, but it's really in the social dancing afterwards that it happens. The thing that's special with Gil and Shelley isn't the format of the lesson, that's like everybody else's, it's the quality of the teaching. Not only are they amazing dancers (both in choreographed shows, but also more importantly for most of us, as social dancers), but there are not many who can match them when it comes to understanding the technique of what they do and explaining it to others. They can certainly walk the walk, but they can also talk the talk (in Gil's case with a Mexican accent and the occasional amusing "Gilism" when things get garbled in translation). And did already I mention that they're both lovely and fun people? Well it bears repeating. As for there being dancers who have been going for years and are up themselves and won't dance with you unless you're quite advanced, well I'm sorry if someone got that impression, but it's completely against the ethos of the club (of social dancing in general really) and not something I have observed. Perhaps some could be a little more proactive in approaching beginners, but they won't say no if you ask them. Top teaching, nice people, good fun, please come and see us.

Be taught by two people who are not only some of the best dancers you will meet but also the best teachers as well. It's a fairly good venue to learn in. Always a lot of fun with lots of high level dancers both in the class and even more so for the later social dancing. Classes are not for beginners (Conway Hall) which isn't a problem because London is saturated with beginner classes.

My wife and I had many fabulous times with Pexava. Initially we took lessons and visited their social evenings, then we joined their performing groups, eventually we joined their semi-pro team and performed at venues in many different countries, an opportunity we never thought was possible when we started. Gil and Shelley are true professionals who know how to get the best from their students and put everything they teach into practice. Whether you're new to salsa, or you're seasoned dancer and want to improve your technique, or even want to try your hand at some performance work, you really should take a look at Pexava's socials and courses.

Professional yet warm & friendly with outstanding teaching & dancing skills. I traveled from Essex to both their Holborn and West London venues, such is the quality of the classes. The attention to detail in the lessons along with the ability to convey technique is incredible. This is an excellent Dance company for both an introduction to Salsa and to take those further through the levels of Improver, then Intermediate and right up to Advanced as well as Semi-Professional should anyone want that. Monthly social events are also held which are great for freestyle dancing, accompanied with fantastic music in a friendly & social atmosphere.

If you want to start learning salsa highly recommend you go to Pexava for a fun and welcoming atmosphere! Great socials too!