Garry Johnson
Salsa — Timba — Son
About
I taught my first salsa class in 1993, as a junior in high school — and by senior year I'd decided homework could wait. I became a dance teacher right out of high school in 1994, and I haven't looked back since.
Now 50, I bring an eclectic mix to how I teach: early showy performance styles, traditional Son and Danzón studied under my mentor Roberto Borrell, and decades of percussion — 28 years of conga, 16 years of batá. I've also studied Tango and Lindy Hop along the way.
At the core of it all is a social style of Timba, Salsa, and Son — dancing that feels both natural and technical.
Classes
A weekly class in Petaluma at the Community Center, Monday nights.
Sign up here →
Once a month, I teach special workshops in Emeryville at Pulse Studio.
Upcoming
Next Workshop
CaliHop Workshop
Saturday, November 21, 2026 · 1:00 PM · Pulse Studio, Emeryville
Cali-influenced Lindy Hop for Salsa dancers. All levels welcome.
Private Lessons
Also available for private lessons and performances, taught at three locations:
- My home studio in Petaluma
- DanceArts in San Rafael
- Pulse Studio in Emeryville
415 297 7212 — text or call
Rates available upon inquiry.
Also Teaching
Strength Training — Kettlebell training, certified through StrongFirst. Private sessions available.
Congas & Percussion — Cuban and Afro-Cuban rhythms for Salsa, Timba, and Son. Private lessons available.
Same contact and locations as above.