About Us

Overview

Cuba, Puerto Rico, Cali, New York, Los Angeles, Paris… there are hundreds of salsa styles, but one common passion. Salsa is not just about learning a pattern of steps, it is meant to be lived: in clubs, in the streets, at concerts, and anytime the congas meet the trombones and the cowbell to beat the clave!

The Caltech Salsa Club promotes salsa dancing and music at Caltech and beyond. We aim to give everyone the basic steps they need to enjoy dancing at Latin parties, concerts and clubs all over Los Angeles. We also share our love for salsa with the Caltech community-at-large by planning club outings and sponsoring exciting on-campus performances and parties. Our philosophy is that anyone can dance and have fun!

We offer classes all year long in traditional partner-style salsa, for beginning and intermediate dancers. These are professionally taught, eight week series, starting at the beginning of each quarter (September, January, April, June). Check out the classes link on the left for more information. Occasionally we offer additional workshops in Rueda de Casino. Since we believe that salsa is first and foremost a social dance, we offer many opportunities for you to come out and dance, either on or off campus. Follow the 'social' link on the left for more information, or join our social email list to get word when we're going dancing. Finally, our dance team rehearses from September through April, when we perform at the annual Caltech Dance Show. Click here for more information about our performance team.

Club Presidents

José L. Mendoza-Cortés (Current)

José entered with the graduate class of 2008, and immediately injected his enthusiasm into the club. As the first native speaking Spanish president, the club feels so much more authentic! José has danced in salsa clubs across Europe, and has a developing passion for Cuban Salsa. The club will no doubt continue to thrive under José's leadership.

Dan Bower (2007-2009)

Dan joined the club in 2006, his first year of graduate school at Caltech. Upon taking over the Presidency, Dan moved quickly to upgrade the club's teaching facilities, recruit guys back into the Dance Show Team and reformed the Rueda group that had lapsed with the graduation of many of the club's founding members. Dan passed the reigns to José at the end of September, but remains an active club member.

Min Chen (2007)

With Daven graduating in 2007, Min volunteered to fill the role temporarily until a new President was recruited. Although her tenure was shortlived, Min initiated many key changes to the club, most significantly bringing Alex da Silva to teach the 2007/8 salsa classes. Min resigned in December 2007 to concentrate on finishing her degree.

Daven Henze (2005-2007)

Daven took over the club Presidency after Stephane graduated. He brought in professional instructors Sergio & Salud to teach the classes, and maintained a strong focus on Rueda. Daven graduated in 2007, as did many of the founding group.

Stephane Lintner (2003-2005)

Stephane founded the Caltech Salsa Club in 2003. An avid salsa dancer, Stephane started teaching his friends his version of Cuban salsa. Soon the group were hitting the LA salsa clubs. Stephane branched out to offer campus demonstrations, club outings, and eventually regular salsa lessons, establishing the Salsa Club as the center of salsa on campus.