Helsinki Salsa Academy
About the studio
Helsinki Salsa Academy (HSA) is one of Finland's most established salsa and bachata schools, training thousands of dancers across more than 14 years of operation. The academy runs a structured, multi-level training-team system spanning Novice, Beginner, Improver, Advanced, and Rising Stars tiers, plus dedicated ladies styling and Afro-Mambo teams. Classes operate across three Helsinki venues — Konala (Hankasuontie 3), Kallio (Aleksis Kiven Katu 34), and Salmisaari (Energiakatu 3) — running on a seasonal model with Summer and Fall 2026 enrollment open at the time of capture. Sessions are 90 minutes long, partners are not required, and the curriculum blends solo footwork, body movement, and partner work. In partnership with Sentimiento Mañana, HSA also offers Cuban-style Casino, Son, Rumba, Orishas, and Cali-salsa. The school promotes Friday salsa nights and connects students to the Helsinki Latin community via Telegram and Facebook. HSA additionally runs a salsa instructor certification program, 1-day absolute-beginner camps, free 5-day online bachata courses, an online video library, private lessons, studio rentals, and corporate dance entertainment bookings.
Founded by Mikko Kemppe more than 14 years ago (founded around 2011-2012). HSA has trained thousands of dancers and produced multiple working salsa instructors who have gone on to start their own schools. Mikko Kemppe and Johanna Raatikainen won the Finnish Latin S1 Championships in 2018. The academy has expanded over the years from a single location to three Helsinki venues and built a partnership with Sentimiento Mañana for Cuban-style salsa programming.
Styles & levels
All levels
All levels
Weekly schedule 20 classes
Pricing
Instructors
HSA Head Trainer and founder of Helsinki Salsa Academy. Won the Finnish Latin S1 Championships in 2018 with partner Johanna Raatikainen. Producer of dance and music shows including Palladium Nights productions with over 10 million YouTube views.
HSA senior instructor and program coordinator. Teaches all levels of salsa and bachata, plus Latin ballroom and Standard. Lead contact for the Afro-Mambo advanced training.
HSA instructor specializing in entry-level training for novice and beginner salsa students.
What dancers say 4.5 on Google
"I was there last night. It was fun. Good thing is they have classes for beginners as well. Luckily they have party also where we can go social dances after class so I got to practice what basic moves I learnt in the class"
"I was there in February of 2025. We got there at about 6, and there were various 1-hour training sessions. We attended Bachata and salsa level 1. The teachers were helpful and guided the whole class. There was rotation that made sure everybody got the chance to practice and follo"
"Professional teaching, systematic training plan, very warm and pleasant atmosphere. Also beginner camps, workshops and nice parties with live salsa music for all levels of dancers. Don't hesitate to come along."
The studio
