It’s another SalsaCrazy undercover salsa review, this time looking for salsa dancing in South Beach Miami. You think it wouldn’t be that hard? You’d be wrong. It’s damn near impossible, save for ONE wonderful spot.

But before I get to the good news of real salsa found in South Beach Miami, let me get to the not-so-good-news (briefly). That’s Mangos. I don’t want to spend much time on this.

Mangos is NOT a salsa club. Period. Yes, it’s in the center of South Beach, and yes, it’s supposedly Latin themed, but no, it’s not a salsa club. The fact that it’s advertised as such is a joke perpetrated on many an unsuspecting tourist. Mangos plays a few salsa songs a night, and has, literally, no dancers, save a few performers whom dance (sometimes) salsa on stage.

Is it fun? Hell Yes! But you’d better come drunk, or ready to get drunk, because this place is party central. Loud music, drunk people a plenty, and never-ending grind is going on all around you. It’s a crowded, loud, mess of a club. Multiple floors, the real secret (and best) places are found in the two upstairs lounges (one is reserved for hip-hop). Those are less crowded, and the one on the right, is darn nice too.

Anyway, enough said. This is not a salsa club, and not, in my opinion, a miami destination. I won’t talk the majority of you out of going there, and perhaps you should, but be prepared. Come drunk.

The only other spot that comes up in South Beach? Well, that IS a salsa club! A real salsa club, with real salsa music playing, real salsa lessons, real dancers, and (almost) a real dance floor.

Salsa Mia in South Beach Miami. What wonders did we uncover?

Salsa Mia – Salsa Mia South Beach Review
Salsa Mia at Yuca Restaraunt, 501 Lincoln Road
http://www.SalsaMia.com

We’re in Miami baby. That’s right, Miami. It’s time to dance!  After my Thursday night at Mangos I was prepared for the worst, but boy, was I wrong. I was undercover, as usual, and my night is the same night that any other salsa dancer might experience when coming to the club.

Salsa Mia is above Yuca restaraunt, up a flight of stairs. I arrived at 8:30, and the lessons were just beginning. I asked to drop in, filled out a form, and then was asked to pay $40. I nearly fell over. $40? Really? Alas, we are in South Beach. This would cover 2 hours of lessons, and the nightclub – and in my opinion, it was worth it. The check in process could have been friendlier, there were few smiles and few pleasantries, even though I was being boisterous.  That being said, they were busy, and trying to get the classes started.

The classes are done in five levels. I was to undergo a “test” dance to determine my level, but the lessons were starting, so after a few questions about my dancing, they placed me in level 3. I’m guessing the test dance would have been really interesting, and I’m sorry I didn’t get to do it, but the instructor whom placed me did put me at the right level (I think). I could have done more, but not as easily.

The first hour of classes was Casino Rueda (of which I know little to nothing), and we learned a dizzying number of moves, well taught, and I had a great time. My group all seemed to grasp basic rhythm, could keep time, and had been dancing for several months (to several years).

There were a minimum of 5-6 other teachers, all in the same room, leading their respective groups in classes, all at the same time, and music was played about every 15 minutes. Very cool, loud, and fun. Also, low key, which made it friendly. Everyone I met lived there, save a few tourists.

Between hours the bar opened, and they played about 5 songs, before the second hour of classes began. Everyone danced with each other, and I saw no one turned down for any dances. A friendly group to be sure.  Also, a note that the music was very good. The DJ wasn’t overly friendly when I asked him the name of a given song, but he sure did play quite well. We had oldies, mambo, Timba (of course) and a great variety of other styles. I was impressed with the breadth of what he played, and he continued a great selection through the entire night (including a few Bachatas).

The bar made Mojitos (at $12 a pop), and they were quite tasty. They were no match for the best bar in Miami (see the post below), but were quite good. The bartender left during the classes, so the bar did not remain open during this time (better for classes, but a horrible business move on the side of the bar).

After the break, another hour of dancing, this seeming to cover more slot style patterns (they call it one on one). It’s great that they mix rueda and this style all in one night. Not sure how they handled this in the beginning classes though – and that would be the real test. Beginners should likely only be learning ONE style to start – especially in their first few nights of classes.

During the lessons, the club was a good mix of singles and couples, and most age groups were represented, although there were few people in their 20’s. So, after all this, when does the club actually start? 11pm. That’s right, the club starts at 11pm. Welcome to Miami. Pretty much the same with Bongos (the Saturday night destination). This is NOT an early crowd, as it didn’t really get going til’ 12.

The dancing was fantastic on a few levels – great music, good people, and a general friendliness in social dancing (people actually dancing with each other regardless of ability). I was never turned down for a dance, and danced with about … 10 or 15 people.  The dance floor did get crowded, and dangerous – floor craft could definitely be improved, but never more so than any other popular salsa club.

As is the norm, some minor cliques did develop with the best dancers by the stage and in front of the DJ booth (still the worldwide norm), and the casual dancers by the bar (give you a guess where I was…). It seemed an even mix of men and women through the night – but perhaps a few more extra men at times.

I stayed til’ 2:30 and it was still going fairly strong. Overall, I really enjoyed myself! I most assuredly have a place to dance every year when I find myself in South Beach, and perhaps, when I do my next Dance Cruise, we’ll host our pre-party at this location (wouldn’t that be cool?).