Where to Dance Bachata & Salsa on the Weekend in Medellin

The Ultimate Weekend Dance Guide to Medellín, Colombia! 🇨🇴 Struggling to choose where to dance in Medellín? In this blog, we compare two iconic Medellín nightlife spots so you can plan your perfect weekend. We dive deep into: 📍 DANCEFREE 📍 SOCIAL CLUB ACADEMIA

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12/11/20253 min read

Introduction:

Medellín's rhythm pulses long after dark, transforming into a paradise for dancers every weekend. If you're searching for the perfect place to dance salsa or bachata in the City of Eternal Spring, you're in luck. This guide breaks down the top venues for every night of the weekend, from massive international parties to intimate social dance floors.

Friday & Saturday: The Main Events

These two nights host the city's most iconic and energetic salsa and bachata scenes.

1. 📍 Dancefree

Dance Studio

  • 📍Address: Calle 10A #40-27, Medellín, Antioquia 050021 ·

  • 🌐Website: Salsa & Bachata Classes in Medellin - Dance & Spanish School & Bar - DANCEFREE®

  • 🎭Vibe: High-energy, international, and massive.

  • 🎵Music, Dance & Days of the Week: Dancefree's Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights feature dedicated salsa and bachata rooms. It's the perfect place to experience these dances in a festive, no-pressure party atmosphere alongside tons of others from all backgrounds, whether learning how to dance or are well experienced.

  • 👥Crowd: A huge mix of Colombians, expats, and tourists from all dance backgrounds. You'll see everything from seasoned performers to complete beginners just enjoying the beat.

  • 👕Dress Code: No dress code.

  • 🍹Drink Options: Selective Service Drink Bar: Licor, beer, water and soft drinks. 8K for domestic beer (Club Colombiana). 5k water.

  • 🎯Perfect For: Dancers who want to practice and dance out only to a blend of salsa and bachata.

  • 🆓Cost: Included for certain dance memberships. Otherwise 5mil for general entry before 7:30. 15K after 7:30

  • 🕘Time:

    • 6:30-8:00pm (Language Exchange Th-Sat),

    • 8:15-9:30pm - Dance Lessons.

    • 9:30 - 2am - Social Dance.

  • 💡Things to Know:

    • Group lessons occur everyday of the week.

    • Private lessons range around $20-$30USD per hour for Bachata/Salsa

    • Memberships often come with free entry to socials and group dance classes.

2. 📍Social Club Academia

Dance Club

  • 📍Address: Calle 12 sur # 48-01 local 101 y 102. Medellin, Antioquia.

  • 🌐Website: socialclubacademia.com

  • 🎭Vibe: Local and community focused. This is where fun social dancers and enthusiasts gather. The atmosphere is more clicky.

  • 🎵Music, Dance & Days of the Week: Mainly Salsa and Bachata. Social Club occasionally plays Merengue, Cumbia and Champeta. Dance classes with social dancing occurs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

  • 👥Crowd: Primarily local dancers with occasional tourists who are passionate about salsa and bachata. The level is generally beginner to causal intermediate.

  • 👕Dress Code: No dress code.

  • 🍹Drink Options: Full Service Bar

  • 🎯Perfect For: Social dancers looking to socialize, sit-down and drink.

  • 🆓Cost: Free

  • 🕘Time:

    • 8pm - Dance Class (Style depends on day)

    • 9pm-2am - Social Dance

  • 💡Things to Know:

    • More enjoyable with a group of friends rather than solo.

    • Drinks tend to be pricy

    • Venue includes many seating areas, if your party does not have a table, you will stand around which will happen on crowded nights.

    • Table requires you to order but you may order anything at any value.

    Conclusion:

    Whether your ideal weekend is spent in a high-energy, international party 🎉 or a relaxed, local hangout 🛋️, Medellín's dance scene has a spot for you. Dancefree offers a vibrant, structured experience perfect for practicing new moves 💃 and meeting fellow dancers from around the world 🌍. In contrast, Social Club Academia provides a more casual, community-oriented vibe ideal for socializing over drinks 🍹 with friends.

    The best choice depends on what you're seeking: Dancefree for an active, lesson-focused night out 📚, or Social Club Academia for a laid-back evening of music and mingling 🎵. Both capture unique facets of the city's welcoming and passionate dance culture. So, lace up your dancing shoes 👠, grab some friends, and dive into the rhythm of a Medellín weekend—you're sure to find your perfect step.

    Have you danced at these spots or discovered another favorite in Medellín? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below to help fellow dancers! 💬