One of the most authentic dancing schools in Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire is also one of the cheapest.
At only £8, a whole evening of dance costs less than a hamburger, whilst most dance schools charge at least £10 per lesson and often £15.
Every Wednesday evening something warm and wonderful happens at the centre of Windsor.
Only 500 metres from the Castle, the chunky concrete architecture of Alma Road isn't the most elegant or historical part of the Royal Borough.
However, the concrete walls of the most horrifying building in the street, quite the opposite of photogenic from the outside, conceal an incredibly friendly public house called ‘The Hope’.
That two-room pub has relaxed comfy seating, has a really affordable bar, and genuine people, none of whom have a butler or even a cook and within its walls, locals from across Windsor can be themselves, away from the wealth, tourism and public school accents just a few feet away.
At 19.45 on a Wednesday, The Hope comes alive, as dancers gather for a dose of genuine Cuban dancing - in a dance group named ‘Salsa Authentica’ - an evening that makes dance really affordable.
The teacher, a well qualified practitioner named Kate, prefers to be known as KK or ‘KitKat’ and prides herself on creating a safe space.
According to KK, it’s a place to escape, where you can relax, forget about your troubles or seek solidarity from the friendly group of dancers from all backgrounds, all ethnicities and different gender identities too.
But what she barely mentions is that KK is also the most qualified teachers around. Whilst other dance instructors trade on their ‘latino’ looks, KK (Katherine) has a list of qualifications as long as your arm, and it really shows.
Dance lessons at The Hope are not split into different spaces: every dances together which works really well.
Beginners are made to feel welcome, and beginners’ moves are taught from 7.45 until 8.30 with improvers encouraged to join in.
Classes always start off with everybody in line, warming up and practicing the basic steps. Shortly after, the group moves on to perfect the ‘enchufla’ and the ‘dile che no’.
The basic set up at Salsa Autentica is that couples dance in a circle often called the wheel or the ‘rueda’. Normally each dancer does one or two moves before they move on to the next partner.
Some salsa teachers have been known to refer to the wheel formation as ‘the hokey cokey’ on speed, but actually it's one of the original and genuine ways that salsa can be enjoyed.
It should be mentioned that not every couple is boy-girl - and this has obviously been the case in dance clubs since time began.
In a 1970s monologue, Joyce Grenfell hilariously described how: ‘some ladies have to dance together’. Well in 2026, many ladies choose to dance together - and they noticeably have more fun without a man.
Salsa class on the last Wednesday of February was ‘garnet’ night and KK came along with a full array of snacks, fruit, chocolate, cheese and cakes, all included in the price of the ticket.
Intermediate and advanced dancers join in at about 9 and sweep the beginners off their feet, who by that time are no longer beginners.
By 9.30 some beginners and improvers, and anyone who has to work the next morning drop out, as the steps get progressively more hard, and brains turn to cheese, but everyone is welcome to stay to the end.
The worst kept secret about Salsa Autentica, is the comedy. Students who come for the teaching skills stay for KK’s good humour, as dancers find themselves giggling under their breaths for hours at a time.
There is a really affectionate community at The Hope, as usual amongst dancers, everyone is very tactile, and the dancers really care about each other, some dancers meet up throughout the week or plan outings and even holidays together.
The students who need a boost to their dancing also take private lessons with KK - and for only £25 for 50 minutes - with her qualifications, she’s the best value private teacher around.
Salsa Autentica meets at The Hope, 7 Alma Road, Windsor every Wednesday - price £8 and on the first Saturday of the month at Funky Latinos at the Curzon Centre in Beaconsfield - price £15.
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