Nebraska Salsa Scene Steps into Bellevue

When people think of Bellevue, salsa dancing isn’t something that usually comes to mind. Bellevue resident Diane Barry is working to change that. Barry, along with her fellow dance instructors Candy Alexander, Gloria Moreno, and Joel Aguilar, recently started offering salsa, mambo, and bachata lessons at the Nebraska Salsa Scene Dance Studio on Galvin Road.

“The studio is performing better than expected”, Barry said. “We began with only 3 group classes and just a few months later we have 6 group lessons offered on our weekly schedule.  All of our group lessons are offered in a four-week progressive course format to enhance learning and retention. Each week is a building block for the next. Private lessons are also offered to individuals where the current schedule does not meet theirs or they are needing faster or slower instruction. Both group and private lessons are beneficial to improving the quality of a person’s dancing.”

The Nebraska Salsa Scene offers multiple dance level classes from Beginner to Level 2 in Salsa (on1), Salsa (on2), or Mambo and Bachata. Level 3 classes will be offered soon. They also are offering weekend workshops in various levels of all styles including Cuban Club Style Cha Cha.

Barry talked about why she decided to open the Nebraska Salsa Scene, “For the love of the complete salsa dancing EXPERIENCE. The simple beauty of how instrumental salsa can be in social dancing opens doors for people to meet and engage with one another. When you are dancing socially or in class, you forget all of your other worries and really get absorbed in the moment.  It’s very freeing in that respect, and a fun challenge also.  Salsa dancing is such an enjoyable way to exercise your body and mind and it’s a ‘learned skill’ that you can go all over the world and do. There are salsa/bachata congresses and social dancing venues you can go and attend almost everywhere you travel.  Our goal is to promote and expand Latin dancing here in the Midwest.”

Salsa Dance students range in age from 16 to about 60 years old. The students come from all walks of life both culturally and professionally. Dance students’ professions include bakers, lawyers, teachers, small business owners, medical professionals, meatpacking plant workers, chefs, and county and state employees.

Barry mentioned that they have openings for new 3 new beginner classes starting in March. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged. The group classes are scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday nights between 6-9 pm. You can reach the studio at nebraskasalsascene@gmail.com or by calling (402) 290-9092. More information can be found on their website: nebraskasalsascene.com or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nebraskasalsa.scene

Outside the studio, they host Salsa Bachata Nights Dance Socials once a month at the Omaha Design Center. They usually have a lesson that lasts about an hour and leads into the dance social that runs until midnight. “The dance social is an excellent opportunity for students and seasoned dancers alike to practice, socialize, and enjoy themselves.