New to dancing
New to dancing? Start here
You don't need experience, a partner or special shoes to start. Every dancer on the floor was a beginner once, and social dancers are some of the most welcoming people you'll meet. Here's everything you need for your first night out.
Show beginner classes and socials for
Pick a dance
Salsa. Energetic and musical, danced to Latin music with lots of turns. Seattle has salsa most nights, including Cuban salsa and live bands.
Bachata. Smooth and connected, with a simple basic step, which makes it one of the easiest to start.
Brazilian Zouk. Flowing and expressive, with waves and body movement. A smaller, close-knit scene.
West Coast Swing. Smooth and improvised, danced to pop, R&B and blues. Great if you like dancing to songs you know.
Not sure? Try the one whose music you love. Many dancers learn a second one later.
Your first class
Look for a beginner series (several weeks, building step by step) or a drop-in class. Series usually help you progress faster. You don't need to bring a partner; classes rotate so everyone dances with everyone.
Wed, Nov 11 · 6 PM–7 PM
Beginner Bachata Traditional
Oly Dance
Olympia Eagles Grand Ballroom · Olympia
Checked Oct 28
Drop-in or full seriesWed, Nov 11 · 7 PM–8 PM
Beginner Salsa B
Oly Dance
Olympia Eagles Grand Ballroom · Olympia
Checked Oct 28
Drop-in or full series
Fri, Nov 13 · 6:50 PM–7:50 PM
Salsa Beginner for Couples Drop-in
Salsa Con Todo
Fremont
Checked Oct 12
Drop-in welcomeFri, Nov 13 · 8 PM–9 PM
Beginner Salsa Drop-in
Salsa Con Todo
Fremont
Checked Oct 12
Drop-in welcomeFri, Nov 13 · 9:10 PM–10:10 PM
Beginner Bachata Drop-in
Salsa Con Todo
Fremont
Checked Oct 12
Drop-in welcomeBeginner series (sign up ahead)
These run for several weeks. Register with the organizer before the first class.
- Register with Baila District (opens in a new tab)
- Register with Baila District (opens in a new tab)
- Register with Sueños de Salsa (opens in a new tab)
- Register with Sazón Dance Events (opens in a new tab)
- Register with Baila District (opens in a new tab)
- Register with Sazón Dance Events (opens in a new tab)
- Register with Baila District (opens in a new tab)
Your first social
A social is a dance party where people ask each other to dance, one song at a time. Many start with a short beginner lesson, which is the easiest way in: you learn a few basics, and then you already know people in the room.
Sat, Nov 7 · 7 PM–11 PMHappening now
Twilight Salsa Social
Baila District
near U Village
Checked Oct 13
Drop-in welcome
Sat, Nov 7 · 8:30 PM–1:30 AMHappening now
Saturday Salsa & Bachata Night (21+)
Reverie Ballroom
Capitol Hill
Checked Oct 26
Drop-in welcomeSat, Nov 7 · 9:30 PMStarting soon
Noches Tropicales
Equal Latin Restaurant & Bar
Olympia
Checked Oct 19
Drop-in welcomeSun, Nov 8 · 4 PM–7 PM
Sunday Latin Dance Night
The Sandbar & Grill
Tacoma
Checked Oct 19
Drop-in welcome
Sun, Nov 8 · 7 PM–11 PM
eSOeS Sunday Salsa & Bachata
eSOeS
Aria Ballroom · Redmond
Checked Oct 14
Drop-in welcomeTue, Nov 10 · 8 PM–12 AM
Tuesday West Coast Swing Social
Reverie Ballroom
Capitol Hill
Checked Oct 13
Drop-in welcomeWed, Nov 11 · 8 PM–11 PM
Wednesday Salsa at the Eagles
Oly Dance
Olympia Eagles Grand Ballroom · Olympia
Checked Oct 28
Drop-in welcomeThu, Nov 12 · 8:30 PM–12 AM
Salsa, Bachata, Merengue & Cumbia Thursdays
Aurora Borealis Event Center
Shoreline
Checked Oct 14
Drop-in welcomeThu, Nov 12 · 8:30 PM–11:30 PM
Social Latino Thursdays
Pasión Vibes
Origen Seattle · Pioneer Square
Checked Oct 14
Drop-in welcomeThu, Nov 12 · 9 PM–1 AM
Thursday Bachata Social
Reverie Ballroom
Capitol Hill
Checked Oct 13
Drop-in welcomeFri, Nov 13 · 7 PM–12 AM
Friday Salsa Social
Welcome Restaurant & Bar
Ruston (Tacoma)
Checked Oct 19
Drop-in welcomeFri, Nov 13 · 8 PM–11:30 PM
Friday Salsa & Bachata Night
LaVida Dance Studio
Kirkland
Checked Oct 14
Drop-in welcomeFri, Nov 13 · 8 PM–1 AM
Salsa Fridays
Spicy Lounge
Olympia
Checked Oct 19
Drop-in welcomeFri, Nov 13 · 9:30 PM–2 AM
Baila Friday Night
Seattle Harbor
Westlake
Checked Oct 14
Drop-in welcomeWhat to wear and bring
- Comfortable clothes you can move in. Socials get warm, so dress in layers.
- Shoes that turn easily on a wood floor: leather or suede soles are ideal. Avoid grippy sneakers and flip-flops.
- Water, and mints. A spare shirt if you'll dance a lot.
- Cash or a phone for the door; many socials charge a bit more at the door than online.
How to ask (and say no)
- Anyone can ask anyone. A simple "Would you like to dance?" works.
- Tell your partner you're new. People adjust, and most love dancing with beginners.
- It's fine to say "No thanks," and fine to hear it. No explanation needed either way.
- Dance one song, thank your partner, and ask someone else.
Staying comfortable and safe
- Dance within your partner's comfort, not your ambition. If something hurts or feels wrong, stop and say so.
- Keep your moves small when the floor is crowded.
- If anyone makes you uncomfortable, tell the organizer or staff. Good events take this seriously.
What it costs
Beginner series are usually paid upfront for several weeks. Socials usually charge a cover at the door, sometimes less if you pay online, and many studios offer student discounts. Prices change, so check with the organizer before you go.