Sabor de Cuba
About the studio
Sabor de Cuba is an authentic Cuban dance school founded by Havana-born professional dancer Jose Luis Pelayo Herrera, operating in Amsterdam (at Podium Mozaiek in Bos en Lommer) and Haarlem (Dance Studio De Vos). The school specializes exclusively in Cuban-style salsa, also known as Casino, alongside related Cuban dances such as Son, Rumba, Cha-cha-cha, Mambo, Timba, Rueda de Casino, and Afro-Cuban folklore. Weekly group classes run on Monday evenings in Amsterdam and Wednesday and Thursday evenings in Haarlem, with progressive levels from absolute beginner through advanced and a dedicated Rueda de Casino slot. Jose's teaching draws on a deep professional background with leading Cuban dance companies including Compania de Danza Nacional de Cuba and Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba. Beyond regular courses the school offers private lessons (also at home or chosen locations), workshops for companies, schools, hen parties and birthdays, mini-courses, and gift vouchers. Classes are warm, energetic, and accessible: no prior experience or partner required, and the school markets itself as a place where dancers can experience the genuine Cuban feel rather than only technique. Group passes are competitively priced at EUR 125 for 10 classes, making it an approachable entry point for anyone wanting to learn authentic Cuban salsa in the Amsterdam-Haarlem area.
Founded by Jose Luis Pelayo Herrera, who relocated from Havana to the Netherlands in November 2006. The school operates dance studios in Haarlem (Sabor de Cuba studio at Zijlweg 49 / Dance Studio De Vos) and runs Amsterdam classes at Podium Mozaiek. Valeriya Zarubina joined as dance assistant in January 2015. Registered Dutch business (KvK 3429 4418).
Styles & levels
All levels
Weekly schedule 8 classes
Pricing
10-class group pass: EUR 125 per person. Private lessons: EUR 80/hour solo, EUR 85/hour for two people. Package discounts available with prepaid strippenkaart for multiple private lessons.
Instructors
Founder and lead instructor. Born in Havana, Cuba. Trained at the prestigious Narciso Medina Dance Company (rumba, son, cha-cha-cha, mambo, Afro-Cuban folklore), Compania de Danza Nacional de Cuba (modern dance), and Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba. Worked from 1994 as a professional dancer with Havana companies including Ocha, Ebano, Pinos Nuevos, and Septet Encuentro Cubano. Taught at CNSEA, La Colmenita (National Theater of Cuba), and Marisuri's Escuela de Bailes Cubanos in Havana Vieja. Living in the Netherlands since November 2006. Certified Zumba Fitness instructor since 2009.
Dance assistant since January 2015. Born in Russia, holds a diploma in classical choreography. Explored modern, jazz, hip-hop, popping, bachata, salsa, and kizomba before specializing in Cuban salsa.
What dancers say 5.0 on Google
"Hands-down, best Cuban salsa school in Amsterdam! Jose is a meticulous teacher, professional dancer, and dedicated to students' technique and style improvement. Valeriya and Jose are a great teaching pair and classes are so much fun."
"Good Cuban teacher José. He notice everything and is very patience. You see the fast progress of everyone. Assistent Valeriya is also specialised in the moves for ladys. You change partner every 5 minutes . Good music and lot off fun. Lessons In English and dutch"
"The teachers are fantastic and the atmosphere of the classes is great! I would highly recommend to everyone to join their classes. You’ll learn a lot about salsa cuban style, get inspired and meet a lot of people with whom you can share the passion of dancing."
The studio
