Fundamentals
The building blocks of dance: steps, rhythm, posture and connection. This is where every move starts.
Dance, learn & live with Watapana
Salsa & Bachata classes in Arnhem
Take salsa and bachata classes in Arnhem at Watapana: the perfect mix of passion, fun and technique. For beginners and advanced dancers, with professional teachers and a warm atmosphere.
Watapana Dance Company, Vale Poort 8Trial week: 26 – 29 October 2026
Why Watapana Arnhem?
Learn salsa & bachata in Arnhem
- The largest salsa & bachata school in Arnhem
- Top teachers & a structured method
- The best vibe and community
You don't just learn steps; you learn to enjoy the music, the culture and the connection with your partner. And there's much more beyond the regular classes.
#1salsa school in Arnhem
Our method
Built on experience, expertise & passion
Dancing doesn't just happen. With the Watapana Methodology we build every class step by step, in three layers: what, how and why.
Read about our methodTechnique
The quality of execution: leading & following, spinning, weight transfer and musicality.
Intention
The soul of the dance: expression, emotion, story and culture. This is what gives your dance meaning.
Classes and more
More than just classes
At Watapana Arnhem it's all about dance. Our structured approach makes learning fun and effective, whether you're an absolute beginner or ready to take your technique further.
Our studio
Right in the centre of Arnhem
Our own studio is right in the centre of Arnhem, decorated warm and tropical so you feel at home straight away.
At Watapana you make friends, celebrate together and travel to salsa and bachata events as a group.
Watapana Dance CompanyVale Poort 8, 6811 BN Arnhem
Coming up
Events
27Oct
Watapana Tuesday Social
Free salsa & bachata social night with a DJ. Everyone welcome, students or not.
6Nov
Salsa & Bachata intro workshops
Two short 40-minute workshops for absolute beginners. No partner needed.
10Nov
Watapana Tuesday Social
Free salsa & bachata social night with a DJ. Everyone welcome, students or not.
Google Reviews ★ 5.0
What our students say
★★★★★
“André en Julia zijn fantastische dansers. Hun liefde voor dans, perfectionisme in de uitvoering en enorm goede techniek en styling zie je terug in elke les. Als je met veel plezier écht goed wilt leren dansen en daarnaast regelmatig getrakteerd wilt worden op fantastische choreo's van een paar van de beste dansers van Nederland dan moet je hier zijn!”
★★★★★
“Watapana Dance Company is een erg leuke dansschool. Er wordt met plezier en enthousiasme door ervaren dansers les gegeven. Een zeer goede plek om lekker te leren dansen.”
★★★★★
“Zeer enthousiaste docenten. Veel passie en energie en aandacht voor de cursisten. De lesstof is goed voorbereid, ze hebben duidelijk een doel waar ze de cursisten naartoe willen brengen. Samen met de ambiance in Caribische sfeer is dit een aanrader.”
★★★★★
“Geweldige dansschool. Je leert veel met veel humor. Pure ontspanning en gezelligheid. André en Julia kunnen echt top dansen en zijn fijne leraren. Zowel voor beginners als gevorderden. Meld je aan en ervaar dit zelf!”
★★★★★
“Een dansschool waarin serieus techniek wordt aangeleerd in combinatie met een ontspannen sfeer. Er wordt veel aandacht besteed aan details waardoor je salsa echt leert kennen. Zeker een aanrader als je goed en op een leuke manier salsa wil leren dansen!”
★★★★★
“Truly amazing dance school. I've moved around a lot and seen many alternatives, but this one is my absolute favorite. The teachers really see your personal needs and potential and make an effort to suit their teaching to these.”
★★★★★
“Super dansschool! Professioneel, veel aandacht en creativiteit. Je voelt je meteen welkom!”
★★★★★
“Beste dansschool in Arnhem! Hele goede lessen, super leuke sfeer.”
★★★★★
“André en Julia zijn naast goede dansers ook erg goede docenten. De lessen zijn op een hoog niveau, met veel aandacht voor techniek: een aanrader voor iedereen die uitdaging en afwisseling zoekt. En niet geheel onbelangrijk: er wordt veel gelachen! Dansplezier staat voorop.”
★★★★★
“10/10. The instructors are very knowledgeable and well experienced. They teach not just the dance but also music knowledge, and most important: very, very passionate instructors.”
★★★★★
“Goede dansschool. Techniek en flow, maar plezier maken staat voorop. André weet hoe hij de salsa door je aderen laat stromen.”
Only at Watapana
Sazon Online Dance Academy
Don't live nearby, or want extra practice to grow even faster? On our online platform Sazon you can take salsa classes anywhere, anytime, 24/7.
We work with top instructors like Nerea Perez,Steffi de Leeuw and Carlos Campari.
24/7online classes
FAQ
FAQ
What is my level?
Our level system in short:
- Beginners 1, 2, 3: for people just starting out. Each course takes about 12 weeks; after Beginners 1–3 you have around 9 months of experience.
- Improvers 1, 2, 3: for dancers who know the basics. After Improvers 1–3 you have about 1.5 years of experience in total.
- Intermediate: usually for dancers with about 2 years of consistent classes and practice.
- Advanced: for dancers with more than 2 years of solid experience, ready for more challenging material.
Do I need a dance partner to sign up?
No, you can sign up on your own. We rotate partners regularly during class so everyone dances with everyone. Coming with a fixed partner and prefer not to rotate? That's fine too.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move in. Shoes with a smooth sole (no rubber or grippy sneakers) are ideal. As an absolute beginner you don't need special dance shoes yet.
I've never danced before. Can I join?
Absolutely! Our beginner classes teach you the basics step by step. Everyone can start.
When do new courses start?
We work with fixed seasons. You'll find exact start dates in the class schedule. Joining mid-season is often possible too.
Ready to start dancing?
No experience needed, no partner needed. Just the urge to try something new.