Salsa Social Tips

Whether you’re going to your first Salsa Social, or one hundred, It’s easy to feel intimidated as you step onto the dance floor.

So, as you strut your Salsa moves on the dance floor, smile, and let the music excite you, we’re here to help.

Here are some tips you can keep in mind to feel confident and like you belong on the Salsa dance floor.

Tip one: Don’t be a wallflower. 

The most common mistake is that people walk in, sit down and start to watch other people dance.

I used to make this mistake a lot at the beginning. But unfortunately, doing this created anxiety and insecurity, thinking I wasn’t good enough.

Guess what? If you’re standing or sitting watching other people dancing and spinning, everyone will suddenly look like they’re better than you.

As soon as you walk into a social, you must dance with a person within the first minute. That is my rule of thumb.

Think of it like doing a cold plunge into a bath. The fastest way to acclimate is to get into it.

Whether you are a leader or a follower, ask someone to dance. Those standing or sitting are probably as nervous as you.

Ask them to dance and escort them off the dance floor. Courtesy is always appreciated. 

Socials are the best place to finally use those moves you have rehearsed in private or at your Salsa dance classes.

Use every song as an opportunity to become a better dancer.

Tip two: Dress code.

Another big tip for Salsa Socials is that if you can’t do something in a birthday suit, it’s not worth it…lol

But apparently, If you go to a nightclub, you can’t go naked. So let’s create some simple rules.

A promoter or a dance school typically runs socials. The venues tend to be appropriate for wearing dance shoes.

Favour comfort over style when you go to a Salsa Social. Nothing is worse than leaving too early because your new shoes are killing you.

The dress code is very flexible for men and women. However, keep in mind that most of the places get very warm.

Women will feel attuned with a dress, skirt or jeans and a tank top. If you are wearing a dress or a skirt, maybe try some moves at home, including spinning and turning.

Feel how comfortable you feel in your clothes. And for men,  jeans and a shirt or other comfortable tops, its perfectly fine.

When you go to Latin nightclubs, you will find that people tend to dress up.

So ladies will wear a little more fancy outfits, and gentlemen dress in a shirt and a nice pair of pants.  Jeans are also acceptable for both.

One quick, easy hack is checking the place’s website and pictures of people dancing. Then, you will have a clear idea of what people are wearing.

But generally, my rule thumb is to be comfortable and choose whatever makes you feel great.

So that’s what you should wear.

Tip Three:  Dance with everybody. 

It’s important that everybody feels like they belong. Therefore I’ll dance with as many people as possible at the club. That is my rule of thumb.

One benefit is you learn to adjust and adapt to different styles of dancing in Salsa. In addition, being friendly creates an excellent opportunity to become a better dancer.

Another benefit of being open to dancing with new people is that you will create a great reputation and will make new friends. 

Although there is a chance that you find Salsa socials where people only dance with a select few, that is not the rule.

So look for those friendly dancers and become one of them once you improve. T

I’ve learned that there’s nothing cool about being too cool to dance with people.

So for me, I believe that reputation matters. And if you dance and are friendly, everyone will want to dance with you and look forward to dancing with you.

In the end, one of the best parts of the night is the incredible feeling of making someone smile confidently because you’re not judging them.

 On the contrary, you are making them feel great about themselves.

Hopefully, I’ll see you soon on the dance floor.

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].