SALSA NIGHT in TORONTO
Looking to go out dancing tonight, and not sure how you can prepare better for fun Salsa night?. Good news, we are here to help you figure out all the details. What you should wear, what expectations you should have for the people you might run into and more.
Toronto has some of the best Salsa nights, either attending classes at dance schools, nightclubs, or socials. No need to be overwhelmed, just keep reading.
One: Clubs versus socials.
If it’s your first time going out to have a fun Salsa night out in TORONTO. one of the most popular questions is what should I wear?
There’s a big difference between going to a club night to dance Salsa and a social / party. When attending club nights, people tend to dress up a bit more. Girls tend to wear heels and dresses, and men wear nicer shirts.
Some places are unsuitable for dancing shoes, especially if those are your favourite ones with a suede sole. The floors at these venues are not as smooth and shiny as the ones you will find at a school.
Clubs often serve alcohol. DJs will play a mix of Salsa, Reggaeton or a lot more Merengue and some Bachata. So you will find a fun environment, but not everyone is trained in dancing Salsa or Bachata.
Clubs have a bigger mix of people. So that means there will be people sitting off to the side, watching others dance and just enjoying the show.
On the other hand, socials and parties are more focused on dancing. They don’t always serve alcohol. Event promoters run them, or sometimes schools like Toronto Dance Salsa run them.
For example, we have our socials on Saturday nights, and soon we will include Wednesday nights. These outings focus on dancing, socializing and making friends. Alcohol is not available.
The dress code for socials and parties is more relaxed. Women do not always wear heels; they wear tank tops and jeans.
Men wear jeans and a t-shirt. Both usually bring their dancing shoes to take advantage of the dance schools’ floors. You can leave your things on the bench or chairs. To be honest, I think it’s a more fun, friendly environment.
Two: How to deal with nervousness.
When I went on my first outing, I was very nervous, and I wish someone had told me: “Aleks, as soon as you come in, just ask the first person to dance. Make sure you keep asking people to dance.”
So, if it is your first time going out, don’t sit down and watch other people because it will just seem like everyone knows more than you, and maybe they do, but there is no use in comparing yourself to other dancers.
The fun of Salsa is the same as riding a bike. It’s funnier riding it than watching others ride; even if you fall over or make mistakes, it’s better to try.
So followers and leaders, embrace that you might not know much and ask someone to dance, regardless you are men and women. As soon as you arrive, go up to the first person standing and say: “Hey, I would love to dance with you, I don’t have much experience, but I want to have fun.”
The more you do, the less you stand, and the better your night will be. I promise you.
Three: Take lessons at a school.
Going out to a Salsa night in Toronto is always better when you have some base knowledge. For example, in our school, we teach LA-style Salsa, that’s the kind you dance in a nightclub. You can travel to any part of the world and feel confident stepping on the dance floor because you will be able to keep up with other dancer.
I would encourage you to look at dance schools that teaches a nightclub version of Salsa. The ballroom version of Salsa is very different and less popular.
Taking Salsa classes will not only help with your sense of confidence and coordination, but you also build great friendships in your classes with your classmates. Those will be the ones you can message later in the evening to go out and try social dancing.
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].
