Salsa Classes in Edinburgh

    Every weekly salsa class in Edinburgh, from absolute beginners to advanced dancers, taught by local teachers.

    New to salsa? Learn about salsa in Edinburgh or browse salsa events.

    Tomorrow

    5 Nov
    1 class starts
    Bailarte
    Beginners course (Stage 1)

    Beginners course (Stage 1)

    Drop in
    7pm–8.30pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £50Drop in: £8.50OTD
    beginnerBachataSalsa

    Sunday

    8 Nov
    1 class starts
    Alma Latina Dance Project
    Bailemo

    Salsa Fundamentals

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

    Monday

    9 Nov
    1 class starts
    Salsa Club Edinburgh
    Salsa Beginner 5hr Course

    Salsa Beginner 5hr Course

    7pm–8pmSt Martins Community Resource Centre, 232 Dalry Rd, EH11 2JG£30Book
    beginnerSalsa

    Sunday

    15 Nov
    1 class starts
    Alma Latina Dance Project
    Bailemo

    Salsa Fundamentals

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

    Monday

    16 Nov
    1 class starts
    University of Edinburgh Salsa Society
    Contratiempo: salsa On2 & Chachachá

    Contratiempo: salsa On2 & Chachachá

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

    Sunday

    22 Nov
    2 classes start
    Salsa Club Edinburgh
    Salsa Beginner 5hr Course

    Salsa Beginner 5hr Course

    4.30pm–5.30pmSouthside Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ER£30OTD
    beginnerSalsa
    Alma Latina Dance Project
    Bailemo

    Salsa Fundamentals

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

    Sunday

    29 Nov
    1 class starts
    Alma Latina Dance Project
    Bailemo

    Salsa Fundamentals

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

    Sunday

    6 Dec
    1 class starts
    Alma Latina Dance Project
    Bailemo

    Salsa Fundamentals

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

    Edinburgh salsa classes: FAQs

    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.