STARTING CLASSES
Where are classes held?
Classes are currently held at Ripley-Grier Studios on West 72nd Street in Manhattan. The exact studio room is listed with the class details and included in your confirmation email. Locations can occasionally change, so always check the information for the date you plan to attend.
When are classes?
Classes are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:00–8:30 PM. An optional práctica follows from 8:30–9:00 PM, giving you extra time to practice, ask questions, or get feedback.
What is the difference between Wednesday and Thursday?
Wednesdays are El Mangú. You learn the basic movements, clean technique, how each movement should feel, and how to bring those ideas into partner work.
Thursdays are Los Tres Golpes. You learn what to listen for in the music, how to respond to different partners, and how to make choices without relying on a memorized pattern.
They are not beginner and intermediate levels. They are two sides of the same approach. Attend either day or take both for a fuller understanding of the dance.
Do I need dance experience?
No. I meet you where you are. The classes focus on fundamentals and the way you understand the dance, not on expecting you to perform everything perfectly.
I do not believe that you can dance “wrong.” Dance is expression. My job is to help you move with more understanding, comfort, and intention.
Do I need a partner?
No. A lot of people come alone. We rotate partners during class, and much of what you learn can also be practiced independently.
Do I have to start at the beginning of the month?
No. Each month follows a four-week cycle—Essentials, Tradition, Evolution, and Application—but every class also stands on its own. Start during any week and continue through the cycle from there.
What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in. Sneakers, dance sneakers, or socks are all fine. Bring water and, if you have them, a small gym towel or portable fan. The studios can get warm—I sweat a lot myself, and you might too. We take breaks during class, and you can always step out for water when you need it.
What if I still feel nervous about starting?
That is completely normal. I started taking salsa classes in 2022, but it took me a few weeks to convince myself to walk into that first class. Taking it became one of the best decisions I have made. It led to travel, more classes, friendships I still have today, and eventually to Tres Golpes.
You do not have to wait until you stop feeling nervous. If learning to dance is something you have wanted to try, come nervous. The classes are kept comfortable, beginner-friendly, and small enough for you to ask questions and find your footing.
PRICING & MEMBERSHIPS
What is the best way to get started?
If you only want to experience one class, your first class is $6. If you want to experience the approach as it was designed, your first month is $36.
I recommend the month. Part of that is obvious: I run the business and want you in class. But the real reason is that the month is designed as one eight-class arc.
Wednesdays build the movement, technique, and partner foundation. Thursdays help you listen, respond, adapt, and make those ideas your own. Across the four weeks, you learn what gives bachata its identity, explore its earlier sound, understand how it grew and changed, and then bring everything together for the social dance floor—including La Bandera Social at the end of the cycle.
What happens after my $36 first month?
Your membership continues at $120 per month unless you cancel. It renews automatically using the payment method you entered through Stripe.
What is included with an active monthly membership?
Your membership includes every available Wednesday and Thursday class, admission to La Bandera Social, access to the online community, and additional playlists and learning resources.
What if a monthly membership does not fit my schedule?
You can attend with a regular $30 drop-in or purchase a $96 four-class pack. The four-class pack does not expire, so you can use the credits whenever your schedule allows.
I do not lead with the class pack because I want new students to experience a class or a complete month first. After that, it is available if flexibility makes more sense for you than a recurring membership.
How do I update my payment method or cancel my membership?
Payments and membership management are handled securely through Stripe rather than directly on this website. Enter the email address you used when you joined, and Stripe will send you a secure link where you can update your payment method or cancel.
What if I need to pause or something changes?
Let me know before your next billing date, either in person or by email. Injuries, travel, and schedule changes happen. I try to be flexible and help you find the option that makes the most sense for your situation.
You can reach me at edwin@tresgolpesbachata.com
LA BANDERA SOCIAL & EVENTS
What is La Bandera Social?
La Bandera Social is inspired by the nights I grew up around—family and friends coming through, having a few drinks, talking shit, and letting the music carry the night.
It is not supposed to feel like a club or a formal dance event. Come with people you know, meet a few new people, dance as much as you want, and still get home at a reasonable hour. Expect mostly traditional Dominican bachata, with some merengue and salsa mixed in.
