Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and in clothes you can easily move and raise your arms in. Dance shoes are ideal (Latin or jazz for Salsa/Bachata), but if you're new, smooth-soled shoes or even socks are fine. Avoid athletic shoes with too much grip or any shoes that mark the floor. A good test: can you swivel easily on a hard floor without sticking?
What can I expect during my first private lesson?
In your first 30-minute Intro Lesson, we generally learn about your dance experience and goals, show you some steps to give you a feel for our teaching style, and offer a forward-looking strategy to meet your objectives.
When can I start group classes?
It depends on the type of class you’re interested in. For structured, progressive studio classes (like our 6-week Level 1–4 series), we recommend starting at the beginning of the series to get the full benefit, since each week builds on the last. If you're joining mid-series, reach out to confirm space and fit—we sometimes allow drop-ins depending on the material.
For social dance drop-in classes (like our beginner and intermediate lessons at Southside Sundays), you can start anytime—no prior experience required. These are casual, weekly drop-ins with rotating instructors and open-level combos. There’s no fixed curriculum, so what you learn will vary from week to week. It's a fun, flexible way to get moving and explore Salsa in a supportive social setting.
How do I know when I’m ready Level 2 or 3 classes?
We include recommended experience levels in each class description—usually a combination of hours of instruction and time spent social dancing. That’s the best place to start!
Everyone learns at a different pace, so these are general guidelines, not strict cutoffs. If you’re unsure whether a class is right for you, just ask—we’re happy to help you find the best fit.
What is Salsa On1 vs Salsa On2?
Salsa On1 (aka L.A. Style) and Salsa On2 (aka New York Style) are the two most common styles in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Both are danced in a "slot"—more linear than circular—but they feel different rhythmically.
On1 emphasizes melody and "core beats," feels punchier, and is often easier for beginners. On2 accents percussion and piano, feels smoother, and is favored by many advanced dancers for its musicality. We dance both styles and encourage you to explore both too—it’s more fun, and you'll be able to dance with more people, in more places.
Do I need a partner?
Not at all! Most students come to class solo—so you won’t be the only one. In group classes, we rotate partners regularly to mimic the social dance environment and help everyone improve faster. You’ll get to practice with different people, which is one of the best ways to build skill and confidence.
Prefer to dance with just one person? That’s okay too—while we encourage rotation, it’s always optional. Just let us know and stand to one side when rotations are cued so the flow of class stays smooth.
Private lessons are available for individuals or couples. We teach both lead and follow roles (Carolyn and Stefan are versatile in both), and many people choose to learn solo to grow their individual technique. Couples often book lessons to improve how they dance together.
I still have questions!
Please don't hesitate to contact us.
Dress comfortably and in clothes you can easily move and raise your arms in. Dance shoes are ideal (Latin or jazz for Salsa/Bachata), but if you're new, smooth-soled shoes or even socks are fine. Avoid athletic shoes with too much grip or any shoes that mark the floor. A good test: can you swivel easily on a hard floor without sticking?
What can I expect during my first private lesson?
In your first 30-minute Intro Lesson, we generally learn about your dance experience and goals, show you some steps to give you a feel for our teaching style, and offer a forward-looking strategy to meet your objectives.
When can I start group classes?
It depends on the type of class you’re interested in. For structured, progressive studio classes (like our 6-week Level 1–4 series), we recommend starting at the beginning of the series to get the full benefit, since each week builds on the last. If you're joining mid-series, reach out to confirm space and fit—we sometimes allow drop-ins depending on the material.
For social dance drop-in classes (like our beginner and intermediate lessons at Southside Sundays), you can start anytime—no prior experience required. These are casual, weekly drop-ins with rotating instructors and open-level combos. There’s no fixed curriculum, so what you learn will vary from week to week. It's a fun, flexible way to get moving and explore Salsa in a supportive social setting.
How do I know when I’m ready Level 2 or 3 classes?
We include recommended experience levels in each class description—usually a combination of hours of instruction and time spent social dancing. That’s the best place to start!
Everyone learns at a different pace, so these are general guidelines, not strict cutoffs. If you’re unsure whether a class is right for you, just ask—we’re happy to help you find the best fit.
What is Salsa On1 vs Salsa On2?
Salsa On1 (aka L.A. Style) and Salsa On2 (aka New York Style) are the two most common styles in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Both are danced in a "slot"—more linear than circular—but they feel different rhythmically.
On1 emphasizes melody and "core beats," feels punchier, and is often easier for beginners. On2 accents percussion and piano, feels smoother, and is favored by many advanced dancers for its musicality. We dance both styles and encourage you to explore both too—it’s more fun, and you'll be able to dance with more people, in more places.
Do I need a partner?
Not at all! Most students come to class solo—so you won’t be the only one. In group classes, we rotate partners regularly to mimic the social dance environment and help everyone improve faster. You’ll get to practice with different people, which is one of the best ways to build skill and confidence.
Prefer to dance with just one person? That’s okay too—while we encourage rotation, it’s always optional. Just let us know and stand to one side when rotations are cued so the flow of class stays smooth.
Private lessons are available for individuals or couples. We teach both lead and follow roles (Carolyn and Stefan are versatile in both), and many people choose to learn solo to grow their individual technique. Couples often book lessons to improve how they dance together.
I still have questions!
Please don't hesitate to contact us.