La Mambita
About the studio
La Mambita is one of Berlin's most established Latin dance schools, located in the Schöneberg district at Kolonnenstraße 29. Founded in 2005 by Bettina Cabrera Pedroso, who has been teaching salsa in Berlin since 1993, the school is widely credited with introducing the LA-style Cross Body salsa to the city in 1999. La Mambita specialises in Salsa LA Style on1, New York Style on2, Salsa cubana, Bachata Sensual and Kizomba, with around 30 weekly drop-in classes covering every level from absolute beginner to advanced. The atmosphere is friendly, social-dance focused and explicitly bilingual, with all instructors teaching in both German and English when needed. The school is ideal for travellers, expats and locals alike: there are no contracts, no registration fees and no fixed partner required, and a 10 EUR trial class lets newcomers test the studio at any time. La Mambita also hosts its own social nights – the monthly Mambo Café and Salsa Party – making it both a teaching school and a recurring venue on Berlin's Latin dance calendar.
Bettina Cabrera Pedroso started teaching salsa in Berlin in 1993, brought the LA-style Cross Body salsa from Los Angeles to Berlin in 1999, and founded La Mambita as a dedicated dance school in 2005. Many of Berlin's current salsa instructors trained at La Mambita in their early years.
Styles & levels
All levels
Weekly schedule 26 classes
Pricing
Instructors
Founder and owner of La Mambita. Discovered partner dancing in 1989 and has been teaching salsa in Berlin since 1993, making her one of the city's most experienced salsa instructors. Founded La Mambita in 2005 and was instrumental in bringing the LA-style Cross Body salsa from Los Angeles to Berlin in 1999. Also DJs at the school's parties as bettina_lady.mambo.
Teaching at La Mambita since 2007 and deputy managing director since 2014. Suzanne specialises in Salsa LA & NY Style as well as ChaChaChá. She is the main contact person for phone and email enquiries.
A versatile dancer who consistently challenges himself with new dance forms. He teaches Bachata, Kizomba and Salsa, with the Friday Kizomba programme at La Mambita built around his classes.
Joined La Mambita as an instructor in October 2020. Known for an enthusiastic teaching style and a strong eye for detail, she leads the Saturday Salsa on2 programme as well as Wednesday intermediate classes, including the school's BeatChoice on1|on2 concept.
Teaches Monday salsa classes with a focus on musicality even within simple movements, emphasising that musical partner dancing is rooted in simplicity. Co-teaches Wednesday Salsa on2 advanced and Musicality classes with Suzanne.
Teaching since 1998, Uwe is one of Berlin's most experienced salsa instructors and has trained many of the city's other teachers. He runs the Salsa cubana Bootcamp on the first Saturday of every month.
Teaches the Tuesday Bachata programme together with Belva. Specialises in Bachata sensual and is especially known for her Lady Styling.
Co-leads the Tuesday Bachata classes alongside Coco. Brings high energy and a strong stage and social-dance background in both bachata and salsa to her teaching.
Teaches Salsa cubana every Thursday across all levels (beginner to intermediate). Treats salsa as a continuous personal journey and is known for an upbeat, motivating teaching style.
Specialises in Bachata Sensual and regularly leads bachata workshops at La Mambita, with a focus on the connection between music, movement and partner.
Assistant instructor in Johannes's classes. Specialises in Kizomba and Bachata, helping demonstrate the lead-and-follow dynamic by teaching as a couple.
A professional show and variety dancer and choreography assistant since 2007. Leads the Sunday Salsa cubana and Rueda de Casino programme. Specialises in Salsa Cubana, Rueda de Casino and Afro-Cuban folklore.
Salsa specialist who teaches a soft, organic body movement and a clear, lively partner connection. Also leads the ChaChaChá open class at the Mambo Café events.
What dancers say 5.0 on Google
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