Can I come alone?
Yes. A lot of people come on their own, and you do not need a partner to attend. The space is intentionally kept welcoming and social, so it should feel easy to introduce yourself, ask someone to dance, or simply enjoy the room until you feel comfortable.
What kind of music do you play?
The night is centered on traditional Dominican bachata, including music from different eras of the dance. A smaller amount of merengue and salsa is mixed in throughout the evening.
The music stays connected to the culture and feeling behind La Bandera Social rather than following a modern or sensual bachata format.
Do I need dance experience?
No. La Bandera Social is open to everyone. You can dance all night, try a few songs, or simply come for the music and company.
If you are new, you do not have to prove anything or know every step. Ask someone to dance, listen to the music, and participate at the pace that feels right for you.
What should I wear?
Wear what you would normally wear for a casual night out at a bar. There are no themes or formal dress codes, but you will be dancing, so choose something comfortable enough to move in.
The room may get warm. A small fan, gym towel, or extra shirt may be helpful if you tend to sweat.
How do tickets and check-in work?
After checkout, your QR ticket is sent by email from tickets@labanderasocial.com. Keep that email handy and show the QR code at the host stand when you arrive.
If you do not see the email within a few minutes, check your Promotions or Spam folder before reaching out.
Is La Bandera Social included with my class purchase?
Admission is included with an active monthly membership and with the one-month pass. Both are meant to give you the complete Tres Golpes experience, including classes, community access, and La Bandera Social.
Tickets are sent separately once the event goes live. If you join after the first group of member tickets has already been sent, I will send yours separately.
Class packs and individual drop-ins do not include admission unless the offer specifically says otherwise.
What are the expectations on the dance floor?
Ask before dancing and accept a “no” without pressure. Pay attention to your hands, your movement, and the people sharing the floor with you. Leaders guide rather than control, and everyone is responsible for helping the space remain comfortable and safe.
Have fun and do not take yourself too seriously—but treat the music, your partners, and the community with care. The complete expectations are available in the Code of Conduct.
ONLINE COMMUNITY & RESOURCES
What is the online community?
The Tres Golpes online community is a place to stay connected and continue learning outside the studio. It brings together class recaps, music, playlists, cultural resources, announcements, and conversations that support what we do in person.
It is still growing, but the goal is simple: give you somewhere to revisit what you learned, ask questions, and remain connected between classes and events.
Do I need to attend classes in New York to join?
No. You can join the online community even if you do not live in New York or attend in-person classes.
This is especially useful for people who want to learn more about Dominican bachata but do not have access to this style where they live.
Is online access included with my membership?
Online access is included with an active monthly membership and with the one-month pass. You will receive a separate invitation after joining.
Class packs and individual drop-ins do not include ongoing online access unless the offer specifically says otherwise.
Can I join the online community by itself?
Yes. You can join without purchasing an in-person class membership. The online-only membership is $36 per month and can be canceled at any time.
What kinds of resources will I find there?
Resources may include class recaps, practice ideas, playlists, music references, cultural background, event information, and other tools connected to what we are currently teaching.
Not everything is released at once. The library will continue growing as classes, events, and the Tres Golpes curriculum develop.
How do tickets and check-in work?
After checkout, your QR ticket is sent by email from tickets@labanderasocial.com. Keep that email handy and show the QR code at the host stand when you arrive.
If you do not see the email within a few minutes, check your Promotions or Spam folder before reaching out.
Where can I find the music used in classes and socials?
Tres Golpes playlists and social-dance mixes are available through the website, Spotify, YouTube, and YouTube Music when available.
Some playlists are connected to a particular class cycle or La Bandera Social. Others are organized for general listening, practice, or learning more about the music.
SAFETY & POLICIES
What am I agreeing to when I participate?
Dance involves physical activity, shared space, and contact with other people. By attending, you understand that participation carries some risk and that you are choosing to take part voluntarily.
Move at your own pace, make decisions that feel right for your body, and communicate with me or your partner whenever something needs to change.
What are the expectations in the space?
