--- title: "The dance styles, explained | Bailemo" description: "What is salsa, bachata, kizomba, Cuban salsa or rueda? A beginner's guide to each Latin dance style and where to start in Edinburgh." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Salsa?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Salsa on 1, often called crossbody style, is fast, playful, and full of flair. Danced “on the 1” beat, it has a lively, forward-driving energy that makes it instantly exciting, whether you’re spinning across the floor or hitting sharp accents in the music. The signature crossbody lead creates smooth, flowing patterns between partners, giving the dance its sleek, linear feel.\n\nExpect lots of turns, expressive styling, and room to show off your personality. It’s social, energetic, and perfect for dancers who love a mix of rhythm, technique, and a touch of drama." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Bachata?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Bachata is all about connection, rhythm, and a relaxed vibe. With its easy-to-learn basic step and signature hip movement, it’s a dance that welcomes beginners while still offering depth for more experienced dancers. The music, often romantic or melodic, sets the tone for smooth, flowing movements and playful footwork.\n\nFrom traditional to modern styles, bachata can be sweet and simple or rich with musical interpretation. It’s the kind of dance where you can laugh, experiment, and really feel the music with your partner." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Cuban Salsa?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Cuban style salsa, also known as Salsa Cubana or Casino, is a style of salsa dance that originated in Cuba featuring intricate turn patterns and body isolations. Cuban style salsa is danced on the “on 1” timing similar to LA Style Salsa, but Cuban salsa is danced in a circular fashion rather than in a slot (similar to East Coast Swing).\n\nCuban salsa, like its name suggests, has its origins in Cuba and is usually danced to Cuban salsa music or timba. The style is often considered more “street” than other forms of salsa, and incorporates movements from Afro-Cuban dances such as Rumba and Guaguanco. Cuban salsa dancers also tend to exaggerate the movement of their hips and torso compared to other forms of salsa." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Kizomba?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Kizomba, originating from Angola, is an Afro dance that is smooth, grounded, and effortlessly cool. Known for its close connection and subtle lead-and-follow, it’s danced to mellow, rhythmic music that invites you to slow down and tune in. The steps are small and controlled, creating a gliding, almost hypnotic feel on the dance floor.\n\nRather than big flashy moves, kizomba is about precision, timing, and connection. It’s intimate without being intense, perfect for dancers who enjoy a calm, immersive experience that’s all about the music and the moment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Rueda?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Rueda de Casino, or rueda, is a playful, caller-led Cuban salsa danced in a wheel of couples, celebrated worldwide for its energy and group-connection." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I go to classes and socials on my own?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely - most people do. Latin dance is built around partner rotation, so you'll dance with lots of different people whether you arrive alone or with friends. Teachers and regulars are used to welcoming new faces, and going solo is one of the fastest ways to make friends in the scene." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What do I wear to classes?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Comfortable clothes you can move in - jeans and a t-shirt are completely fine for your first class. Avoid anything too loose or restrictive. As you progress, many dancers go for breathable layers (it gets warm!) and skirts or fitted trousers that move nicely." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I have to buy dance shoes to go to classes?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No - start with what you have. Clean trainers with a smooth(ish) sole work for your first few months. Avoid grippy rubber soles (running trainers) as they catch on the floor when you turn. Once you're hooked, proper Latin dance shoes with suede soles make spinning easier and protect your knees." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long are blocks of classes normally?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most Edinburgh organisers run 4-6 week blocks, with each weekly class lasting around an hour. Some teachers also offer [drop-in classes](/edinburgh/classes) where you can join any week. Check the class details on [bailemo](/edinburgh) - every listing tells you the block length and whether you can join anytime." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know what level I am?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you've never danced the style before, start with beginner. If you can do the basic step without thinking and link a few turns together, you're probably ready for improver. Our [level guide](/edinburgh/levels) has a full breakdown." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need any experience to join a beginner class?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "None at all. Beginner classes assume zero experience and start with the absolute basics - how to step on the beat, how to hold your partner, and a couple of simple turns. You don't need to bring a partner either; you'll rotate around the room." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What age group is normally at the classes and socials?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Edinburgh's Latin scene is genuinely mixed - you'll find dancers from their early 20s through to their 60s and beyond. Most classes skew 25-45, but there's no \"typical\" age. Everyone dances with everyone, so you won't feel out of place whatever your age." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://bailemo.