Bailando Salsa
About the studio
Bailando Salsa is a Caribbean dance school in Florence, founded in 2017 by artistic director Gianluca Palmieri. Located inside the Istituto Salesiano in via del Ghirlandaio 40 (Campo di Marte district), the school operates from a 130 m² air-conditioned, mirrored, parquet-floor studio with changing rooms and on-site parking. The teaching philosophy treats Caribbean dances as social dances, with the explicit goals of fostering a friendly community, getting absolute beginners onto the social dance floor quickly, and helping advanced students refine personal style. Weekly group courses are split across multiple levels in salsa cubana, bachata dominicana, bachata fusion, heels, plus dedicated kids' courses (Giocoballo for ages 3-5 and Balli Caraibici for ages 6-10). Singles and couples are welcome, no partner is required, and every course offers a free trial class for new students. Beyond the weekly classes the school runs monthly themed workshops and intensives (Son cubano, Rumba cubana, Afro-Cuban dances, Reggaeton, Rueda de casino) led by internationally renowned masters, and organizes shows and social nights at Florence venues such as Babilonia Social Club, Glass Globe and Otel. The team also offers private lessons by appointment and a wellness area with Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi Chuan.
Founded in 2017 by Gianluca Palmieri, who in 2016 had earned the Italian National Caribbean Dance Instructor diploma recognized by CONI. The school is registered as an Amateur Sports Association (ASD Bailando Salsa, C.F. 94320950481). Original staff includes Alessio Bani, with the team progressively expanded by adding Margherita Misuri (2022), Irina Gagauz and the wellness-area instructors (Stella, Carla, Francesca) in 2025, and a Heels instructor (Aurora). The school has built a choreographic performance group that has performed across Tuscany at venues including Babilonia Social Club, Glass Globe and Otel.
Styles & levels
All levels
All levels
Weekly schedule 10 classes
Instructors
Founder, artistic and didactic director, choreographer and national-certified instructor. Began teaching music education in 1999 and started studying Caribbean dances in 2008. Joined the school choreographic group after three years of training and performed across Italy. Started teaching in 2013, obtained the Italian National Diploma of Caribbean Dance Instructor (CONI) in 2016, and founded Bailando Salsa in 2017. Also works professionally as a counselor and trainer, focusing on communication, expressiveness and learning processes.
Instructor and musician. Began teaching music in 2020 as assistant on a youth musical-literacy project in metropolitan Florence. Started Caribbean dance training in 2021 and began teaching in 2022, soon co-leading workshops and intensives with Gianluca Palmieri. Awarded the International Inner Wheel young-talent scholarship in 2025. Studies flute at the Luigi Cherubini Conservatory in Florence; known for a calm, clear and methodical teaching style.
Instructor and certified sports trainer. Started teaching as a basketball coach in Tuscany in 2001 and obtained the SSI International Sports Instructor diploma in 2010. Began studying Caribbean dances in 2014 and joined the staff of Bailando Salsa from its founding in 2017. In addition to teaching, manages public relations and the organization of events and dance-club nights.
Instructor and sports trainer. Trained in Wing Tsun martial arts since 2011 and began teaching martial arts to children and adults in 2018. Holds the National Diploma of Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan Instructor (CONI, 2022). Started studying Caribbean dance in 2012 with a particular focus on Afro-Cuban folklore and joined the school choreographic group, performing across Italy. Joined the Bailando Salsa staff in 2025.
Instructor for the Heels dance course at Bailando Salsa.
What dancers say 4.9 on Google
"The school and teachers are very welcoming. Despite being located almost in the center of Florence, parking is very easy (paid parking). My daughter loves going there, even though there are only two girls taking the Caribbean Dance class. I hope they can get a few more students s"
"I've been attending this dance school since September 2025 and couldn't be happier. I take salsa and bachata lessons with Gianluca, Irina, and Margherita: three truly professional, knowledgeable, and passionate instructors. Thanks to their clear and engaging method, I've quickly "
"I'm 60 years old, and while working in Florence for about three months, I decided to try yoga classes at Bailando Salsa. It was a truly invaluable discovery. After just a few classes, I noticed tangible improvements: I was breathing better, feeling more relaxed, and most importan"
The studio