Ask before dancing and accept a “no” without pressure. Pay attention to your hands, movement, and surroundings. Treat your partners and everyone sharing the room with respect.
Racism, sexism, homophobia, harassment, or behavior that makes someone feel unsafe is not accepted. Serious or repeated violations may result in removal from a class, event, or community space.
What should I do if something feels unsafe or uncomfortable?
Tell me. You can speak with me privately during the event or contact me afterward at edwin@tresgolpesbachata.com.
You do not need to confront someone yourself or wait until a situation becomes serious. I would rather know early so I can understand what happened and respond appropriately.
What if I am injured or need additional support?
Let me know before class whenever possible. You are always welcome to modify a movement, take a break, sit something out, or stop completely.
Accessibility varies because classes and events take place in rented venues. If you need information about stairs, seating, room access, or instructional support, contact me before attending so I can give you accurate information for that location.
Can I record during classes or events?
Short personal clips are usually fine, but ask before recording instruction or anyone who will clearly appear in the video. Not everyone wants to be filmed.
Do not record full classes, present class material as your own teaching, or use the Tres Golpes name, content, or visuals to promote another business or event without permission.
What happens if my plans change?
Policies depend on what you purchased. If something comes up, contact me as early as possible. I try to handle injuries, travel, scheduling problems, and genuine emergencies fairly, but credits and changes are not guaranteed after a class or event has passed.
If Tres Golpes cancels a class, workshop, or event, you will receive an appropriate credit or refund.
How is my personal information used?
I collect the information needed to process purchases, manage registrations, send tickets and class information, provide community access, and operate the website.
I do not sell your personal information. It may be processed by the service providers used for payments, registration, email, community access, and website operations. You can unsubscribe from marketing communication at any time, although necessary purchase or account messages may still be sent.
ABOUT TRES GOLPES
Who teaches the classes?
I’m Edwin Alexander. I was born in the Bronx, raised in Yonkers, and come from a Dominican family with roots in Santo Domingo.
I started taking salsa classes in 2022 after spending several weeks convincing myself to walk into the first one. That decision led to more classes, travel, friendships, bachata, and eventually Tres Golpes. I teach from the perspective of someone who remembers exactly what it feels like to begin.
Why did you create Tres Golpes?
I created Tres Golpes in 2025 because I wanted a clearer way to learn Dominican bachata—one that explained the music, movement, history, partner connection, and social environment as parts of the same dance.
The question behind the business is: if I had to learn this again, what would make the process clearer, faster, and more enjoyable? The classes, socials, community, and resources are being built around that answer.
Why focus specifically on Dominican bachata?
Because bachata is Dominican. The music and dance grew from Dominican life, and understanding that background changes how you hear it and how you move.
Other styles and interpretations exist, but Tres Golpes stays rooted in the music, movement, history, and social feeling that came from the Dominican Republic.
What does “Tres Golpes” mean?
The name comes from mangú con los tres golpes—a Dominican breakfast traditionally served with fried cheese, salami, and eggs.
It also became the structure behind how I teach. El Mangú represents the foundation. Los Tres Golpes represent the different ingredients you bring to the dance: understanding the music, connecting with another person, and making your own choices.
Why aren’t there many photos or videos of the instructor and students?
Tres Golpes is still young, and I have chosen to build the teaching, events, and systems before turning every class into content. I also want students to be able to learn without feeling as though they are constantly being filmed.
The website uses artwork to communicate the culture and feeling behind the brand. More personal photos and videos will be added over time, but the room itself will remain focused on the people taking the class—not on creating something for social media.
Can I collaborate with Tres Golpes or bring it to another city?
Yes. I am open to workshops, collaborations, guest teaching, cultural programming, and bringing the Tres Golpes approach to communities outside New York.
Send an email with the location, idea, approximate timing, and what you would like to create. You can also use the Hire page for more information.
What if my question was not answered here?
Email me directly at edwin@tresgolpesbachata.com.
Tres Golpes is intentionally kept personal. If something about a class, purchase, membership, event, accessibility need, or collaboration is unclear, I would rather you ask than make a decision without the information you need.