Carlos Konig Salsa/Mambo Classes

I went to the New Year’s Eve salsa party. It was ok, not great. The music was good and the majority of the people were friendly. I danced with people of all nationalities. I asked 8 women to dance and 7 said yes. The event was borderline expensive ($ 30) and they didn’t have that many snacks. Carlos teaches salsa classes, but they’re kinda expensive. Most of the people at the dance were very talented. I was just a novice who was looking for an excuse to get near women. I kept tripping all over myself. Fortunately, the women whom I danced with corrected my form.

I was tickled today to see Carlos’ Salsa classes up for review on Unilocal. (Rubbing hands together).
A few years ago I stepped into his class as a total novice to salsa. Actually, a novice to dance in general. Much disgrace to my spanish heritage I know.
How did I get there? Simple. Word of mouth. I had been taking salsa aerobic classes at my local gym. I told my instructor I really wanted to learn partnerwork but I wanted a good teacher. He said «I went to 6 different teachers before I found Carlos, he’s the guy you want to learn from.» So after a few months I finally mustered up the courage to go.
It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Are you shy? Embarrased? Wanting to learn the art of this beautiful dance but not sure you can take the first step? This is the studio you NEED to come to. Carlos’ classes are fun and non-​threatening to the learner. You really do feel comfortable, and that’s sooo important if you are new. In a short few months I became friends with a wonderful community of salsero’s who have become some of my dearest pals. And we share salsa as a passion together. For those that are a little more advanced and want to take Carlos’ intermediate partnerwork classes, he does teach very nice turn patterns that are complex enough to keep you on your feet but totally practical for the dance floor.
Carlos is an amazing teacher. You can tell he loves what he does. He is super friendly and very much loved by his students. He has musicality running through his veins. He was a professional guitarist before taking up salsa. You can sort of tell by the way he moves, it’s like an instrument. I learned the basics and was out on the dance floor in a short time.
It’s been a while since I took his classes but writing this review makes me want to go back for old times sake.:)

A year ago a friend introduced me to Salsa dancing. I had never danced before and finding the perfect enviroment to learn was extremely important to me. I began my search by attending social dances hosted by different dance studios and observed the students and teachers. When I went to Carlos’s social I knew I had finally found my instructor! He was the first teacher who I witnessed smiling the entire time. The vibe of the students was relaxed and welcoming.
I have enjoyed his classes from a beginner and now an intermediate perspective. I recommend taking 1.5 hr class to experience both the partner and shine work.
If you already love Salsa or are just starting out, try one of his classes he will take your dancing to a new level.

Everyone who loves Salsa should take a class with Carlos Konig. While practicing a routine for another salsa event at Ripley-​Grier studios, someone told me about Carlos and how amazing he was and that I should give him a try. I had never heard of him and I was very skeptical. I met him and asked if I could watch in on the class that was going on. He said of course. I was absolutely amazed at how smoothly he danced and how comfortable his students felt with him. His class was so enticing I couldn’t just sit there I had to join in. I have been going there ever since.
Carlos’ specialty are his shines. He adds his style to them and turns them into a masterpiece. Watching him perform is amazing. The music moves right through him to his feet.
He partners with all the girls and tries to partner with the guys also. He takes the time to give you tips on how you can do better and will stay with you until you have picked it up. His partnerwork is beautiful. Not to complicated but looks amazing.
The best thing about taking his classes is that he wants EVERYONE to become great social dancers. Not just the people who excel at it naturally. He shows and genuine interest in everyone and always asks you how the class went for them and if they have any concerns.
If you want to become a better social dancer, go see Carlos!

Carlos is a god when it comes to mambo shines and styling. His 1.5 hr on2 partnerwork classes are broken down into ½ hour shines and 1 hr partnerwork. As an intermediate dancer, I like it that his partnerwork patterns are very practical and not too extravagant. Schools often teach too complex of patterns that you will find it hard to execute at the clubs. His shines or open footwork is really amazing. I find myself practicing them on the subway platforms.
For the ladies: Carlos is in rotation for the partnerwork and spends extra time dancing with you. For the guys: this extra time is invaluable for practicing improv on multiple partners.