What is Merengue?

Merengue is the Party Dance from Dominican Republic danced throughout Latin America. Its a simple 4 beat tempo danced to upbeat party music.

What is Bachata?

Bachata originates from the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. This dance is easy to learn as the tempo of the music is slower with simple steps, a very elegant & can be interpreted as a passionate date depending on the partner and the music

What is salsa?

Salsa literally interpreted, salsa means 'Sauce'. The history of salsa dancing has Afro-Cuban roots, and many established practioner’s believe that it is a combination of Cuban, Puerto Rican and Jazz rhythms. The combination of the Conga, Clave, New York flavours and Caribbean/African influences have all contributed to the sound of Latin American music including Salsa, Batchata, Rumba, Rueda, Son, Danz, Carnival, Cha cha cha Tango and Merengue.

I am a complete beginner and want to learn to dance salsa. Do I need to have any dance experience?

Absolutely not.. You do not need any dance experience at all as we teach to a structured syllabus that assumes no previous knowledge and breaks down each dance step thoroughly. Everyone starts at the same level and progresses through the 6 levels of dance that we offer. The aim of the game is to come along, relax and enjoy the evening.

Do I need to book in advance?

We advise that you book in advance as some classes are very popular especially at the Firestation. We have to limit the number of new intakes due to considerations of health and safety and to increase your enjoyment.

What happens if I miss a week?

We always review the previous week’s steps and we also have helpers on hand that can go through the steps with you. However, in order to get maximum benefit from the classes, it is advisable that you attend as many of the classes as possible.

How long are the classes?

All classes are for 1 – 2 hours including warm ups and cool downs. All levels warm up and cool down together in a fun line up before moving on to their particular class.

What should I wear?

Please wear cool, comfortable, loose clothing wherever possible and we would advise something to wrap up in after the class as you may work up a sweat. Further, please wear suitable footwear that will give support as well as comfort a low/small heel with closed toes is advisable. Trainers or footwear without any grip are not recommended.

Latin: A low/small heel with closed toes is advisable for the ladies and for the men shoes, no trainers

Street Dance: Trainers

Contemporary; Modern, Jazz, Afro: Bare feet or professional dance shoes

Do I need a partner?

Not at all, we rotate everyone around in the class so you get the chance to dance with various partners. This is a fantastic way to make new friends and socialise with other like minded people. The great thing about our courses is that everyone is in the same boat at the same time.

What is the age limit?

The age range within the club is very broad and is approximately between the ages of 18 to 75 although we do run workshops for young students which will be more regular from next term. For our children’s classes, children will be supervised at all times and tutors are required to undertake appropriate pre screening applications.

We do not place any restriction on an individual’s desire to learn to dance and so all are welcome. However anyone under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult at Latin classes

How do I progress through the levels of class?

There is a set syllabus containing specific moves and techniques at each level designed to develop your ability and prepare you for advancement to higher levels. It is important that all students complete the material at each level to a competent standard before moving to a higher level. This may mean that in some cases you will have to complete all or part of a level to ensure you are fully prepared. There are important health and safety reasons for ensuring that this is the case and full advice and agreement of your current class instructor should be sough before moving class.