Joy Waria —
in motion.
"I don't believe in 'natural' dancers. I believe in patient ones — those willing to listen to the music until it answers back."
Joy Waria has spent the last fifteen years studying Latin and Afro-diasporic dance across three continents. From the social floors of Havana to the studios of Cali and Lisbon, she has trained with — and performed alongside — some of the genre's most respected masters.
In 2018 she returned home to Nairobi and opened the doors of Waria Dance Academy. What started as a small Saturday class of twelve has grown into Kenya's most respected Latin dance community — one she still teaches in personally, every week.
Joy is a certified instructor in Cuban Salsa (CSF Havana), Bachata Sensual (Korke & Judith methodology) and Urban Kizomba. She is also the founding choreographer of the Waria Performance Team, which has competed across East Africa and Europe.
A life measured in songs.
First steps
Joy takes her first salsa class in Nairobi at age 19.
Havana, Cuba
Two years training in Cuban Salsa and Son with Maestro Eduardo Pino.
Cali, Colombia
Intensive study of Salsa Caleña and Pachanga at Salsa Pura.
Lisbon, Portugal
Kizomba and Semba immersion with Angolan masters.
Waria Dance Academy
Founded in Karen, Nairobi with a class of 12 students.
Community of 500+
Active members, monthly socials, and a growing performance team.
Come dance with us.
Your first class is the hardest. Everything after is just music.
Join Your First Dance Class