Salsa
Salsa
Lively, social and full of spins. Fast music, lots of partner rotation and the backbone of Edinburgh's Latin scene. Beginner classes start from the very first step, no experience needed.
New to Latin and Afro Dance in Edinburgh
The easiest way to get started with salsa, bachata and kizomba in Edinburgh. Check out our complete guide to starting your Latin and Afro dance journey below.
No partner needed. No experience required. Most people start by coming alone.
You're not the only one wondering...
- Can I come on my own?
- Do I need a partner?
- Will I be the only beginner there?
- What if I have no rhythm?
- What do I wear?
- Do I need special shoes?
- Will I be too old or too young?
- What if I don't know anyone?
What is Latin dance?
'Latin dance' and 'Afro dance' are umbrella terms for a handful of partner dances with shared roots. In Edinburgh, three styles dominate:
Bachata
Bachata
Slower, smoother and one of the easiest Latin dances to pick up. The basic step is simple and the music is melodic, so most people are dancing socially within a few weeks.
Kizomba
Kizomba
Calm, grounded and all about connection. Small walking steps, close embrace and mellow music. A great fit if fast spins feel intimidating and you'd rather slow down.
Which style should I start with?
If we had to advise, we would say pick a style which sounds fun to you and just give it a go. You can always switch or pick another later. We at bailemo learnt salsa first and are now learning bachata. To help you decide, though, below is a quick guide.
| If you want... | Try... |
|---|---|
| Something energetic with lots of spins | Salsa |
| The easiest entry point - simple steps | Bachata |
| Slow, close, connection-focused dancing | Kizomba |
| Romantic, melodic music | Bachata |
| Lively, fiesta-focused music | Salsa |
| A circular, communal, group dance | Cuban salsa / Rueda |
| To try a bit of everything | Salsa or Bachata first |
Still not sure which to choose? Check out our curated guide to salsa vs bachata in Edinburgh to help you decide.
Your first month roadmap
A simple, low-pressure plan that takes you from "thinking about it" to dancing socially in four weeks.
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Week 1
Book one beginner class
Pick a style that appeals (salsa or bachata are the easiest starting points) and book a single drop-in beginner class or block. Don't worry if you are turning up alone, the vast majority do.
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Week 2
Go back to the same class
Repetition is everything in dance. The second week is when the basic step starts to click and you will start to get a feel for the dance's rhythm. You'll also start recognising faces, which makes it feel friendlier fast.
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Week 3
Try a second style or a second teacher
Sample another beginner class, a different style, or the same style with a different teacher. You'll spot what suits you and meet a wider chunk of the community.
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Week 4
Go to your first social
Find a beginner-friendly social (look for the 'beginner' tag on events). Arrive early, dance one song, then another. The community is amazing friendly. All regulars will be more than happy to dance with you. We were all beginners once!
Start here: beginner classes
Find beginner classes
Bailarte
Beginners course (Stage 1)
Drop in 7pm–8.30pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RY£50
beginnerSalsaBachata
Bailarte
Beginners course (Stage 1)
Drop in 6.30pm–8pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RY£50
beginnerSalsaBachata
Bachata Blues Edinburgh
Bachata Beginners Course (starts 18 May)
Drop in 6pm–7pmThe Mash House, 37 Guthrie Street, Edinburgh, UK£35
beginnerBachata
Alma Latina Dance Project
Salsa Fundamentals
Drop in 8pm–9pmWash Bar, EH1 2LP£7–£12
beginnerSalsa
Salsa Club Edinburgh
Salsa Beginner 5hr Course
4.30pm–5.30pmSouthside Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ER£30
beginnerSalsa
CurroConSalsa
Rueda de Casino 1
Drop in 7pm–8pmThe Mash House, 37 Guthrie Street, Edinburgh£0–£15
beginnerRueda
Dance Base
Cuban Salsa Class
Drop in 8pm–9pm14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU£12
beginnerCuban Salsa
Latin Roots
4-week Salsa & Bachata Course
7pm–8.30pm16a George Street, Shanghai Club, EH2 2PF£60
beginnerSalsaBachata
Latin Roots
4-week Salsa & Bachata Course
