About CPSalsa
Representing San Luis Obispo Salsa dancing since 2000
We are a student organization associated with California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo dedicated to spreading our love of Salsa dancing to San Luis Obispo and the rest of the Central Coast. While we are associated with Cal Poly, our members and officers consist of non-students in addition to students.
Since our start in 2000, we’ve grown to become the destination for salsa dancing in the San Luis Obispo area. Where we began with 10 to 15 students a night, we’ve grown to accommodate 60 to 120 students a night. And where we started with a small dance after the lesson playing music from a small CD player, we now host a dance with the full complement of DJ equipment, lighting and decor.
Why we’re here
Our main goal is to share our passion for salsa dancing and music to people of all backgrounds and ages. We provide high quality social activities, instruction, and entertainment, all while striving to maintain an environment that is safe and welcoming.
What we do
-
Weekly instruction and open dancing
Every Friday, we provide up to 3 levels of lessons with open dancing afterward.
-
Specialized Latin dance workshops
On top of Salsa, we also provide lessons on other dance styles like Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, and Merengue.
-
Professional guest instructors
Every few months, we like to bring in a guest instructor from out of town to push our dancing further.
-
Salsa cruises
Every Spring, we rent out a boat and cruise around Morro Bay around sunset to the tunes of Salsa.
-
Special dances
Once in a while, we like to throw big dances, like our Masquerade Ball.
-
Live music
Finally, we try to get live music whenever we can, like the local band, De La Bahia.
What Others are Saying
I’d have to agree that CPSalsa hosts the best Salsa events in San Luis Obispo County. They play great music, teach wonderful lessons, and the atmosphere is welcoming. If you can make it to the Friday nights, that’s their most popular event, but they have many other events as well.
I love going to CP Salsa. Quite fun! I feel safe because it is in school areas, less likely to get drunk and weird people especially when you have to leave late at night.
I ♥ CP Salsa. Dancing on Friday nights is such a nice escape from the monotony of work, school, studying, etc. I have made such terrific friends with a greater variety of people than I ever would have met in my classes. It is so wonderful to know that I have a place to go on Fridays that involves great friends, great fun, and great dancing. I am thoroughly addicted.
I absolutely love the salsa dancing scene on Friday nights! When I first decided to go to salsa, I was afraid I would get looked down upon since I had never danced before, but when I got there, the officers came right up to me, introduced themselves, and made me feel welcome! I also enjoy salsa dancing because it is a safe and sober place to meet great people who can have a good time without getting drunk! I could go on and on about all the good things about salsa, but I need to leave things for other people to say!
![]()