What style of salsa is taught in Edinburgh?

Most weekly salsa classes in Edinburgh teach salsa on1 (LA-style, linear), which is a very common partner style worldwide. You'll also find a strong Cuban salsa (casino) scene taught separately, and the occasional salsa on2 (New York) class. Each class card on bailemo shows the style so you can pick what suits you. Whether you choose on1, on2 or Cuban, you will have an amazing time learning.

I've never danced before. Can I start salsa from scratch?

Yes and it's a fantastic dance to start with. It's quick to grasp, fun and the music is wonderful. Most Edinburgh schools run dedicated beginner salsa courses several times a year, plus weekly drop-in beginner classes you can try without committing. You don't need any experience, a partner or event specialist clothing - just a willingness to have a great time and learn something.

How long does it take to feel comfortable social dancing salsa?

Most people feel ready to try a social after 6 – 10 weeks of regular beginner classes. Going to socials early (even just to watch and try a few dances) hugely speeds up your progress. Plus Edinburgh has so many beginner friendly events and socials on a weekly basis, which we at bailemo mark for you on our event details so that you can be sure to get off on the right foot, so to speak...

What should I wear to a salsa class?

Anything you feel comfortable moving around in. Most people start in jeans and t-shirt or indeed comfortable sport style clothing. It's entirely up to you and there are no hard and fast rules. Wear comfortable shoes too and if they are something that you can turn in without too much friction, that's perfect. Trainers are a great starting point in salsa and you can always upgrade to dance shoes later.

Are Cuban salsa and 'linear' salsa the same thing?

They share roots but feel quite different. Linear salsa (on1 or on2) is danced in a slot, or on a line, with sharper turns and a strong lead/follow frame. Cuban salsa (casino) is danced in a circle, with a more grounded, playful, rueda-friendly feel. Most Edinburgh classes are clearly labelled as one or the other, although many teachers and people can dance more than one style.

Salsa Classes Edinburgh

Today

12 Nov

2 classes start

Alma Latina Dance Project

Open Level Salsa Styling For Leaders & Followers

Drop in

7pm–8pmThe Wee Hub, level 1, Ocean Terminal EH6 6JJ£7 (£5 stu)OTD

openSalsa

Dance Base

Cuban Salsa Class

Drop in

8pm–9pm14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JUBlock: £130Drop in: £12OTD

openCuban SalsaSalsa

Saturday

14 Nov

2 classes start

Salsa Club Edinburgh2 classes

Salsa Intermediate 5hr Course

Drop in

4pm–5pmSouthside Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ERBlock: £35Drop in: £10OTD

intermediateSalsa

Salsa Advanced 5hr Course

Drop in

5pm–6pmSouthside Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ERBlock: £35Drop in: £10OTD

advancedSalsa

Sunday

15 Nov

3 classes start

Oded

Challenging Salsa

Drop in

4pm–5.30pmThe Space, 183 Dalry Road, EH11 2EB£0OTD

advancedSalsa

Alma Latina Dance Project2 classes

Salsa for the Social Dance Floor

Drop in

8pm–8.45pmEl Barrio Latino, 47 Hanover Street, Edinburgh£7 (£5 stu)OTD

intermediateSalsa

Salsa Fundamentals

Drop in

8.45pm–9.30pmEl Barrio Latino, 47 Hanover Street, Edinburgh£7 (£5 stu)OTD

beginnerSalsa

Monday

16 Nov

3 classes start

Amaya (@move.with.amaya)

Salsa Feeling - Solo Sessions

Drop in

6pm–7pmThe Counting House, 34 West Nicholson Street, EH8 9DDBlock: £22–£25Drop in: £8 (£6 stu)OTD

openSalsa

University of Edinburgh Salsa Society

Contratiempo: salsa On2 & Chachachá

7.15pm–9.15pmQuaker Studio, Pleasance, EH8 9TJ£0–£8OTD

beginnerSalsa

CurroConSalsa

Salsa On 1

Drop in

8pm–9pmThe Counting House, 34 West Nicholson Street, EH8 9DDBlock: £25Drop in: £8 (£5 stu)OTD

improverSalsa

Tuesday

17 Nov

1 class starts

Bachata Blues Edinburgh

Salsa On2 (Progression)

Drop in

9.30pm–10.30pmLower Church, Summerhall, EH9 1PLBlock: £40Drop in: £10OTD

improverSalsa

Thursday

19 Nov

3 classes start

Alma Latina Dance Project2 classes

Throwback Thursdays - Salsa meets Hip-Hop part 2

Drop in

6pm–7pmThe Wee Hub, Ocean Terminal, EH6 6JJ£7 (£5 stu)OTD

openSalsa