Question 1

I've never danced before, how do I start?

Accepted Answer

Welcome to a wild ride! Salsa Dancing will prove rewarding to you in ways you can barely imagine right now. It's the most fun you can have standing up! However, starting out isn't easy—you'll miss the beat, lack coordination, fear the unknown, and be scared of making a fool of yourself. These ALL play into the equation.

The first thing you have to do is take lessons, and we recommend at least 2-3 times a week. Why so much? It takes time to get the beat from your ears into your feet. Repetition

Question 2

Where can I find a teacher?

Accepted Answer

It's very important to find the right teacher that suits your style and that you feel you can learn from. The Bay Area is home to over a dozen brilliant teachers. Check our Classes page for a complete list of classes sorted by day to help you find the right class, at the right place, at the right time. Feel free to ask people you meet or post questions in our community!

Question 3

What are beginner-friendly clubs?

Accepted Answer

Beginner-friendly clubs typically have: 1) A well-attended beginner lesson before the club opens, 2) Other beginners who come regularly, 3) A helpful 'let's practice and have fun' atmosphere rather than a competitive vibe. Look for venues that offer lessons before social dancing—these tend to be more welcoming to newcomers.

Question 4

What is Salsa Addiction?

Accepted Answer

You used to go to salsa class once a week, maybe dance once a month. You had friends who didn't dance! Slowly but surely, you started taking more classes—maybe even three a week. You started making excuses to your non-dancing friends. "Can't go out tonight... busy... got a date"—when really, you were sneaking out to dance.

Your family hasn't seen you in a month, your non-dancing friends think you've entered witness protection, your job gets a fraction of its former attention, people recognize y

Question 5

What is a Salsa Fix (a.k.a. Salsa High)?

Accepted Answer

If you're an addict, you know what this is. In the beginning, these were easy to come by—every night you'd get that "fix." Now, after years of dancing, you're lucky to get it once a week.

It's that feeling of dancing on air, being one with the music. Where every move you and your partner make are in sync, when you're both in the groove and just fly to the music. Super fast and sharp or snail slow and graceful—it doesn't matter. It's that one dance that makes your entire night.

These highs can

Question 6

What if my partner doesn't get a move?

Accepted Answer

If you try a fancy move and your partner doesn't get it, it's probably okay to try again—but if they don't get it that second time, please DON'T keep trying over and over (unless they ask). It's frustrating for both of you. Even excellent dancers won't enjoy dancing with you if you keep forcing them to learn something they probably need lessons to master.

Question 7

How should I dance in crowded spaces?

Accepted Answer

When it's really crowded, PLEASE alter your dancing—make it 'smaller.' Don't spin your partner out to crash into the next couple. Leaders, it's YOUR job to stay in your area and protect both dancers. Remember that open-toed shoes offer less protection than closed ones!

Question 8

What about doing shines/footwork?

Accepted Answer

If you can see that your partner doesn't know many steps to do solo, please don't leave them hanging! It might not be fun to keep doing the basic alone. Save your fancy shines for someone who loves to do them too.

Question 9

How do I respectfully decline a dance?

Accepted Answer

When someone says no because they're going to the restroom, don't like that style, or need a drink—it's NOT a personal rejection. Please understand that honest reasons are just that—honest. Take 'no thank you' gracefully.

Question 10

Any safety considerations?

Accepted Answer

Many dancers have had car accidents, neck/back problems, or sports injuries. Please be careful and respect your partner's wishes if they resist neck rolls, dips, or other moves that could aggravate old injuries. Communication is key!

Question 11

How do I properly ask someone to dance?

Accepted Answer

The WRONG way: Point to the lady, then point to the floor. Snap your fingers impatiently. Turn your back and march onto the floor without checking if they're following.

The RIGHT way: Walk to them, make eye contact, ask "May I have this dance?" in Spanish or English. If they say yes, extend your hand and walk WITH them onto the floor. After the dance—even if it was rough—don't bolt for the exit. Lead them approximately back to where you picked them up. Thank them for the dance!

Question 12

What should my first dance with someone new be like?

Accepted Answer

Start in closed position with your hand high under their shoulder blade—not on their lower back or below. Give them space; let THEM determine the distance.

Use "The Rock": rock back and forth together to the rhythm before starting patterns. This ensures you're both on the same beat. Start with the basic step, stay in closed position, try a few simple turns. Get to feel each other. Look up from the floor, make eye contact, smile... relax!

Match your skills to your partner's level. Don't drag a

Question 13

What are tips for asking someone to dance?

Accepted Answer

1) Hygiene first! Deodorant, reasonable cologne, fresh breath.
2) Make eye contact—if they're avoiding looking at you, think twice.
3) Never take rejection personally. Just move on with a "Thanks anyway."
4) If they're heading to the bar or restroom, wait for a better moment.
5) If they just finished an exhausting dance, maybe buy them water first.
6) Read body language carefully with people who are "with" someone.
7) Look at the edges of the dance floor—people tapping feet or swaying are waitin

Question 14

Can I ask someone to dance?

Accepted Answer

Hell yes! We think it's great when followers take initiative. Use common sense though—if someone's rushing to the bathroom or is a sweaty mess from the last dance, wait for a better moment. Look for people on the edge of the floor tapping their feet—they're probably waiting for someone to ask!

Question 15

How do I politely decline a dance?

Accepted Answer

A simple "No" is NEVER correct! While you can decline anyone, never do it rudely. Add a "thank you" and, if possible, an explanation:

"No thank you"
"No, thank you, I'm listening to the music"
"No thank you, I'm getting a drink"
"Not right now, thanks"

Say it with a smile! Don't say "Maybe later" unless you mean it—it just causes confusion.

Question 16

What if my leader is off-beat?

Accepted Answer

Your job is to follow, so try your best to figure out what beat they're on. If there's truly no rhyme or reason to their rhythm, it's okay to gently help them along—kind of like a gentle back-lead. Be careful though: if followers start dictating rhythm and speed, it stops being partner dancing. Keep it subtle!

Question 17

What are the Six Golden Rules?

Accepted Answer

1) BE AWARE of people around you and actively avoid hitting them. Keep steps small in crowded spaces.

2) SAY YOU'RE SORRY if you knock into or step on someone. Acknowledge your mistake with at least a friendly nod.

3) LET THE SHOW-OFFS SHOW OFF. Give advanced couples room—they tend to perform on the floor's edges. Beginners may find more space in the center.

4) BE AWARE if you're the show-off! Advanced dancers should be even MORE aware of their surroundings.

5) LAY OFF THE FANCY DIPS when st

Question 18

Is it okay to ask advanced dancers to dance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but be respectful of their right to dance at their level. It's okay to ask once, but not over and over throughout the night unless invited. If they say no, don't take it personally—you might have asked during their favorite fast song. You can ask again once, but usually not in the same night. Advanced dancers: always be respectful! It takes guts to ask, so if you decline, please be charming and considerate about it.

Salsa Dancing FAQ

FAQ Through Time

Getting Started

Salsa Addiction

Dance Etiquette - For Everyone

Etiquette for Leaders

Etiquette for Followers

Etiquette for Beginners

FAQ Evolution

Ready to Start Your Journey?