Salsa Marin Dance Academy

If you are someone who wants to dance but has not dared to do so, go to SalsaMarin. Mark’s experience and commitment to his students dancing well is remarkable and inspiring. I had hoped to learn to dance the salsa but never expected to understand in addition the history, musicality, and culture of the dance and its many forms. It has been a joy to dance at SalsaMarin, and I recommend Mark and his team to you.

Capable instruction, I give you that ….

Mark is in the details, methodical and is great at keeping it light

… I have been dancing a long time though new to Salsa … for those who want progress through good understanding of the fundamentals ….

Salsa Marin is a great place for learning …. Value added, clean and well organized class syllabus …. For those who prefer to front load path to a new dance form with lessons

I give it 5 stars

Mark is a great teacher. He is passionate about music, rhythm and dance, very creative in his teaching methods, and fun to work with.
His attention to detail allows me to move with more ease through life and across the dance floor. I feel safe and cared for.
Thanks Mark!

After one private lesson with Mark I am absolutely compelled to write a review. It was an exceptional experience. Yes, Mark is clearly a gifted dancer; I knew this going in. I had seen him in group lessons and was impressed by his energy, his intelligent break down of moves and his supportive but direct approach. He simplifies without sacrificing even the nuances; supportive while still asking for more... All the while, his enthusiasm for dancing, for the music, is contagious. The joy he conveys is key to me; without it, how is it possible to relax, to trust oneself to learn... And to move? The unusual gift given - even within the space of one lesson - is my renewed understanding of the connection between movement and mind. I did not have any thoughts of this going in - heck, I simply wanted to try Salsa dancing and have some fun. I want to be clear - Mark offers not even a hint of a "woo-woo" agenda. But, perhaps because he's both a gifted dancer AND teacher, I couldn't help but awaken to the truth that my body - my movement - spoke volumes about my spirit; where fear is held, where trust may be absent, etc. It was an eye-opening, spirit-opening reminder that who we are shows up wherever we go. Without a lot of fanfare, Mark seems to understand this and helps suggest how we might get out of our own way.

Fabulous experience with studio rental for my yoga group. Mark has gone above and beyond with upgrades to the studio and is easy and wonderful to work with. Great space for community events. Thanks so much!

It's been such a pleasure dancing with Mark and Teri! The group classes are light and fun, super accessible, and really do teach you to dance quickly! My husband and I took a few private lessons, and our progress has been a pleasant surprise. Mark is a talented teacher who will meet you where you are. Give it a try! It feeds the soul.

This place welcomes anyone with open arms who wants to learn to dance Salsa (or Cumbia, or Bachata.) Mark and Teri are terrific! Always making it fun, never losing patience with the beginner who has 2 left feet! I look forward to TGIF Salsa every week! I love that people of all ages, colors and backgrounds come here. I'm so glad I found Salsa Marin!

I’ve been taking salsa lessons with Mark and practicing with Teri. It’s been so fun learning Salsa dance with them. I am full of gratitude towards them for their patience and fun teaching style. I came to Salsa Marin with little to no salsa dance experience. You could say I was a complete novice. I feel I’m not only learning the steps, but I’m learning the music and how to lead my partner effectively. For me as a beginner this experience has given me the confidence I was looking for.

I have attended numerous salsa classes and had one previous private salsa instructor. Mark Ellis is, without hesitation, the best salsa teacher I have ever experienced. He doesn't just teach steps or turns or moves. He teaches style, rhythm, history and music appreciation. The entire time he is doing that, he is the ultimate comedian. Mark is talented, personal, inspiring, and a welcome respite at he end of a stressful, challenging and exhausting day. His studio is a great place to exercise, relax, learn and laugh.

I am taking private Salsa lessons with Mark after experiencing his great group classes. I wanted to really up my game. The privates-lessons are amazing. Mark is a great teacher for me. The subtle detail is what I wanted. It’s better than I could have imagined. I feel like I’m really dancing salsa now. Thank you so much Mark!

Love Salsa Marin! Mark, Teri and rest of crew are spectacular. We do both the group and private lessons. The group lessons are educational and have a dance party vibe. The privates have really helped us focus on aspects that are important to us. Mark’s attention to details and the students needs is apparent in both the group and private experiences. Highly recommend.