The Perfect Beginner Salsa Class Looks Like This

Javier Escobar
May 30
2 min read

I always start with my own example.

I used to be a data analyst. My schedule was 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and my goal at the time was to keep growing within my company. I was working on my Lean Six Sigma certifications and my Project Management certification from the PMI.

I didn’t want to become a salsa world artist.I started taking lessons because I wanted to have fun and meet new people…

Before we go over the points, let’s remember something: what drives people to take salsa lessons?

I’ll help you — because they want to meet someone, because they want to have fun, because they feel there’s an empty space in their life. They lack passion and goals, or excitement in their lives. They want to be part of a social group!

Did you read that? The majority of us start because we’re looking for positive feelings. It’s very rare to see someone who wants to become the world champion, leave their life behind, and start being a dancer… If that happens, it happens later — but not at this stage.

Now that we know the reasons why… the rest will be easy to conclude!

1. Energetic Music

Usually, people come straight from the office. I speak for myself — I used to be a data analyst back in the day, and when you’re “closing the month,” everything at the office is chaos! So, you want something that changes the vibe — not something that makes you fall asleep, or something that makes you want to run away. You need something joyful that keeps you awake!

2. Joyful Environment

Small jokes, an active and engaging voice from the instructor, rotations, people moving! A great beginner class communicates our Latin culture — having fun while we dance!

Of course, doesn't have to be a standup comedy, but for sure we can make it feel joyful.

3. Learning Environment — But Not Perfectionist

Let’s leave perfect, millimetric technique for later in the process. Right now, we want people to step their foot in the door. So, having fun is more valuable than getting that elbow at exactly 47.5 degrees of inclination.

4. Social Dancing Concepts

A great beginner class teaches what social dancing really means — connecting with people! Focus on connection! Smile, spend more time looking at each other and enjoying the moment than stressing about patterns.

5. Easy-Going Patterns

A great beginner class teaches steps that are very easy to lead and follow. Why? Because it gives you more time to connect with your partner, and people won’t feel scared from the first class. Too often we scare the followers by asking for two turns at level one, or we overwhelm the leaders with crazy combos. It’s better to focus on: keep it simple, keep it nice.