Our Story

Latin Dance Academy was created to make learning Latin dance clear, structured, and accessible — no matter where you live.

After years of teaching in studios, workshops, and social dance spaces, we saw the same challenge again and again: people wanted to learn Latin dance properly, but often felt overwhelmed, inconsistent, or unsure of where to begin. LDA was built to change that.

Our approach blends on-demand training, live mentorship, and community support to create a learning experience that feels guided, intentional, and encouraging. Whether you’re stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or building a strong foundation, Latin Dance Academy is designed to meet you where you are — and grow with you.

It’s about intentional training, cultural respect, and progress you’re proud of — one step at a time.

Our Approach

At LDA, we focus on how people actually learn — through repetition, guidance, and consistency.

Our training is built on these core pillars:

1. Structure & Organization

Progressive on-demand courses designed to build strong fundamentals in Salsa and Bachata, with continued expansion into Afro-Cuban influences and Cumbia Sonidera.

2. Community & Connection

A supportive global community of beginner dancers who are committed to learning with intention and growing together.

This balance allows dancers to train at their own pace — without feeling like they’re doing it alone. Private communities are available for our monthly subscribing students and those who are a part of the Inner Circle 3-Month Mentorship Program.

3. Live Mentorship

Regular live workshops and Q&A sessions that provide accountability, clarity, and direct access to experienced instructors. (included in the Inner Circle Mentorship specifically, not in the monthly LDA subscriptions)

Meet Joshua & Amber

Latin Dance Academy is founded and led by Joshua and Amber, longtime instructors, community builders, and educators with deep roots in Latin dance.

Together, they spent over a decade growing and shaping Milwaukee’s Latin dance scene — serving more than 5,000 students through a physical dance studio, workshops, and community events.

Their work includes:

• Teaching and performing Salsa and Bachata across the Midwest, including Chicago, Las Vegas, and Miami

• Bringing Salsa On2 to Milwaukee and helping establish it as the city’s dominant Salsa style

• Creating Milwaukee’s first Sensual Bachata community

• Offering the city’s only consistent Cumbia Sonidera classes, building a dedicated sub-community of Cumbia dancers

• Launching the Midwest’s first Latin dance teacher training program, graduating an inaugural cohort of 11 instructors — many of whom went on to teach Level 1 and Level 2 classes independently

Following COVID, Joshua and Amber played a key role in rebuilding and expanding Milwaukee’s Latin dance scene, helping it grow stronger and more connected than ever.

Today, Latin Dance Academy represents the next chapter — expanding their experience, structure, and mentorship beyond a single city to serve dancers around the world.

Our Cultural Roots

Latin Dance Academy is rooted primarily in Salsa and Bachata, with deep respect for the cultural origins that shape these dances.

Our training honors:

• Salsa’s Afro-Cuban foundations and evolution

• Bachata’s Dominican roots and modern expressions

• The rhythmic richness of Cumbia, including Cumbia Sonidera

As LDA continues to grow, our curriculum will expand while remaining grounded in cultural context, musicality, and technique.

Choose the training path that

fits where you are right now

You don’t need to choose the “perfect” option — many dancers start with the Membership and upgrade when they’re ready.

LDA Membership

Self-Led Training

Best for dancers who want flexibility, consistency, and a strong foundation.

What’s Included:

• On-demand access to LDA’s class library

• Train at your own pace, on your own schedule

• Ideal for beginners and returning dancers

• Focused on confidence, fundamentals, and consistency

• Includes access to the private LDA community

Ready to Go Deeper?

For dancers who want more structure, accountability, and direct guidance, we offer LDA Inner Circle — our private training and mentorship experience available in 2 cohorts - beginner and advanced beginner levels.

Inner Circle members receive extended access to our training library, live mentorship with Joshua and Amber, private community support, and eligibility to apply for immersive in-person experiences.