This class explores Latin Hustle not only as a dance form but as a historical and cultural practice. Originating in the 1970s, Latin Hustle was created by Puerto Rican, African-American, and Queer youth in the South Bronx, emerging from a broader landscape of social and artistic movements in New York City.

As part of an archival project uncovering the roots of Latin Hustle, this class engages with its history through movement. Participants will learn choreography while examining the cultural and political context in which the dance developed. The class culminates in a showcase, offering an opportunity to embody and share this history through performance alongside the BAILA Society and Navatman community.

This class requires intermediate or higher-level experience in EITHER Latin Hustle or salsa and a commitment to learning and engaging with the legacy of these dances. Please send any videos of you dancing to info@bailasociety.com prior to registering.

More about the showcase: BAILA Society & Navatman are bringing our communities together to create Roots of Resilience, a dance production that honors the deep histories of salsa and Indian classical dance as forms of survival, transformation, and power. Participants in the Latin Hustle Performance Class will learn a choreography by Ahtoy Juliana & Edwin Tolentino that was inspired by their archival work with the originators of the dance. Please be prepared for a fast-paced experience. We will have 10 official rehearsals on Sunday afternoons, a few tech rehearsals during the week of June 23rd, and shows on June 27 & 28. Students may organize extra rehearsals in smaller groups outside of our Sunday rehearsals. 

When:
Every Sunday, 2:00PM-4:00PM
April 20 – June 22, 2025
Showcase – June 27-28, 2025 at Rose Nagelberg Theater

Price:
$280/person. This class requires approval from the instructors. Please send videos of you dancing to info@bailasociety.com, and we will send you a link to register.

We offer scholarships. Latin Hustle is a heritage dance of New York Latinos, African Americans, and LGBTQIA+ people. We believe it should be accessible to all while having its cultural heritage carried by the community of its founders. If you have financial constraints, and have a direct connection to Latino & African-American dance heritage or if you identify as LGBTQIA+, please consider applying for a scholarship. Send a cover letter to info@bailasociety.com. 

Where:
Navatman
38 W 32nd St #300
New York, NY 10001

Your instructors: This class will be led by Ahtoy Juliana & Edwin Tolentino, directors of BAILA Society and Latin Hustle & Salsa World Champions.

Code of Conduct: BAILA Society is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and safe social dance experience for everyone regardless of dance ability, dance background, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion or any other characteristic or trait. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Individuals violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the space at the discretion of the instructor(s) and/or host(s). We encourage everyone to keep each other safe. Please notify us if you experience or witness anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or harmed.