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "The dance styles, explained", "item": "https://bailemo.co.uk/edinburgh/learn" } ] } ] --- [ ![Bailemo](/bailamos-logo.webp) ](/)Edinburgh Submit 1. [Home](/) 2. [Edinburgh](/edinburgh) 3. The dance styles, explained # The dance styles, explained Your complete guide to salsa, bachata, kizomba and Latin dance in Edinburgh. [Salsa](#salsa)[Bachata](#bachata)[Cuban Salsa](#cuban-salsa)[Kizomba](#kizomba)[Rueda](#rueda)[FAQ](#faq) Salsa ## Salsa Wildly popular, enormously fun and Edinburgh's Latin scene backbone ### What it is Salsa on 1, often called crossbody style, is fast, playful, and full of flair. Danced “on the 1” beat, it has a lively, forward-driving energy that makes it instantly exciting, whether you’re spinning across the floor or hitting sharp accents in the music. The signature crossbody lead creates smooth, flowing patterns between partners, giving the dance its sleek, linear feel. Expect lots of turns, expressive styling, and room to show off your personality. It’s social, energetic, and perfect for dancers who love a mix of rhythm, technique, and a touch of drama. ### The vibe Energetic, flirtatious, expressive. Great for people who love big music, fast turns and meeting lots of new partners in one night. New to it all? Start with our [level guide](/edinburgh/levels) or compare it with [Cuban salsa](/edinburgh/learn#cuban-salsa). ### The music 180–220 BPM. Listen for layered percussion (clave, congas, timbales), brass stabs and call-and-response vocals. [See Salsa classes](/edinburgh/classes?style=salsa)[See Salsa events](/edinburgh/events?style=salsa) Bachata ## Bachata Exploding in popularity across the city  ### What it is Bachata is all about connection, rhythm, and a relaxed vibe. With its easy-to-learn basic step and signature hip movement, it’s a dance that welcomes beginners while still offering depth for more experienced dancers. The music, often romantic or melodic, sets the tone for smooth, flowing movements and playful footwork. From traditional to modern styles, bachata can be sweet and simple or rich with musical interpretation. It’s the kind of dance where you can laugh, experiment, and really feel the music with your partner. ### The vibe Intimate, expressive, emotional. The slower tempo makes it accessible for beginners and rewarding for advanced dancers exploring musicality. Pick the right [level](/edinburgh/levels) for your first [bachata class](/edinburgh/classes?style=bachata). ### The music 120–140 BPM. Guitar-led, often heart-on-sleeve lyrics. Modern playlists also include 'bachata remixes' of pop songs. [See Bachata classes](/edinburgh/classes?style=bachata)[See Bachata events](/edinburgh/events?style=bachata) Cuban Salsa ## Cuban Salsa Circular, playful, rooted in the streets of Havana. ### What it is Cuban style salsa, also known as Salsa Cubana or Casino, is a style of salsa dance that originated in Cuba featuring intricate turn patterns and body isolations. Cuban style salsa is danced on the “on 1” timing similar to LA Style Salsa, but Cuban salsa is danced in a circular fashion rather than in a slot (similar to East Coast Swing). Cuban salsa, like its name suggests, has its origins in Cuba and is usually danced to Cuban salsa music or timba. The style is often considered more “street” than other forms of salsa, and incorporates movements from Afro-Cuban dances such as Rumba and Guaguanco. Cuban salsa dancers also tend to exaggerate the movement of their hips and torso compared to other forms of salsa. ### The vibe Earthy, grounded, social. Big focus on connection and conversation between partners rather than flashy spins. Often shares the floor with [Rueda](/edinburgh/learn#rueda) and [salsa](/edinburgh/learn#salsa) at the same socials. ### The music Timba and son cubano - heavier bass, montuno piano riffs, and breakdowns that invite improvisation. [See Cuban Salsa classes](/edinburgh/classes?style=cuban_salsa)[See Cuban Salsa events](/edinburgh/events?style=cuban_salsa) Kizomba ## Kizomba Increasing in popularity across Edinburgh for the connection conscious ### What it is Kizomba, originating from Angola, is an Afro dance that is smooth, grounded, and effortlessly cool. Known for its close connection and subtle lead-and-follow, it’s danced to mellow, rhythmic music that invites you to slow down and tune in. The steps are small and controlled, creating a gliding, almost hypnotic feel on the dance floor. Rather than big flashy moves, kizomba is about precision, timing, and connection. It’s intimate without being intense, perfect for dancers who enjoy a calm, immersive experience that’s all about the music and the moment. ### The vibe Calm, meditative, intimate. Often described as 'African tango' for its closeness and musicality. Curious how it compares with [bachata](/edinburgh/learn#bachata)? Or browse [kizomba classes](/edinburgh/classes?style=kizomba). ### The music Semba, kizomba and the modern offshoot 'urban kiz'. Slow, melodic, often electronic-influenced. [See Kizomba classes](/edinburgh/classes?style=kizomba)[See Kizomba events](/edinburgh/events?style=kizomba) Rueda ## Rueda Cuban salsa in a circle, with a caller shouting moves. ### What it is Rueda de Casino, or rueda, is a playful, caller-led Cuban salsa danced in a wheel of couples, celebrated worldwide for its energy and group-connection. ### The vibe Fun, communal, addictive. Best learned in a regular weekly class so you build the shared move vocabulary. Build the basics first with [Cuban salsa](/edinburgh/learn#cuban-salsa), then jump into a [rueda class](/edinburgh/classes?style=rueda). ### The music Timba and high-energy salsa [See Rueda classes](/edinburgh/classes?style=rueda)[See Rueda events](/edinburgh/events?style=rueda) ## Common questions Everything newcomers usually want to know before their first class. ### Can I go to classes and socials on my own? ### What do I wear to classes? ### Do I have to buy dance shoes to go to classes? ### How long are blocks of classes normally? ### How do I know what level I am? ### Do I need any experience to join a beginner class? ### What age group is normally at the classes and socials? Still got questions? [Get in touch](/edinburgh?contact=1) [](https://www.instagram.com/bailemohub)[](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCerLgAojYoDSZNke0G) [About bailemo](/edinburgh/about) © 2026 Bailemo. All rights reserved. [](/admin)