Meet Your Instructor

Melodic Roots

Raised in the cultural mosaic of the San Francisco Bay Area, Mike Galindo's deep reverence for diverse cultures began early. His musical journey took root at the age of 14, when a fascination with music inspired him to collect an impressive array of speakers, amplifying tunes that enchanted passersby from his middle school home.
 

The Origin Story

At 24, Mike's journey into salsa and bachata was sparked by a persistent nudge from his father, leading him to attend his first salsa lesson at the vibrant Caribbean Gardens in Burlingame, CA, in 2013. It’s said that his romance with Latin dance ignited amidst the captivating rhythm of "123, 567" during this very lesson. At Caribbean Gardens, he found mentorship in Orlando & Miriam Chacon, who introduced him to the world of salsa. Within three months, Mike fearlessly stepped onto the renowned dance floor of Café Cocomo in San Francisco, marking his early entry into the dance scene. However, the closure of Café Cocomo in 2014 interrupted these thrilling experiences. A pivotal moment came in 2015 when Mike was captivated by the artistry of his idols, Daniel & Desiree, featured in a viral YouTube sensation. This discovery ignited his deep passion for sensual bachata, prompting him to launch the Bay Area's first "Sensual Bachata" event that same year at El Patron restaurant in Santa Rosa, CA. Since then, Mike has honed his skills across various Latin dance forms, amassing over a decade of expertise in salsa and bachata.
 

Approach and Style

Mike Galindo’s approach to dance is a blend of precision, technique, impeccable biomechanics, and vibrant spontaneity synchronized with musicality. His distinctive style fosters individual expression and movement in his students while leaving a lasting impact, helping them cultivate confidence, achieve self-esteem breakthroughs, and liberate their authentic selves through dance.
 

A Fresh Chapter

In 2021, Mike founded San Jose Bachata Nights LLC, a full-service Latin dance company. The company offers bachata group classes, private lessons, event production, training teams, and performance teams. With a mission to empower individuals by building unshakeable confidence, fostering self-esteem breakthroughs, and unleashing genuine self-expression through dance, San Jose Bachata Nights continues to make its mark on the Latin dance community.