Salsa Libre
About the studio
Salsa Libre is Copenhagen's longest-running Latin dance company, founded in 2005 by Joaquim Aoues and dedicated to teaching social salsa and bachata to dancers of every level. The school offers a structured curriculum in Cuban salsa from absolute beginners through advanced rueda de casino, plus dedicated bachata and lady-styling courses, all delivered in English by a hand-picked roster of Cuban, Danish and international instructors. Six-week courses run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at the historic Kedelhallen venue in Frederiksberg and at The Old Irish Pub in central Copenhagen, and every course ticket includes free entry to the school's weekly socials. Salsa Libre also hosts three of the city's most popular weekly Latin dance parties — Havana Nights every Thursday at The Old Irish Pub, Salsa Fridays and Salsa Sundays at Kedelhallen — each opening with an intro class so beginners can join without a partner or prior experience. The same team is the official organiser of the Copenhagen International Salsa Festival (8–10 May 2026, its 14th edition) and of the Copenhagen Bachata Festival, bringing world-class artists, DJs and over 35 workshops to the city. Beyond regular courses the company also delivers private and corporate dance events for friends, colleagues and companies. Built on the motto "listen, feel and dance", Salsa Libre's teaching philosophy is that everyone has the ability to dance and that lessons should be technically sound, social and fun.
Salsa Libre was founded in 2005 in Copenhagen by salsa and bachata instructor, choreographer and DJ Joaquim Aoues. Joaquim, originally from Africa, started dancing salsa in Paris in the 1990s, moved to Denmark in 1995 and trained further in Cuba in both Rumba and Salsa before formalising his teaching with methodology training under Fernando Zapata at Latinodance Company in Berlin. Over the past two decades the company has taught thousands of students in Copenhagen, grown into a roster of local and international hand-picked instructors and performers, become the official organiser of the Copenhagen International Salsa Festival (now in its 14th edition in May 2026) and the Copenhagen Bachata Festival, and built a network of weekly social dance events that have anchored Copenhagen's Latin dance scene.
Styles & levels
All levels
All levels
Weekly schedule 13 classes
Pricing
Beginners-level courses 700 DKK incl. VAT (600 DKK discount). Improver/Intermediate/Advanced courses 900 DKK incl. VAT (700 DKK discount). Course price includes free entrance to the related weekly social event (Havana Nights, Salsa Fridays or Salsa Sundays).
Instructors
Founder of Salsa Libre Dance Company, born in Africa, started dancing salsa in Paris in the 1990s and moved to Denmark in 1995. He later trained in Cuba in both Rumba and Salsa and has been educated in teaching methodology by Fernando Zapata at Latinodance Company in Berlin. Choreographer of pieces such as La Pantera Rosa, The Munk, Las Locas and Bachata in Paris, frequent salsa DJ in Denmark, and official organiser of the Copenhagen Salsa Festival and the Copenhagen Bachata Festival.
Cuban salsa instructor with more than 20 years of dancing experience, who found his passion for salsa in Santiago de Cuba. A former ballet and theatre child, Jakob founded Salsa Cubana CPH and has been teaching for over 15 years, known for an energetic, educational style and a relaxed, fun learning environment.
Professional dance instructor and show dancer with over 20 years of experience. Graduated from the School of Art Instructors in Santa Clara, Cuba, with additional training as a show dancer in the hospitality and tourism sector. Has worked professionally across Cuba (Cayo Santa María, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Trinidad) and Denmark (including four years at Yosvani Torres Dance School), and currently teaches salsa at Salsa Libre.
Half Dominican and half Taiwanese instructor with extensive professional training in Salsa On1 and On2, Dominican Bachata, Samba and Hip Hop. Won 1st place in the TV programme Dancing Stars in 2013 and performed on Step Up Taiwan. Has taught salsa and bachata in Copenhagen for many years and is known for graceful styling combined with explosive energy.
Lady styling instructor at Salsa Libre, leading the dedicated Salsa Lady Styling course focused on graceful arm movements, body coordination, rhythm and feminine styling techniques.
What dancers say 4.8 on Google
"Really happy to have found this place! good atmosphere and friendly people. The teachers are very patient and the social dancing is some of the best i have tried in the city so far, definitely recommend visiting and maybe i will see you in the dance floor"
"The best place to learn to dance! Good and professional teachers who give you the best dancing experience in both fun and relaxed surroundings with good music."
"Hats off to Joaquim and his wonderful salsa events. I attended Salsa Sunday in Kedelhallen. Lots of nice people, top-notch teaching and a festive atmosphere. In short: Thank you!!!"
The studio
