By Sean Treanor (That's Beijing)
Updated: 2007-12-27 10:33

If you crave salsa, then check out Casa de David. All others: Steer clear.

The venue is a dance studio with a small bar playing the part of a minor, potentially vestigial appendage. A wooden dance floor facing a wall-length mirror is the focus of the club, with small tables scattered along the periphery. The club centers around its nightly salsa lessons, giving the floor over to dance students for three hours a night. The classes cost RMB 3,800 per year, and cater only to those who are willing to commit to a full year of dancing lessons.

As a dance studio it is impressive and professional, attracting those who are truly dedicated to their art, though its all-or-nothing membership requirements may scare off more casual dancers. As a bar, however, Casa de David is unexceptional. The drinks are expensive (RMB 40 for a mixed drink) and awfully weak, although members enjoy an RMB 10 discount. Likewise, the food is underwhelming.

It's worth a visit, certainly, for those who will actively pursue an evening of non-stop Latin dance, though they may want to tipple elsewhere. For true enthusiasts, however, it is a fun, dedicated environment that joins Latinos as an oasis in a salsa desert.

Casa de David
Open: 1pm-4am.
Location: 5/F, Yaxing Bldg, 46 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 010-64661606