Move Your Feet To Reno’s Latin Dance Scene
June 11, 2025 By
Daisy Gomez
One of the most exciting aspects of living in Northern Nevada is the electrifying and entertaining Latin dance scene that folks can find in Reno and Sparks that brings together a diverse community to celebrate this rich cultural expression.
Costa Rican native, Gerzon Chaves, founded Tiempo Latino Dance Company as a unique space to learn the art of Latin cultural dancing and keep it alive and engaging. Ranging from various beginner classes to a competitive dance team, Tiempo Latino encourages everyone – Latinos and non-Latinos – to immerse themselves in the addictive music and rhythms of salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, and more.
Continuing the energy in the heart of Reno is Dancing on the River. Hosted by Andres Torres, chief entertainment officer at High Sierra Entertainment, this free and inclusive event takes place once a month from May to August and is aimed at unifying diverse cultures through music and dancing.
“I called it ‘Dancing on the River’ for a reason because I don’t want only Latino music here, country music here, Celtic [music] over there,” Torres said. “I want it all together. It’s all about unifying people.”
Among the dancers at the event in May were Jenny Manzano and her son Elisandro Pimienta, a member of the youth dance group MVP, which performed at the event. For Pimienta, it was the perfect event to dance freely and express his true self.
Even local businesses and restaurants, like La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, are proud to welcome the community for Latin nights. Instructors Jamie Ombogo and Enrique Barcenas have noticed a rise in all types of attendees appreciating the Latin dance culture, having a fun night out with friends or coming alone to dance and meet new people.
DJ Ahko Altamirano, in charge of the events at La Fonda, invites those of all ages to stop in and learn salsa, cumbia, and bachata every month.
Where to Dance Latin Dance in Reno: A Quick Guide
If you’re ready to move your feet, here’s the three go-to spots in Reno where you can learn Latin dance, connect with others, and enjoy the music.
- Tiempo Latino Dance Company – 3929 S. McCarran Blvd., Reno
- Offers professional-level instruction in salsa, bachata, cumbia and much more.
- Includes group classes, private lessons, and competitive training
- Hosts low-costs, free beginner-friendly lessons at venues such as Cypress Reno
- @tiempo_latino_dance_company
- Dancing on the River – Reno City Plaza (First Saturdays, May through August)
- Free monthly dance social at Reno City Plaza
- Cumbia, bachata, and line dancing lessons followed by a public dance floor
- Welcomes all ages and dance levels — no partner needed
- La Fonda Mexican Restaurant – 4385 Neil Rd. #109, Reno
- Latin dance nights every Friday, including lessons and social dancing
- Cumbia and salsa taught by local instructors
- Combines dinner, drinks, and dancing in one lively venue
- @la_fonda_mexican_restaurante
4. Reno Public Market – 299 E Plumb Ln., Reno
- Check their website for the schedule of their usually monthly daytime dancing socials!
- Learn bachata, salsa and merengue
- https://www.renopublicmarket.com/events/bachata-brunch-at-reno-public-market-6
Additional reporting by Juliet Ojeda; video production by Juliet Ojeda
