Salsa classes near me – What to look for in a good dance school. 

Twelve years ago, when I Googled “Salsa classes near me” and I stumbled on the school that I now run, I got super lucky. But over years of taking dance classes with many other schools, I finally figured out what it takes for you to have a great time and what a good school should offer. So if you’re looking for dance classes and you are a beginner, here are three things to help you make a decision about the best school for you.

Consistent Classes

To be completely honest, I’m not a big fan of drop-in classes. They can work if you have a very complicated schedule or if you are doing a solo style of dance like hip hop. But for Salsa classes or Bachata classes or any kind of dance involving partner work, the best kind of experiences are where you feel like you are progressing, where you are stretching yourself a little but don’t feel overwhelmed.

So for example at Toronto Dance Salsa our introductory class is called Salsa Level One and it is a progressive class. You come in each week and you are familiar with your classmates, you feel comfortable with your instructor and there’s consistency. You get the opportunity to build on the knowledge you gain from one class to the next. Very quickly you will be able to go to a nightclub and dance. And that’s really the goal – to feel good, to connect with others, to flow.

Welcoming Environment

I can’t stress enough the importance of positive vibes and a welcoming environment. I assume that wherever I go to other schools, people will welcome me and give me high fives. But it simply isn’t true. As a beginner, you are vulnerable. You are like a little kid who is doing something uncomfortable. The last thing you want is to feel judged. When choosing a school, look at the Google reviews. What are people saying about the instructors? The reviews will be the most honest assessment and insight into the school. Do words like energy, fun, positivity and connection keep popping up? Those are good signs.

Community

When you join a dance school, you’re joining a community. Look for dance schools that have socials and parties and provide ways for students to connect. When I joined dance classes, what I was really hungry for was connection to others and yes, feeling confident about my body, and yes, learning some cool dance moves but you stay for the community. In doing your research, look at the Google reviews and on their website and ask yourself if you get a sense of community and connection. The memories of how you felt in dance classes will be much stronger than the memories of what you were taught.  Feeling like you #belong, that you are a part of something is the best. So look for a dance school and Salsa classes where you feel like you’re part of something bigger.

I can’t wait to welcome you to our big family, have you come in week to week, have fun, connect with new friends and let loose to amazing Latin songs. Click here to check our current schedule.

If you have any questions you would like me to answer here are some ways you can contact me: message me on Instagram (torontodanceSalsa), on Twitter (#torontodanceSalsa), on Facebook (Toronto Dance Salsa) or email me at [email protected].