Frank Garcia, Salsa Mambo Instructor

The ideal Chance for beginners of all ages. There is a registration fee which may vary depending on of capacity of students in cycle. Students who are able to fit 1 salsa Fri evenings religiously every week have the chance to improve that other left foot.
After registered. classes are $ 5 and range in levels 1 — 3. Frank teaches Salsa on Two (step) with a mixture of combination that lures his focus to dance partner situations.

Definitely worth checking out. The class is large and diverse, don’t expect individual attention, but you will learn.
Frank knows what he’s doing. I was impressed how he broke the steps down into manageable sections that he built through the class. I entered intimidated and left smiling.
Things to know:
For the class to cost $ 5, you must register for a one time fee of $ 25. Otherwise class costs $ 8, still a New York steal. And the money goes to charity, so it feels good to spend.
Secondly, you can remain with your dance partner if you choose. This made all the difference to my date, who only wanted to shimmy with me. I’ve never been to a group class that offers this. It’s awesome if you know who you’ll be dancing with for awhile, might as well learn with them.
Lastly, dress lightly. The air conditioning is spotty. And wear smooth-​bottom shoes if you can to glide.
Other than that, listen with you hips and have fun, mama!

There are two reasons why I don’t think there could possibly be a better way to learn to salsa than to go to Frank Ritmo’s classes.
1) They’re only $ 5! For most people, there’s no way you’re going to take enough classes to really internalize the steps when you’re paying $ 20-​$ 30 dollars a lesson. Most other options I looked into before finding Frank would have cost me $ 100+ for a series of four or five classes. I went to Frank’s five dollar Fridays every week for three or four months before I really started to feel like I could dance without having to parrot a turn pattern that he’d taught us.
2) Frank is a great teacher. He emphasizes building blocks that you can use to generate your own sequences and turn patterns. I’ve taken classes from other people that just dive straight into a ten turn pattern. You feel good about yourself at the end of the class, but after 24 hours you can’t reproduce it. Frank’s four introductory classes can seem boring, but they teach you foundations that make the sweet turn patterns you’re learning in the intermediate classes make sense.
Those are the top two reasons. Other random reasons that Frank Ritmo’s classes are awesome include:
–He gives all the money to charity.
–They are well attended and there are a lot of regulars. It feels like a community.
— He intermittently hosts socials where you can come and practice free-​style. This is a lot less intimidating to try out your new moves than going to a club.
–He is very friendly, funny, and non-​judgmental.
In summary, these classes are great. Try it out.

I guess I have some rhythm or at least a good dose for a white girl, but I have never taken a latin dance class so I was quite nervous. I wasn’t worried about making a fool of myself, just wondering HOW much of a fool I would look. Frank made everything okay. He has a really easy and approachable manner in class, helping you feel confident right away, and building up camraderie among the students. He starts out with the very basic of basic steps and builds them up slowly. There are a lot of students who have taken the beginner class set already and are there for a refresher, which helps those of us who are clueless.
As I haven’t taken any other latin dance classes I can’t really compare, but Frank seemed to be a great teacher, keeping control of the class and making it interesting for the good dancers, without leaving anyone behind. I always leave a little sweaty and wake up a little sore the next day, and that is usually a good sign for anything.

Went here not expecting much for $ 5… hey, you cant even buy a sandwich anymore for that much. I was pleasantly surprised when I took up the level I class. so much that I stayed for the second…
Here’s the deal:
Frank Garcia lays out the building blocks and mixes variations on basic turn patterns, which is really useful, rather than learning one specific pattern and just practicing that the entire time. The basic classes go slightly above «brand spankin’ new to salsa» — or whiteboy salsa a la this reviewer when he first started– so I dont recommend guys who have never started before and have no rhythm to come here without a private lesson first, unless you want to feel lost and uncomfortable. However, its great to brush up on basics and practice leading /​following and pick up a spare tip here and there. basically, its good if you have been to an intro class or two (or perhaps you have watched and attempted to follow along with dancing with the stars a few times). and hey, its $ 5.
Level two moves significantly faster. definitely have some basics down, or a general idea.
The class is too large for much individual attention, mostly because its such a deal. Basically, I use this as a supplement to my Wednesday classes. Also Frank gives out gum and sanitizing lotion as well. he sells salsa cd’s for $ 3. He gets the class to go out afterwards. He’s a good time.
Most importantly, Frank gives most, if not all, of the profits from these classes to a organization to help NYC children in need.