• 0 friends
• 1 review

• Van H.
• New York, NY, USA

12/7/2011

Like many of her other students, I studied with Danella when she taught in Atlanta.  From a beginner's perspective, she was one of the best salsa teachers I've ever had.  In terms of pricing, her groups classes are very reasonable and you will definitely get your bang for the buck.  She also offers discounts if you purchase multiple classes up-front, which was always a no-brainer in my opinion.  Danella teaches Salsa On-1, which I've grown to prefer over Salsa On-2.  Here is a rundown on her beginner 1-hour group class:

We start off the class with warm-ups of basic salsa steps as a group to music in front of the mirror.  She talks us through each step while demonstrating the motions herself.  During my first few classes, I struggled with a lot of the basics (particularly the right and left turns), but by the end of class 8, everything was ingrained as muscle memory and I learned to not think about the steps and instead focus on the music.  I attribute my progress and improvement to Danella's constant direction and clear instruction.  After this 10 minute warm-up, Danella will actually take out the time to review and break down each step for those students who have questions.  That is another thing I love about her...she's always stopping to ask if we have any questions!

Next, we spend about twenty minutes working on additional basic steps as a group (first without music, and then with music).  These steps include various basic steps,  right turns, left turns, Suzie Qs, etc.  Everything you learn serves as the foundation for the second half of the class.

The rest of the class focuses on putting these steps into practice and learning a basic routine  for that month's "cycle".  It helps if you start in the beginning of the month, but honestly you can still start in the middle of a cycle and gain something valuable to take home and practice.  We split up by guys and girls and Danella teaches one part of the routine for the respective partner.  For example, she will teach a cross-body lead for the male lead and then show how the female partner should follow.  Each male lead then practices that move with his female partner.    Don't worry if you come to class on your own because we rotate partners after each round of practice (once again, first without music, then with music).  Each class Danella builds upon this routine by introducing and breaking down additional steps.  I found Danella's instruction very helpful during this part of the class because she will actually throw herself into the rotation as either male lead or female partner and then determine what you need to work on by dancing with you and observing your tendencies.

Honestly, you won't get better if you don't practice outside of class, but with Danella's instruction I was armed with the knowledge and confidence to not only practice, but actually try out my moves in the salsa club.  Much to my surprise, I found that I could dance for hours with just the basic moves I learned in class!  If you have always wanted to learn how to dance salsa, do yourself a favor and stop by Danella's studio.  You won't regret it!

• 40 friends
• 3 reviews

• Ceasar B.
• Northridge, CA, USA

11/22/2011

I've had the distinct pleasure of performing alongside Danella and can, without a doubt, say she is one of the most heartwarming and talented individuals I know. She is a wonderfully educated instructor with the perfect amount of patience needed get any and all through even the hardest of classes.

As a professional dancer/choreographer, I have referred clients of mine to Danella to brush up on salsa/ballroom movements for projects such as music videos, theater shows and performance showcases.

You're gonna love her smile and that Southern charm!

• 42 friends
• 1 review

• Myron A.
• Atlanta, GA, USA

11/23/2011

Anyone would be lucky to have Danella as a dance instructor. She is the total package.  Not only does she have the training and the experience, but she has an infectious joy and passion for her craft as well.  Because of this, her students get top-flight instruction in a way that allows them to have fun and fully enjoy themselves at the same time.

I had the privilege of training under and alongside Danella for several years, and both my dancing skills and skills as an instructor have improved immensely.  I would not be where I am today if not for her.

Myron "Smoove Salsero" Abernathy
Salsa Dancer/Istructor
Atlanta, GA

• 3 friends
• 1 review

• Darrell dudley d.
• Atlanta, GA, USA

11/25/2011

I must say, I have had an awesome experience taking classes with Danella, in Atlanta, Ga.  I initially took some group classes, but wanted to excel my learning curve by taking one on one training.  It has been worth every penny.   If you are interested in taking your skills to the next level, I highly recommend Ms. Dutton as an instructor