7pm–8.30pm16a George Street, Shanghai Club, EH2 2PF£60
beginnerSalsaBachata
Latin Roots
4-week Salsa & Bachata Course
5pm–6.30pm16a George Street, Shanghai Club, EH2 2PF£60
beginnerBachataSalsa
Beginner-friendly events
See beginner-friendly events
Latin Dance Edinburgh
This Friday (100% Salsa Room) + (100% Bachata Room)
7pm–1amThe Counting House, 34 W Nicolson St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9DD, UK
£8–£14
BachataSalsaBeginner
Salsa Club Edinburgh
Weekly Salsa Social, 100% Salsa
6pm–8pmSouthside Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ER
£0
SalsaBeginner
Salsa Club Edinburgh
Weekly Salsa Social, 100% Salsa
6pm–8pmSouthside Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ER
£0
SalsaBeginner
Salsa Club Edinburgh
Weekly Salsa Social, 100% Salsa
6pm–8pmSouthside Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ER
£0
SalsaBeginner
Salsa Club Edinburgh
Weekly Salsa Social, 100% Salsa
6pm–8pmSouthside Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ER
£0
SalsaBeginner
Salsa Club Edinburgh
Weekly Salsa Social, 100% Salsa
6pm–8pmSouthside Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street, EH8 9ER
£0
SalsaBeginner
The questions everyone asks
Can I come alone?
Absolutely you can. In fact, most people do. One of the cool things about the scene is that you will meet so many awesome people and Latin dancing itself is built around partner rotation, so you'll dance with lots of different people whether you arrive solo or with friends. Going alone is one of the fastest ways to meet people in the scene.
Do I need a partner?
No. Beginner classes and socials in Edinburgh expect solo dancers and rotate partners throughout the night. You don't need to bring anyone with you.
Do I need any dance experience?
None at all. Beginner classes assume zero experience and start with the absolute basics such as how to step on the beat, how to hold your partner, and a couple of simple turns.
What do I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move in. To be honest, most salseros, bachateros and kizomba dancers will just wear jeans and a t-shirt when dancing. Avoid anything too loose or restrictive. It gets warm, so breathable layers help.
Do I need dance shoes?
No, just start with what you have. Clean trainers with a smooth-ish sole work for your first few months. Avoid grippy running trainers as they catch on the floor when you turn.
How old is everyone?
Edinburgh's Latin scene is genuinely mixed with dancers in their early 20s through to 60s and beyond. Most classes skew 25-45, but there's no 'typical' age. Everyone dances with everyone and that's one of the beauties of it. Different classes and events have different demographics which is where trying a few different ones really works.
Which style should I start with?
Bachata has the gentlest learning curve, salsa has the biggest weekly scene, and kizomba is the calmest. Honestly, the best style to start with is the one with a class running near you this week.
Will I be the only beginner there?
Definitely not. Beginner classes are full of other beginners, and socials almost always have a mix of newcomers and regulars. Edinburgh's scene has a steady stream of new starters every term, so you'll be in good company.
What if I have no rhythm?
Honestly, this is what classes are for. We at bailemo had no rhythm when we started learning salsa! Rhythm is a skill, not a talent which you will gradually pick up as you learn more and more. Moreover, your teacher will break the music down, count you in, and help you find the beat. Most people who think they have 'no rhythm' are dancing on time within a class or two.
What if I don't know anyone?
That's the norm rather than the exception. Most people arrive at their first class not knowing a soul. Partner rotation means you'll have danced with half the room by the end of the night, and the community is genuinely welcoming to new faces.
How long until I can dance socially?
Most people are comfortable on a beginner social floor within 3 to 8 weeks of weekly classes, depending on the style. Bachata is usually fastest, salsa takes a little longer. Everyone in the scene is very friendly and mindful of the fact that we were all beginners once. So, the faster you can gain the confidence to step on the dancefloor in a social setting, the faster you will learn and start to love Latin and Afro dancing.
Still got a question?
Get in touch