(beijing weekend)
Updated: 2007-06-29 10:42

A lively cast burning up the dance floor till the early hours at Latinos has made this club Beijing's home of salsa. With its warm, red interior and shiny, wooden dance floor, Latino's is the place to shake your stuff in a friendly and international atmosphere.

For those new to Latin fever, the club holds free dance lessons three nights a week, taught by the charming Venezuelan, Jean-Pierre Rojas.

Rojas has been dancing "all his life", he says, a diamond stud twinkling in his ear. He and his brother also belong to Latino's resident band, Makore.

When Beijing Weekend visited on Sunday, the relaxed beginner's class was all-smiles, swaying to the infectious rhythm. In the back row, a tall foreigner stole a kiss from his girl between spins, while even the club's manager joined those learning the groove.

After the group class, lucky ladies scored individual coaching from six professional Filipino dancers present.

"Care to dance?" Few would say no, having watched these boys' smooth moves as they whirled their partners across the floor. For the gentlemen - the party dress code adhered to by beauties here is short and sexy.

Besides hot live music, Latino's hosts regular guest performers and themed parties.

The drinks menu includes a good selection at reasonable prices plus cocktails and food.

Latino's is located inside the stylish Nanxincang development, which is on the site of an ancient granary. This complex houses a number of other high-end bars and restaurants, including the Beijing roast duck institution, Da Dong.

Latino's is open late, Tuesday to Sunday. For details on class times and events, see www.latinosclubchina.com

Address:A12 Nan Xin Cang, Historical Complex, Dong Si Shi Tiao 22, 100007 Beijing
Tel:010-6409 6997.