New here?
New to Salsateca or want to know more about dancing?
For answers to most questions, see our FAQ below.
If you are new to dancing Salsa and Bachata, or just new to our school, don’t worry you are in good hands. Operating across London, Orpington and Bromley we have dance classes everyday.
Find below the most common questions asked and don’t hesitate to call us if you still need more help.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE TO COME TO THE CLASSES?
No, you can book online or pay cash at the door.
You only pay for the lessons you take, you don’t need to pay any monthly fee or commit to a subscription or course. But if you want, now you can save money and buy a package or a subscription here.
DO I NEED TO BRING A PARTNER?
You don’t need a partner because the teachers keep rotating partners every 2 minutes or so during the lessons. So be ready to meet a lot of friends and have so much fun!
If you come with your own partner and you’d rather stay together during the whole lesson, that’s fine too. Please inform the teacher and we’ll be happy to accommodate you.
DO I NEED TO WEAR ANYTHING SPECIAL?
No special clothes or shoes are needed.
Advanced students usually wear dance shoes as they are regular dancers and might be easier to spin on them, but if you are starting in the beginner’s class simply wear comfortable normal shoes or even trainers if you prefer.
DO YOU RUN COURSES? WHEN DOES THE NEXT ONE START?
No, we organise drop-in classes so you can join us at any time.
Students spend several weeks attending to the same level until they progress to the next one. We strongly recommend to follow your instructor’s advice to choose your level.
In Salsateca Dance School we believe in organizing drop in lessons vs courses.
Benefits:
– You can start any day of the week and just join our beginners group.
– You get to know different people every day you come as some people are consistent and come every week but others change.
– If you are a quicker learner than the average student you won’t be stuck at a course for a certain period of weeks and you can move to the higher level quicker.
– If you are an slow learner and you can’t cope with the speed of the classes you can keep coming to the beginners class until you feel comfortable to progress to the next level.
– In Salsateca we teach beginners every day of the week at a different venue so you don’t need to stick to an specific location or day of the week and you can just pop in whenever you have an available evening.
WHAT STYLE DO YOU TEACH?
We teach, Son Cubano, Cuban Salsa and Cross Body Salsa also known as LA Style or Salsa On1.
We also teach Bachata. Most of our Bachata lessons are a fusion of Traditional Bachata, Modern Bachata and/or Sensual Bachata and occasionally we organize specific workshop.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CUBAN SALSA AND CROSS BODY SALSA AND BACHATA?
We have a full section with videos dedicated to answer this question, please find out here
CAN I BRING MY OWN DRINK OR WATER?
While we recommend to bring your own drinks or water to the lessons organized at the Church Halls and studios we use, ANY DRINKS, FOOD OR WATER FROM OUTSIDE ARE NOT ALLOWED at any of the Bars and Clubs where we run our lessons and parties.
Salsateca Dance School aims to bring Latin culture to London since 1992, organizing lessons and Latin nights in nice venues where you can socialize and have a nice drink while you learn how to dance. Please remember, it is all about the music, dance, meet people, have a drink and a great time. In the same way that you wouldn’t bring your own sandwich or water to the table of a restaurant respect the venue rules and keep etiquette.
How do I know what my level is?
BEGINNER (LEVEL 1)
For who?
Anyone who has little or no experience dancing Salsa or Bachata.
What will I learn?
All the basic steps, turns, body movement and how to connect with the music.
How long shall I stay?
Between 5 to 10 classes.
IMPROVERS (LEVEL 2)
For who?
This level will suit people who have attended more than 5 to 8 Beginner Lessons, or people who have previous experience dancing Salsa or Bachata but are unsure of their level.
What will I learn?
We will focus on building your confidence individually and in couples, introducing new routines, more elaborated footwork, variations of the dancer’s evolutions, change of positions and different turns and spinning patterns. To consider coming to Improvers level, it’s important to have achieved all the Beginners steps and be able to execute them to the rhythm of the music.
How long shall I stay?
Between 10 to 20 classes.
INTERMEDIATE (LEVEL 3)
For who?
This level is suitable for those with a fair experience dancing Salsa or Bachata (from at least about 20 classes).
What will I learn?
These classes will expand your knowledge and skills dancing solo or working in partners through elaborated sequences, several turns and spinning patterns, more advanced foot work, and body movement to and according with the music.
How long shall I stay?
Between 10 to 20 classes.
ADVANCED (LEVEL 4)
For who?
This level is for you if you have a fairly strong experience dancing Salsa or Bachata and are looking for an extra push and/or if you came regularly to the classes at least once or twice a week for the last 12 months.
What will I learn?
You will explore fast-paced and challenging sequences, footworks, turns and spins patterns. Depending on your teacher, you will broaden your different styles and inspirations.
How long shall I stay?
As long as you need. You ought to ask your teachers regarding recommendation and advice. They will be happy to clear any doubts regarding the level you are at and/or when to move up to the next one.