Business Details
21 Years
experience
Premier Salsa & Afro Latin Jazz Classes in the UK
Established in 2005, we are a UK-based professional dance company and academy specialising in Salsa/Mambo and Afro Latin Jazz. Our mission is to provide students with a comprehensive salsa dance education that balances technical excellence with enjoyment. We foster a welcoming community where dancers of all levels and backgrounds can explore their passion for dance. Our experienced instructors, led by renowned teaching couple Marchant & Davina Birch, are dedicated to helping each student achieve their dance goals. We offer a complete spectrum of dance services, including online classes, weekly in-person sessions, workshops, private lessons, performances, and residential dance weekends.With venues in Winchester and Basingstoke, we have become the UK's premier salsa dance school, attracting students from across the country and internationally. Our structured syllabus ensures progression from absolute beginners to advanced levels, with two instructors present in most classes to provide tailored guidance for leaders and followers. The Alchemy Online platform extends our reach globally, offering on-demand video libraries, live interactive classes, and a private community for dancers worldwide.
Services
Online Salsa Classes
Beginners Courses
Introduction to On2
Workshops
Private Lessons
Residential Bootcamps
Performance Training
Afro Latin Jazz
Cha Cha Instruction
Body Movement Classes
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer over 15 years of experience in professional dance instruction since 2005
- Our structured syllabus ensures progression from beginner to advanced levels
- Two expert instructors present in most classes for comprehensive guidance
- We provide both online and in-person learning options for global accessibility
- Our residential bootcamps offer intensive training with personalized attention
What people say
Amazing teachers
Friendly community
Structured learning
Global reach
Personalized attention
Services
Online Salsa Classes
Our online platform offers flexible salsa instruction with on-demand video libraries and live interactive Zoom classes. Students access structured courses from improver to advanced levels, including a dedicated Introduction to On2 program for On1 dancers. The service includes a private Facebook community for ongoing support and updates.
Beginners Courses
Designed for complete novices, these courses transform 'two left feet' into confident salsa moves. No prior experience required, with both in-person and online options available. Classes focus on foundational techniques in a relaxed, social atmosphere to build confidence and dance proficiency.
Residential Bootcamps
Intensive weekend programs offering total immersion in Salsa On2 with Marchant & Davina Birch. Limited to 40 participants, these events combine technical workshops with social dancing in an intimate learning environment. Includes accommodation, meals, and personalized instruction across two full days.
Private Lessons
Tailored instruction addressing individual dance goals with personalized feedback. Sessions focus on specific areas like leading/following techniques, body movement, or musicality. Available for both social dancers and those pursuing performance-level skills with expert guidance from master instructors.
Afro Latin Jazz
Specialist instruction in Afro Latin Jazz dance techniques combining traditional elements with modern interpretations. Classes explore complex rhythms and body isolations, building versatility in dancers. Taught by experienced instructors with deep industry expertise in this unique dance style.
People
Marchant Birch
Co-Founder & Director
Internationally renowned salsa instructor with decades of teaching experience. Specialises in New York style Salsa On2, developing structured methodologies that combine technical precision with creative expression. Leads instructor training programs to maintain teaching standards across all classes.
Davina Birch
Co-Founder & Director
Award-winning dance educator and performer with expertise in Afro Latin Jazz and body movement techniques. Co-developer of the Alchemy Bootcamp concept, creating immersive learning experiences that have trained over a thousand dancers globally since 2010.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialise in New York style Salsa On2 (Mambo), Afro Latin Jazz, and Cha Cha, with structured programs for all skill levels.
Are classes available online?
Yes, Alchemy Online provides on-demand video libraries, live Zoom classes, and a complete Introduction to On2 course accessible globally.
Do you offer beginner-friendly instruction?
Our Beginners Courses require no prior experience, with both in-person and online options in a relaxed, social learning environment.
What are your residential bootcamps like?
Intensive weekends with Marchant & Davina Birch featuring technical workshops, social dancing, and personalized instruction limited to 40 participants.
How do I join local classes?
Weekly sessions run in Winchester on Tuesdays and Basingstoke on Thursdays, with taster classes available before committing to courses.
