Ottawa’s Premier Salsa Dance Studio
About Pure Havana Dance Studio
Welcome to Pure Havana, Ottawa’s leading Salsa dance studio! We offer Rueda de Casino, Son Cubano, Bolero, Dominican Bachata, dynamic LA Style salsa and Casino (Cuban Style Salsa) classes for all levels, from beginners to seasoned dancers. Our vibrant community and expert instructors provide a supportive and fun learning environment where you’ll build confidence and improve your skills.
At Pure Havana, we’re passionate about helping our students discover the joy of Latin dances. We’ve helped hundreds of people improve their dance technique, build confidence on the dance floor, and connect with a welcoming community of fellow dance enthusiasts. Join us and experience the magic of Salsa and other Latin dances!
meet our instructors
monica
Monica is a passionate salsa teacher, sharing her love for Latin dance with students of all levels.
Monica is a skilled dance teacher, specializing in Rueda de Casino, LA Style Salsa, and Casino (Cuban Style Salsa). Her classes blend clear instruction, musicality, and an infectious enthusiasm that inspires dancers of all levels. Dedicated to both the art and the community of Latin dance, Monica plays a key role in nurturing Pure Havana’s vibrant, inclusive atmosphere—whether she’s teaching on the dance floor, organizing events, or supporting students in their dance journey.
joaquin
Joaquin is a seasoned salsa instructor with over 22 years of teaching experience. He brought the vibrant and popular Rueda de Casino to Ottawa, sparking a new wave of Cuban-style salsa enthusiasts in the city. Joaquin specializes in both LA Style Salsa and Casino (Cuban Style Salsa), blending technical precision with infectious energy to create an engaging and authentic learning experience.
Beyond teaching, Joaquin has created dynamic choreographies for his dance team, showcasing his creativity and deep understanding of Latin rhythms. He has performed in numerous cities across Canada and the USA, bringing his passion for salsa to diverse audiences and representing Ottawa’s Latin dance community on major stages. His dedication, talent, and charisma have made him a respected and influential figure in the salsa world.
burcu
Born in Türkiye, the crossroads of cultures, Burcu carries the rhythms and stories of her heritage into every class. Trained in ballet, folk dances, and later immersed in Afro-Peruvian, Cuban, and Dominican traditions, she developed not only her dance foundations but also a deep appreciation for musicality, cultural expression, and community; qualities that continue to shape her teaching today.
Burcu is passionate about honoring the cultural origins of the dances she shares, valuing authenticity and roots. Her clear approach invites students to understand not just how to move, but ‘why,’ treating dance as a transferable skill to be built, embodied, and shared with respect and joy.
Our Story
Pure Havana began with a shared passion for Salsa and a vision to create a vibrant dance community in Ottawa. Our journey has been one of growth, connection, and unforgettable moments on the dance floor.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide high-quality Salsa instruction in a welcoming and inclusive environment, fostering a love of dance and building a strong community of dancers.
Our Approach
We believe in a fun, supportive learning environment where students of all levels can learn and grow, building their confidence and technique. We offer a mix of styles to cater to all preferences.