The Cali Salsa scene is HOT!!! And it doesn’t wait for anybody! Its a pulsing breathing entity that will get your feet tapping and your fingers drumming.When the chance came for me to take a weekend trip to experience another part of Colombia, I knew it would have to involve late nights and good music. In a good salsa club here you will see amazing things, the fast rhythms of the Colombian salsa music will transport you to a magical place.

The Cali Salsa Scene at Tin Tin Deo

I came to Cali, to meet up with one of my former dance partners from the States who had danced at Salsa Reno with me under the tutelage of BB and Kiki. Joe is in Cali for a month studying the Caleño style. Together we set out with open minds to find the nightlife.

What a fun atmosphere. I witnessed couples dancing the tropical choke salsa, the fast feet of Caleño style and even the more graceful American LA style. The social scene here is a bit more restrictive for changing up dance partners. We founds a few people to dance with me and my friend. Later, it was an education in and of itself to simply sit and watch. The scene was energetic, interesting and fun – definitely try out Tin Tin Deo on your next visit!

The club we went to is named Tin Tin Deo. It is one of the most famous salsa clubs in Valle del Cauca. Even when we arrived at the early hour of 10:00 there were already couples out there cutting the rug with their personal styles. Along the way we met a few other gringos who had come for the same adventure. Taz, From Japan, had been to Cali on two different occasions for extended crash courses on the Caleño style. Till was from Germany and has also been taking an intensive salsa course. I have been learning now for one year starting with New York step on One in the US and here in Colombia the Caleño style, in Pereira.

The crowning moment this night was walking out on that dance floor and putting into motion all these months of study with my three companions.

For anyone looking for a great time in Cali, this is definitely the spot even if you only want to watch and absorb the culture from behind your beer you won’t be disappointed. The cover was 10,000 pesos for women and 12,000 pesos for men, it worked out pretty good though because we were comped with two rounds of beer.

Be sure to arrive early because by 11:00 there will be standing room only!!

As the night progressed, we followed along, tried not to lose our step, and even learned something new. This was a Friday might in Cali. I also made some very interesting friends, and stayed at an awesome hostel. Check back again soon to read about it!!