About your first dance steps!

Here’s a little of what you can expect when hitting the dance floor for the first time.

It is generally much easier for the girls to go to a Salsa or Latin dance club and start dancing because you do not need to know much more than the basic step. A confident and experienced leader will be able to dance with you. But guys don’t despair: yes, the beginning is the most challenging part for you, but it quickly gets easier as you progress, and soon you will be able to take control of the dance - after all you are leading!

It’s a great idea to attend the workshop offered before the social dancing. It can break the ice; you can meet a few people and be comfortable asking them to dance later on.

Girls, you don’t have to wait for him to ask you for a dance. It is definitely OK to ask people to dance whether you are a guy or a girl.

For the guys, you might like to try something like, “Hi, my name is John and I’ve just started dancing. Would you like to have a dance with me?”

Latin dance is very popular and you may be on a crowded dance floor. Leaders it’s best to find an existing space on the dance floor, claim it your own and you will have a more satisfying result.

If your instructor asks you to dance, jump at the chance! You will be better in the long run for dancing with someone who is more experienced.

Dancing outside a class is definitely a whole new experience. There is no plan as the leaders will have to initiate the changes of moves and of course the follower does not know what is coming next. Leaders will change from move to move the followers will need to have to pay attention to the lead. If you are a guy and don’t know many moves, make sure you practice those that you have learnt already. Next time you will be able to add another couple of moves, and your repertoire will keep growing.

You might be overwhelmed by everything that you see at your first dance party. You may even want to leave early - that is fine. Not everyone always stays until the close. Chances are you will have a great time and want to do it again; and next time you will be less anxious about it and will know what to expect.

For more experienced dancers, try to have just one dance with a beginner. Look after them and make sure they enjoy the experience. The more enjoyable their night is, the more likely they will keep dancing and improving, and next time you will have a new friend to share Latin dance with.

Have a fantastic time on the social dance floor and enjoy your experience!