BellasArtes Latin DanceSchool
About the studio
BellasArtes Latin DanceSchool is a Hamburg-based Latin dance studio led by Venezuelan trainer and choreographer Jonathan Jimenez Ardila, who specialises in authentic Cuban-style Salsa and Bachata Fusion. Classes run in 5-week course blocks at the Volkshochschule on Schanzenstrasse 75 in the Schanzenviertel district, and cover Salsa Cubana from absolute beginner (Salsa 1 - Basico) up to advanced (Salsa 7 - Cubana Mayor), four progressive Bachata levels, and three levels of Rueda de Casino. The school's Bachata programme blends Bachata Sensual, Dominican Bachata and influences from urban styles, jazz and ballet to give dancers a versatile foundation. Weekend workshops are offered roughly every two weeks, focusing on specific Salsa or Bachata levels for around 2.5 hours per day. Pricing is straightforward at 79 EUR per 5-week course (or per workshop), with a 10 EUR couples discount and a 59 EUR student rate. Students can register alone or as a couple via the online form, and private lessons are available by appointment. Both beginners and advanced dancers are welcome, with the school explicitly emphasising that Jonathan offers structured progression from first steps through to performance-level technique.
Founded and run by Jonathan Jimenez Ardila, a Venezuelan dancer who began performing Latin music and dance at age 15. He rose to prominence after placing 4th in the 2004 German Salsa Championship with partner Giselle Monteagudo Castrillo, then trained as a dance teacher and choreographer at one of northern Germany's leading dance schools, where he built a reputation as a specialist in authentic Cuban dance. He added Dominican Bachata to his teaching repertoire in 2011 and has since developed his own Bachata Fusion approach. He has also taught at the International Salsa Festival Hamburg. BellasArtes Latin DanceSchool operates as his independent teaching project, hosted at the Volkshochschule Hamburg in the Schanzenviertel.
Styles & levels
Weekly schedule 8 classes
Instructors
Founder, head trainer and choreographer at BellasArtes Latin DanceSchool. Born in Venezuela, he has been immersed in Latin American music and dance since the age of 15. In 2004 he placed 4th at the German Salsa Championship together with his then partner Giselle Monteagudo Castrillo. After years as a dance assistant he completed formal dance training and built a career as a teacher and choreographer specialising in authentic Cuban dance technique. He has taught at the International Salsa Festival Hamburg and is regarded as one of the most established Latin dance trainers in northern Germany. Since 2011 he has also taught Dominican Bachata, and today focuses on Bachata Fusion (combining Bachata Sensual, Dominican Bachata and influences from urban styles, jazz and ballet).
Dance assistant at BellasArtes Latin DanceSchool, also responsible for organisation and student support.
Dance assistant at BellasArtes Latin DanceSchool, supporting Cuban Salsa and Bachata classes.
What dancers say 4.9 on Google
"For me, it's important to constantly improve my dancing, and Jonathan, with his eye for detail, is just the right person for that. I often cheat unconsciously, but he sees it. 😜 With his wealth of experience, Jonathan is also good at explaining things. There's a lot of laughter "
"I can't recommend this school enough. The welcoming and encouraging atmosphere was super helpful to me as a beginner, and I can see a lot of progress after a couple of months. I really look forward to every lesson!"
"Fantastic salsa institute! The instructors are energetic, supportive, super funny and make every class exciting. I’m thrilled with my progress and highly recommend this place to anyone wanting to learn salsa!"
The studio
