MDN is a progressive On2 salsa training academy, not a drop-in studio. Our program is structured, technique-based, and designed for real growth — all within a warm, supportive, high-energy environment.
Each Salsa level trains 3 times per week.
Students must attend at least 2 classes weekly, with all 3 recommended for the best results.
- Beginners: No. New beginner students can only start January, April, July, and October.
Experienced On2 dancers: If you have trained at another On2 academy, you may try out for placement anytime.
If you’ve never trained at an On2 academy, you must begin with Beginner Salsa, regardless of previous dance experience.
Our curriculum requires all dancers to start with a clean On2 foundation.
No — we rotate partners throughout class to develop connection, confidence, and strong lead/follow technique.
Comfortable clothing and smooth-soled shoes (avoid rubber or heavy sneakers).
Latin Dance Shoes are highly encouraged for safety and comfort.
Classes are adult-oriented, but students 12 and older may join with a parent/guardian present at all times.
289 Main Street, Belleville, NJ 07109
Free parking available.
- $25 per single class
$180 for a 12-class package (effective January 1st 2026)
Class passes are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Yes — observing is always allowed.
However, photos and videos may NOT be taken inside the studio at any time.
Attend the next scheduled class.
We will review prior material but also continue forward. Consistency is essential.
Each Beginner cycle runs for 3 months, focusing on foundational timing, footwork, technique, body movement, and partnerwork.
Every dancer progresses differently, but with consistent attendance, you will learn a significant amount of technique in the 3-month cycle and develop the skills needed for higher levels.
No filming is permitted inside the studio.
You may record yourself after class, outside the studio, and post your videos in the class video chat.
Yes — all students must reserve each class on Punchpass.
Students must also check in at the front desk upon arrival.
Beginners may join only during the first two weeks of a new cycle.
Check Punchpass for official dates.
Students who wish to move to the next level must take and pass the End-of-Course Test, which evaluates everything taught during the cycle.
The test has three parts:
- Verbal – terminology, timing, and understanding of concepts
- Shines – footwork, rhythm, and individual technique
- Partnerwork – clarity, safety, timing, and connection
Students must pass all three sections to advance.
We begin new Salsa cycles January, April, July, and October.
The Beginner Course is the only level taught in a 3-month cycle.
After passing the Beginner test, students move into Advanced Beginner 1.e.
1. Beginner → Advanced Beginner 1 (AB1)
Students enter AB1 after passing the test.
You must complete at least 3 cycles (about 9 months) in AB1 before being eligible to test into AB2.
2. Advanced Beginner 1 → Advanced Beginner 2 (AB2)
Students typically spend up to 2 years in AB2, refining timing, movement, footwork, technique, and partnerwork.
3. Advanced Beginner 2 → Intermediate
Testing into Intermediate requires strong fundamentals, clean technique, consistency, and instructor approval.
Each level has two chats:
- Announcements Chat – weekly updates, reminders, and instructor guidance
- Video & Community Chat – practice videos (recorded outside the studio), student questions, and group support
Only active students in the level may participate.
Expired passes result in forfeited classes.
Passes cannot be extended, refunded, or transferred.
Yes — separate from Salsa.
- Beginner Bachata
Mondays • 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Advanced Bachata
Wednesdays • 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
The Bachata program runs for 8 weeks and costs $150.
Start dates vary; check Punchpass.
No — Bachata is its own program with separate pricing.
A progressive structure focusing on timing, footwork, body movement, and partnerwork.
Yes — private lessons are available and scheduled based on mutual availability.
Privates are ideal for personalized correction, faster improvement, and preparation for level testing or performances.
Yes — we periodically offer specialty workshops such as:
- Ladies Styling with Diana Osorio-Nieves
- Afro-Cuban with world-renowned Teresa Castañeda
- Additional technique, musicality, and body movement workshops
Announcements are posted in class chats and on social media.
Yes. We teach and perform at corporate events, community events, and Hispanic Heritage/Latinx Heritage celebrations.
For all event inquiries, please email:
denise@marcusnieves.com
Include in your email:
Event date and time
Location
Type of request (show, demo, class, workshop, or combination)
Approximate number of participants
We’ll review the details and get back to you with availability and pricing.
Yes — we create custom choreography for weddings, quinceañeras, sweet 16s, corporate events, and more.
Yes! Our monthly Salsa socials give students the opportunity to practice, build confidence, and connect with the NJ Latin dance community.
Latin dance shoes are not required immediately, but once you commit to the course, you should invest in proper Latin dance shoes — and you will need them before the End-of-Course Test.
For safety:
No socks or unapproved footwear are allowed.
Marcus teaches with passion, intensity, and attention to detail.
He expects commitment, consistency, and openness to correction.
Students who train consistently with him improve quickly and correctly.
MDN is a serious training environment with a warm, family-style atmosphere.
If you want structure, accountability, strong technique, and real progress, you will thrive here.
If you prefer a casual drop-in approach, our program may feel too intense — and that’s okay.
Not necessarily — you just need to be open to learning and consistent with attendance.
You do NOT need performance goals to succeed here.
You may reach us via text or WhatsApp.
Please review this FAQ first — most questions are answered here.
Stay connected with updates, events, class videos, and community news:
- Instagram: @mdnlatindancestudio
TikTok: @mdnlatindancestudio