La Clave Community is founded on respect - respect for fellow dancers and their dance journeys, respect for instructors and their time and dedication, and respect for the people of Cuba and the cultures in which these genres of music and dance are rooted.
At our classes and socials, we strive to create a space where you can connect deeply to the music, to your dance partners, and to yourself. Always keep in mind that we are all learning together. ♡
Social Dance Community Etiquette
La Clave Community supports a respectful and inclusive community in which we as dancers:
• Treat others with consideration and care
• Embrace and celebrate diversity by welcoming dancers of all identities, ages, ethnicities, and skill levels
• Understand it's okay to say no and to receive a no to a dance (and to leave a dance with someone who's making you uncomfortable)
Remember!
• Dance with your partner, not for an audience - pay attention and adjust to your partner's cues of discomfort, and keep an open line of communication
• Keep physical connection appropriate
• Report incidents or concerns to event organizers
• Respect the space you're dancing in and keep the venue clean
The people and culture from which this music and dance were created.
The salsa socials we enjoy on the weekends are the products of a rich and complicated cultural legacy. As conscientious dancers, it is important we remain mindful and respectful of that history by continuing to learn, listen, and support the work of Cuban artists, both on the island and throughout the diaspora. Below is a testimonial from a friend and fellow dance instructor sharing his recent experiences. I encourage you to read with an open mind and heart. While you may never meet the people whose lives are reflected in his words, we remain connected through our shared love of this art and community.
Un mensaje de Cuba:
Cuba es un país que ha sabido sobrevivir bajo muchas dificultades y la presión política del gobierno de los Estados Unidos. Además de la corrupción que afronta internamente. Donde muchos dirigentes se han lucrado del sacrificio del pueblo enmascarado y justificado sus fechorías ante el mundo diciendo que son Demócratas y Socialistas.
Las medidas del bloque contra cuba limitan su desarrollo económico y con las nuevas medidas de Trump y Rubio. La necesidad se multiplica x100. La carencia de alimentos, de medicinas y utensilios médicos, la falta de tecnología en las industrias y otros lugares, la falta de combustible, son los factores que más nos afectan actualmente al pueblo cubano. Es inhumano vivir sin electricidad todos los dias, sin transporte público, sin agua en las casas, entre otras necesidades. Todo eso ha hecho que la violencia en las calle aumente. A diario hay asaltos y robos a mano armada a las personas más vulnerables y ni la policía ni el gobierno hace nada.
Estamos viviendo un apocalíptico momento que verdaderamente está destazando la armonía y la tranquilidad de vida que estábamos acostumbrados a tener en mi país. En mi caso soy ingeniero mecánico y mi salario solo me basta para comer tres dias. Solo tienen la vida más fácil las personas que tienen algún vínculo con otro parís o negocios. Donde puedan recaudar Euros o Dólares, porque la moneda cubana ha perdido su valor. El gobierno nos paga con la moneda nacional y nos cobra el las mejores tiendas en Dólares.
Tenemos una cultura que se ha expandido por todo el mundo de una manera extraordinaria. En todas las manifestaciones del arte pero las que más resaltan son la danza y la musica. Y es increíble como personas que no saben que comerán mañana en la cena. Pueden bailar y reír entregándole toda á la felicidad. Para mi, lo mejor que tiene mi país es el humanismo y la fraternidad de las personas. Cualquier cubano es capaz de brindar comida, techo, amor entre otras cosas á cualquier persona que lo necesite. Y creo que ese pensamiento es el que hace que muchos turistas de todo el mundo la visiten aunque no tenga las mejores condiciones.
Roly (Mayombe Dance Company), junio 2026
A message from Cuba:
Cuba is a country that has managed to survive despite numerous hardships and political pressure from the United States government, as well as internal corruption. Many leaders have profited from the people's sacrifices, masking and justifying their misdeeds to the world by claiming to be democrats and socialists.
The blockade measures against Cuba stifle economic development, and the new policies introduced by Trump and Rubio have caused hardship to skyrocket. Shortages of food, medicine, and medical supplies; a lack of technology in industries and other sectors; and fuel shortages are the factors currently hitting the Cuban people the hardest. Living day in and day out without electricity, public transport, or running water - among other basic necessities - is inhumane. All of this has led to a rise in street violence. Armed robberies and assaults targeting the most vulnerable occur daily, yet neither the police nor the government takes action.
We are living through an apocalyptic moment that is tearing apart the harmony and tranquility we were once accustomed to in my country. I am a mechanical engineer, yet my salary covers only three days' worth of food. Life is easier only for those with ties to other countries or business connections - people who can earn Euros or dollars - because the Cuban currency has lost its value. The government pays us in the national currency but charges us in dollars at the best stores.
Our culture has spread across the globe in an extraordinary way. It permeates every form of art, though dance and music stand out the most. It is incredible to see people who do not know where their next meal is coming from - or what they will have for dinner tomorrow - dancing, laughing, and fully embracing happiness. To me, my country's greatest asset is the humanism and camaraderie of its people. Any Cuban is willing to offer food, shelter, love, and more to anyone in need. I believe this spirit is what draws tourists from all over the world to visit, even though conditions are far from ideal.
Roly (Mayombe Dance Company), June 2026