Just finished Salsa Bachata 1.5 series with Deborah Perez , best dance class ever, I really enjoy learn so much it was really a fantastic experience Deborah is so caring for their students she is always alert to help each one of the dancers we are all satisfied great price I highly recommended, social after the class is a plus and so much fun best deal ever.

Ivan L.

I have been dancing at By Your Side for a year now and its an excellent place to learn and enjoy dancing. The teachers are warm, friendly, and highly experienced (most importantly). I have not had a bad group class here.

Culturally, the studio is safe and fun. Its about dancing and not about selling you more lessons or pressuring you into participating in things you dont want. The teachers do this because they love it. Classes are also never over-full.

Chaitanya K.

I can easily state By Your Side Dance Studio is without a doubt the best studio in LA!

The last two years, I have visited several studios in LA and NYC and found the owner/teacher, Deborah Perez, and the instructors – Guillermo, Laura, Rene, Craig, Maria and Sindy to be outstanding in instruction, communication, pricing, and (for many like me) most importantly, patience. The variety of classes, social dance events for all ages, and level of private offerings are beyond what I have experienced at other studios.

Anyone thinking of learning a new dance for a one-time event or yearning for something more, By Your Side is the place. No regrets except maybe not signing up sooner!!

H E.

Deborah and Her Mother

My Beginnings

I wasn’t always the confident woman running a dance studio. As a shy and often sad child, I found comfort in music — my family was full of musicians, and our home was always alive with sound.

When I began to dance, something changed. I didn’t need words to express myself, and the movement lifted my spirits. Dance became my therapy, my confidence, and my connection to others.

A Journey I Never Planned

I never set out to open a studio — I just needed a small space to teach. But students kept coming, and before long, I had a team of instructors and a thriving community.

Then came the hardest years: the pandemic, my mother’s dementia (which later became Alzheimer’s), the loss of a dear instructor and friend, and my own battle with stage-three cancer. I brought my mother into my home and cared for her for seven years, until her passing this past April 2025. Somehow, through faith, compassion, and the generosity of my students, we survived.

My mother was the one who named the studio — By Your Side. She said it captured what dance is meant to be: supportive, uplifting, and always there for you.

A Studio with Heart

Today, By Your Side Dance Studio is more than a place to dance — it’s a community built on joy, resilience, and love. I’ve watched shy people bloom into confident dancers, couples create lifelong memories, and friendships form that last for years.

Dance has been my lifelong friend, and my dream is to offer that same comfort and joy to others — a place where everyone feels welcome, accepted, and at home.

Because here, you’re not just learning to dance. You’re learning to live joyfully — and we’re here right with you, by your side.

Deborah
Owner of By Your Side Dance Studio

LOVE this dance studio!!!! The instructors love dance and are vested in your becoming a better dancer. No matter what your dance goals are, this is the place to go. Deborah, Guillermo, Rene and the other instructors are friendly, authentic and positive people.

Dawn B.

If I could give By your side and Rene 1000 stars I would! My fiancé and I took two lessons here for our wedding. We came In with zero dance knowledge or background and we were bumbling idiots. Rene was so patient with us and made us feel so comfortable. He recorded us so we could watch at home and practice. I would have never though that just after two sessions we would be where we are at and feeling good about our first dance!

Mary C.

We have been going to Salsa 1 classes with Deborah for a few months pretty consistently and we look forward to it every week. She is super patient, welcoming and a great teacher. I literally came in knowing zero and felt supported. It’s nice to get to know the other regulars and see progress so quickly. Thank you, Deborah

Adrian H.