Dave and Busters is located at 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281.
Salsa venue overview
This event is called “Havana Salsa Nights at Dave & Busters.” Also, the lesson and social dancing happen on the outside patio. The patio has a nice view.
In summer, cooling misters help with the heat. In winter, heaters make the patio more comfortable. As a result, the event can feel good in most seasons.
You must be at least 21 to enter. Because the patio has a bar, this rule matters. On Wednesday, the lesson and social dancing cost $5 for men. However, women get in free until 8pm. On Sunday, everyone gets in free.
Parking is free. In addition, the large Tempe Marketplace lot has plenty of space. During the social, the DJ plays salsa, bachata, merengue, and cha-cha.
Social dancing ends at 12am. After midnight, some serious dancers go across the street to San Felipe’s Cantina. Then they can keep dancing nearby until 2am.
Dave and Busters has two salsa nights each week: Wednesday and Sunday. Wednesday is the busier night. It does not compete with many other salsa venues.
Salsa lesson
The lesson starts at 7pm and lasts about an hour and a half. First, the class covers merengue. Then it moves into bachata. Finally, it ends with salsa.
The class often starts small. However, it gets more crowded as the night goes on. For example, more than a hundred people seem to join on some nights.
The lesson moves at a slow pace. That helps because many students are new to Latin dance. In addition, the instructor shows basic moves from each dance.
From an entertainment point of view, it is a fun class. Therefore, you will likely enjoy it if you have never taken a Latin dance lesson before.
Dave and Busters also has classes on Monday and Tuesday. I learned about them from Brenda Smith, the instructor. Monday is a beginner class. Tuesday is an intermediate class.
Those weekday classes are not drop-in classes. Therefore, you need to sign up first. Each class costs $10, and the groups are smaller.
Social dancing
Social dancing starts at 8:30pm and ends at midnight. On Wednesday night, Dave and Busters is one of the top salsa spots in the Valley.
Some Wednesdays get very crowded. As a result, the patio can feel more like a nightclub than a regular salsa venue.
The event can bring in about 600 to 700 people through the night. After 9pm, about 100 to 200 people may fill the patio floor at one time.
The social has a good mix of dancers. Beginners stay after the lesson to practice. Experienced dancers usually start coming in after 9pm.
The crowd is close to half beginners and half experienced dancers. Because of that mix, most dancers can find good partners. As a result, you should find people to dance with at any level.
Music
The music is a mix of salsa, bachata, and merengue. The DJ also adds some cumbia and cha-cha.
There are enough salsa songs for salsa-focused dancers like me. In addition, DJ Craig Conrad does a good job with the crowd. His songs are mixed well.
He is not only a salsa DJ. However, he seems to know what this Latin night needs. As a result, he fits the event well.
About the host of this venue
Brenda Smith started this salsa night. She teaches lessons at Dave and Busters every Wednesday and Sunday.
Why I enjoy Dave and Busters salsa night
The patio has a large bar, and people do buy drinks. Even so, this is still a dancing crowd, not a drinking crowd. People come here to dance.
You do not see many intoxicated people here. Because of that, the night feels different from some clubs with the same size crowd.
You get the energy of a busy nightclub without the same problems. Also, the people are nice and easy to approach. The crowd includes many ages and dance levels.
You do not need to be a great dancer to have fun. For example, you will meet people who dance better than you. Also, you will meet people who are still learning.
When the weather is nice, the open-air patio makes the night even better. For social salsa dancing on a Wednesday night, I recommend Dave and Busters.
Videos from Dave and Busters salsa night
Salsa portion of the group class at Dave and Busters in Tempe on Wednesday.
Another clip from Wednesday salsa class at Dave and Busters at Tempe Marketplace.
Bachata portion of the lesson at Dave and Busters at Tempe Marketplace.
Social salsa dancing at Dave and Busters on Wednesday night in Tempe.
Salsa dancing at Dave and Busters at Tempe Marketplace on Wednesday.
Salsa dancing at Dave and Busters right after the lesson.
Did you enjoy salsa dancing at Dave and Busters? How was the class? Would you recommend Wednesday night at Dave and Busters to a friend?
Share your thoughts and ideas about the class and the social dancing in the comments/reviews section below. Write a review or submit a comment. Please read the comments/reviews policy before contributing to the discussion.
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Brenda Smith's salsa instruction is a delightful blend of expertise and humor, making every class an exhilarating experience. Her precision on the dance floor is matched only by her infectious and hilarious sense of humor, turning each session into a joyous adventure. Brenda's witty anecdotes create an atmosphere that's both conducive to learning and downright addictive, making salsa lessons feel like a lively party. Beyond the dance steps, Brenda fosters a sense of community among her students, creating a unique and enjoyable journey. If you're seeking salsa instruction that's not only skillful but also filled with laughter, Brenda Smith is the exceptional teacher you've been looking for.
I really enjoyed the evening lesson by Brenda. My goal was to learn how to Lead my partner as I have rhythm but no idea about Steps/Hand positioning with the timing. It was a great place to learn, but unfortunately I can DO Without the Fowl Language (though it was used in Humor), it seemed very Childish for a Senior to entertain in this manner. I have a great sense of Humor without the extra unnecessary words To make People Laugh.
Hi everyone, just FYI, this is a 2014 post so, fast forward to 2023 it’s pretty try much the same but all woman and men pay a $5 dlls cover. No exceptions.
hola, could you please advise if there will be a dancing lesson and social event today, September the 5th?
Can the class be paid with credit card?
Are the Sunday lessons still offered?