La Encantada Collective
About the studio
La Encantada Collective (LEC) is a dedicated Salsa and Bachata studio in West Melbourne specialising in Salsa On2 (Mambo). Co-directed by Carlos Veron and Elysia Baker, the school runs a structured progression path from a 6-week beginner Salsa Starter course up through Foundations, Improvers, Intermediate/Advanced and a professional LEC Ignite performance company. Group classes run Monday to Thursday evenings plus Saturday mornings, covering partnerwork, shines, men's technique, ladies styling and open-level Salsa Flow, with dedicated Bachata Shines and a term-based Bachata Beginner Course on Thursdays. Pricing is in AUD via direct-debit memberships ($59/$79/$99 per week for 2, 3 or unlimited classes) plus 10-class packs at $320-$340 and a $99 ten-class intro for experienced dancers. The studio also hosts a monthly in-house Beginners Social Night called "Salsa & Sangria" so students can practice their moves on a real social floor. No partner is required for any class and the environment is explicitly inclusive and beginner-friendly. Bookings are handled via the Momence platform and the studio also rents its rooms out for private practice and other movement businesses.
La Encantada Collective is led by directors Carlos Veron and Elysia Baker and operates from a multi-room studio at 69 Abbotsford Street in West Melbourne. The school positions itself as Melbourne's specialist studio for On2 Salsa, also covering Bachata and other Latin styles, with a stated mission to "nurture connection, ignite energy and liberate individuals through the transformative power of Latin dance." Beyond classes, LEC fields performance teams (LEC Ignite) that train weekly and perform at local and national congresses, runs a 12-week mentor program, and hires its studio rooms out to other movement businesses. Earliest archived blog posts on the site date from late 2020, indicating the school has been operating in its current form since at least that time.
Styles & levels
All levels
All levels
Weekly schedule 18 classes
Instructors
Co-director of La Encantada Collective and the school's lead salsa coach, teaching everything from foundations to inter/advanced partnerwork, men's technique and the LEC Ignite performance company. Carries the bulk of the timetable and runs the 12-week mentor program.
Co-director of LEC, teaches the Salsa Starter beginner 6-week course and the Inter/Advanced partnerwork class together with Carlos. Focus on women's styling, partnerwork and creating an inclusive beginner experience.
Foundations and improvers salsa instructor and men's technique coach. Highly rated by students for patience and detailed cueing in foundations partnerwork.
Instructor leading the Saturday Latin Fusion class, focused on ladies styling, body movement and musicality across latin styles.
Instructor running the Wednesday beginner Salsa Starter course and the open-level Salsa Flow class.
Bachata specialist running the term-based Bachata Beginner Course and the Bachata Foundations class on Thursdays.
Instructor on the LEC team. Listed on the studio team page; supports group classes and private lessons.
Instructor on the LEC team. Listed on the studio team page; supports group classes and private lessons.
Instructor on the LEC team. Listed on the studio team page; supports group classes and private lessons.
What dancers say 4.9 on Google
"Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have found La Encantada! I’ve taken salsa classes here and there over the years, but it never really stuck. I’ve always dreamed of being able to dance salsa, and honestly I never thought I’d get there. But at La Encantada I’m actually imp"
"I have been taking Daniel and Vanessa's Foundations class at LEC for a while now. I must say it has been a truly transformative experience! Their passion and dedication create a warm, supportive environment that makes every class enjoyable. They’re also extremely funny, which add"
"La Encantada have some of the best teachers in Melbourne. The beginners salsa classes with Connie and Daniel are super welcoming and fun. Likewise, the foundations classes with Daniel, Vanessa, Carlos and Elysia are very informative and teach you the groundwork on how to advance "
The studio
