Nela Dance Story

Nela Dance is a distinguished Dance Academy nestled in the heart of St. Paul, MN, established in August 2020. Our wide range of options caters for dancers at every skill level, from beginner to seasoned professionals.

At Nela Dance, we are dedicated to elevating your dance journey, providing a diverse range of services. These include immersive Salsa and Bachata Dance classes, available both online and in-person, for both group and private sessions. Our aim is to nurture the skills of individual dancers and to bring teams closer through dance. For companies looking to enhance events or engage in team-building activities for employees and clients, we offer tailored dance experiences that foster teamwork and create lasting memories.

Our expertise extends further to choreography services for private events such as quinceañeras, weddings, and company gatherings. Our experienced choreographers will help you make these events unforgettable through dance.

Nela Dance also offers performance services with our dynamic performance teams. Whether it's an event, show, or special occasion, our teams are ready to deliver captivating dance performances that will leave a lasting impression.

Discover the perfect class at our conveniently located studio, Ballet Co Laboratory, St. Paul, MN, and take the first step towards realizing your dance ambitions.

MEET Nela Menendez

Nela Menéndez is a skilled dancer originally from Mendoza, Argentina, now residing in Minnesota. Her dance journey began at the young age of 8, exploring ballet, folklore, and traditional Argentinian dances. At 13, she discovered the vibrant world of Salsa, deepening her passion for dance. By 18, Bachata had captured her heart, becoming a central focus in her repertoire.

Nela's dedication and skill have led her to compete in numerous dance competitions in both Argentina and the US, earning several first and second-place prizes. Her pursuit of excellence extends to training with world champion dancers and performing at various Salsa and Bachata Congresses. After graduation, Nela founded the Nela Dance Academy, offering captivating performances along with group and private lessons.

Beyond dance, Nela is a global performer, blending her love for performing arts with a passion for traveling the world. She has taught and performed at many renowned congresses across the US and DR and has taught at numerous universities in the US as well.

In addition to her extensive dance career, Nela Menéndez is the co-founder of NV Entertainment and has organized and hosted Latin dance socials. She also played a pivotal role in organizing the Hispanic Heritage Festival 2024, an epic salsa, bachata, kizomba, and more dance festival in Minnesota that brought world champion dancers to the city. Nela’s commitment to promoting Latin dance culture extends beyond the studio, creating unforgettable experiences for dancers and enthusiasts alike.

Nela Menéndez's experience is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the art of dance and her ability to share that passion with others, both in the studio and on international stages.

Our Vision

At Nela Dance, our vision is to lead the next generation of Salsa and Bachata with distinction. We are dedicated to becoming an internationally recognized symbol of these captivating dance forms.

Our aspirations extend far and wide. We are committed to expanding our reach, both in teaching and performing, on a global scale. The objective is to be renowned worldwide for our contributions to the world of dance.

To realize this vision, we aim to cultivate a dynamic team and inspire the opening of international branches. This expansion will serve as a testament to our unwavering dedication to the growth and promotion of these dances.

Our Mission

At Nela Dance, our mission is to establish a reputation as the Elite Dance Company, not only within the state of Minnesota but on a global scale.

We are dedicated to the art of teaching and performing Salsa and Bachata. Our aim extends beyond local borders, encompassing a worldwide stage where we share our love for these captivating dances.

Inclusivity is the cornerstone of our mission. We are committed to making our services accessible to all who share our passion for dance, creating a global community united by the joy of movement.

When you choose Nela Dance, you’re embracing a commitment to excellence, quality, and the transformative power of dance that knows no boundaries.

Our Culture

At Nela Dance, our core values revolve around fostering a professional and inclusive environment that caters to dancers of all levels.

We prioritize cultivating a culture rooted in happiness and respect, creating an atmosphere where individuals can embark on their dance journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

In our pursuit of excellence, we wholeheartedly embrace a "Good Energies Only" ethos. We encourage everyone to leave the stresses of daily life behind when they step into our Dance Classes. This dedicated hour of "Dance Time" offers a sanctuary where you can fully immerse yourself in learning new skills and leave the worries of the outside world behind.

Our Approach

At Nela Dance, we operate with a steadfast commitment to principles that define our work.

1. Integrity: We are dedicated to transparency, placing a high value on clear communication and respect within our company. We deliver messages with honesty and clarity.

2. Positivity and Honesty: Our teaching methods are built on constructive feedback and a friendly approach. We encourage Dancers to enhance their movements with a positive vibe, ensuring our team and customers experience Nela Dance with a sense of optimism.

3. Creativity and Care: We challenge our students to surpass boundaries, pushing them out of their comfort zones to facilitate growth. We pledge our support to help you surpass obstacles, ensuring your success as a dancer.

4. Purpose: Our every endeavor is infused with purpose and love. From our classes to choreographies and performances, our primary goal is to create a remarkable experience for you. We put our hearts into everything we do to make your journey with Nela Dance exceptional.

At Nela Dance, you’ll experience the joy of dance within a supportive and nurturing setting. Join us and discover the incredible impact of dance in our studio, where you can leave the world outside and embrace the transformative power of movement.

Nela Dance LLC

Nela Dance Story

MEET Nela Menendez

Our Vision

Our Mission

Our Culture

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Nela Dance Story

MEET Nela Menendez

Our Vision

Our Mission

Our Culture

Our Approach

Our Approach

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Experience Nela Dance through our Photo Gallery

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