Danella Dutton Dance - Los Angeles, CA

Julia Curran

I've taken salsa and bachata classes on and off over the years from many different instructors and Danella is hands down the best. She teaches you how to know and get into your body, hear the music, and actually DANCE! She is encouraging and motivating, helps you figure out and achieve your personal goals, and regularly hosts workshops and social events to help you level up.

Equally important is how Danella fosters a genuine sense of community and creates something really special that I haven't found at other dance studios. This is most certainly due to the tone of friendship and respect that she sets, how much fun she makes class, and just the gem of a person that she is, which in turn attracts great students. I have made so many great friends at her studio and absolutely adore everyone in class. The past year as Danella's student has felt like coming home to myself, and taking her classes has been one of the best decisions I've made.

Gabriella Puente

We had such an awesome time learning salsa from Danella for our wedding first dance and also have stayed on for general group classes because we are loving sharing this hobby as a couple! Danella is an incredible teacher, she commands the group lessons masterfully but also takes the time in individual lessons to coach, refine, and add styling. We are excited to continue coming back to Danella's classes!

Megan Besecker

Danella is an amazing instructor and creates a space for learning and building community. She teaches you about how to dance with your body, with the music, and with a partner -- she covers it all in different ways so that something will stick with everyone! Each six week series gives you new information to grow as a dancer, and within the six weeks, you really see your progression! I am addicted and now take classes 2x a week. Private lessons are also worth it. I wouldn't take classes anywhere else - highly rec!

Iordana Gaytan Gamiz

I have been taking group and private Salsa Classes with Danella at the Hollywood Dance Center for about 15 weeks and it has been a fantastic experience. I am able to social dance salsa now, feel confident with my knowledge in terms of technique and musicality. I have also had a lot of fun during the classes and met really wonderful people. Danella classes to me have been, and continue being, not only useful to learn to dance salsa but has also provided a warm and happy community. I highly recommend her as a teacher as she is fun, very professional, great at what she does and empowering to her students!

Justin Estoque

I've been taking Danella's group salsa class for 6 years now, starting with beginners and moving up. Danella is both a skillful dancer and teacher, a rare combination in any performing art. This is evidenced by her loyal student following, and her group classes which are always full. She follows up with practice and review videos, and even shares her music. Her routines are challenging in both the choreography and the detail of technique she teaches, which mean than you are guaranteed to become a better dancer if you stick with her. She has unstoppable energy in each class. But the best part for me: her group classes are FUN!

Stephen Reilly

Danella is an excellent teacher. I've been taking her salsa class for 6 months and I've learned so much. She creates an environment where I feel comfortable dancing and look forward to going to class. I’m wowed at how great she is in explaining the subtleties of certain techniques all while keeping the class engaged.

Definitely recommend her for people of all skill levels.

Amy B

I just finished my first Salsa series with Danella and I have to say it has been an amazing experience, so much that I signed up for a second series. Everyone is very welcoming and we learn so much from each other. I love the way Danella structures the class and her positive energy. She makes learning salsa fun and creates an environment where everyone feels comfortable dancing. She is a very knowledgable instructor and I am very happy that I discovered her. I highly recommend taking her classes.

Miranda Landfield

I've been taking classes with Danella for a year now. Previously, I had done some Salsa and Ballroom but she is by far the best teacher I have ever come across. I take her Monday and Friday evening Salsa and Bachata classes and attend her Salsa Fuego events on the first Saturday of every month.

Danella is an exceptionally talented Salsa dancer and teacher. She is a follower and a leader so she knows how to break down both parts and give very specific feedback about how to improve your dancing. In a short time, I have improved a lot because Danella consistently identifies what I need to focus on as a dancer and helps me to do so.

I recently started taking private lessons with Danella and I have had many breakthroughs during our sessions. Taking private lessons has allowed me to focus on the basics of Salsa dancing and build up from there so that I can fill in the details I'm missing when we learn more complex patterns in class. I have grown a lot as a dancer through this combination of one-on-one work with Danella and learning choreography in class.

The thing I appreciate the most about Danella is her charismatic presence. She makes class fun and constantly encourages us to DANCE TO THE MUSIC, not just do the steps. Her enthusiasm is inspiring and I highly recommend her classes and events to dancers of all levels. Danella has a passion for teaching dance that is infectious and uplifting.