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

24 Aug

1 class starts

Karen Gallagher

Salsa Movement & Styling

Drop in

7pm–8pmThe Space, Dalry Road EH11 2EBBlock: £26Drop in: £8

improverSalsa

Tomorrow

25 Aug

1 class starts

Fela Kuti Festival

Body control, salsa hip-hop & footwork

Drop in

8pm–9pmLower Church, Summerhall, EH9 1PL£10–£12

openSalsa

Thursday

27 Aug

1 class starts

Alma Latina Dance Project

Open Level Salsa Styling For Leaders & Followers

Drop in

7pm–8pmThe Wee Hub, level 1, Ocean Terminal EH6 6JJBlock: £7–£10Drop in: £7

openSalsa

Saturday

29 Aug

1 class starts

Fela Kuti Festival

Salsa acrobatic & partner work

Drop in

12pm–2pmLower Church, Summerhall, EH9 1PLBlock: £10–£12Drop in: £10

openSalsa

Sunday

30 Aug

3 classes start

Fela Kuti Festival

Free training, men & women styling

Drop in

4pm–5pmLower Church, Summerhall, EH9 1PLBlock: £0–£0Drop in: £0

openBachataSalsa

Alma Latina Dance Project

Salsa Classes for the Social Dance Floor

Drop in

8pm–8.45pmEl Barrio Latino, 47 Hanover Street, EdinburghBlock: £7–£12Drop in: £7

intermediateSalsa

Alma Latina Dance Project

Salsa Fundamentals Beginners 1 and 2

Drop in

8.45pm–9.30pmEl Barrio Latino, 47 Hanover Street, EdinburghBlock: £7–£12Drop in: £7

beginnerSalsa

Monday

31 Aug

2 classes start

Salsa Club Edinburgh

Salsa Beginner 5hr Course

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

beginnerSalsa

Salsa Club Edinburgh

Salsa Improver 5hr Course

Drop in

8pm–9pmSt Martins Community Resource Centre, 232 Dalry Rd, EH11 2JGBlock: £35Drop in: £10

improverSalsa

Thursday

3 Sep

1 class starts

Alma Latina Dance Project

Open Level Salsa Styling For Leaders & Followers

Drop in

7pm–8pmThe Wee Hub, level 1, Ocean Terminal EH6 6JJBlock: £7–£10Drop in: £7

openSalsa