Who is Cuban salsa for?
Everyone, honestly. A typical Dutch Cuban salsa class has students from their early twenties to their late sixties, beginners and experienced dancers mixed together, and almost everyone shows up alone. You don't need any dance background, a fixed partner, or any Spanish.
What helps: an open attitude, not being afraid of making mistakes, and knowing that learning to dance takes time. Three months of consistent practice beats a year of occasional classes.
What do you need?
- Shoes — at first: clean shoes with a smooth sole you can turn in. Rubber-soled sneakers stick to wooden floors and are bad for your knees. After a few months: real dance shoes with a suede sole (from around €70).
- Clothing — comfortable, soft, and not too warm. Cuban salsa is physical and you'll sweat. Thin T-shirts, a skirt or comfortable trousers work best. No jacket, no stiff jeans.
- Water — a bottle helps, especially at socials of two to four hours.
- An open mindset — partner rotation is normal, and a quick hello before the dance is too. Nobody expects you to nail everything right away.
Step-by-step: from zero to your first social
Intro workshop
Book an intro workshop or taster session (1.5 to 2 hours) at a dance school in your city. You'll learn the basic step, a feel for timing, and your first turn pattern. Afterwards you'll know whether Cuban salsa is for you.
First social
Go to a beginner-friendly social within a week. People remember what they danced better than what they practised. The Cuban community is open and partner rotation is the norm.
Ongoing course
Sign up for a six- to ten-week block with a regular teacher. Here you build your vocabulary systematically: turn patterns, body movement, partnering, and your first rueda calls.
Dance weekly
Alongside your course, plan at least one social a week. The difference between only taking lessons and dancing socially every week is huge: timing, ear, and partnering all speed up dramatically.
Workshops and festivals
After three to six months you're ready for your first festival weekend or intensive. In two days you get as much input as a whole course, and you meet dancers from across the country.
Salsa schools by city
Below are a few Dutch dance schools that specifically teach Cuban salsa. The list is far from exhaustive — also check local community pages and ask around at socials for up-to-date recommendations.
Amsterdam
- Salsa Cubana Amsterdam
- Casino Latino
- Yo Bailo
Rotterdam
- Mi Cuba Rotterdam
- Salsa Loca
- Papa Te Gusta
The Hague
- Cuban Studio Den Haag
- Salsa Habana
Utrecht
- Salsa Cubana Utrecht
- Bailamos Utrecht
Leiden
- Salsa Leiden
- Casino Leiden
Eindhoven
- Salsa Cubana Eindhoven
Groningen
- Salsa Cubana Groningen
Missing a school? Let us know via contact.
Tips for your first time
- Arrive early. Schools welcome beginners before class, and you'll have time to change and scope out the room.
- Ask someone to dance. At a social it's normal — and appreciated — when beginners take the initiative. A simple “want to dance?” is enough.
- Be honest about your level. Experienced dancers will happily adjust, but only if they know you're just starting out.
- Go easy on the alcohol. Cuban salsa is physical; you dehydrate faster than you think.
- Enjoy it, and go easy on yourself. Nobody is watching you. Everyone is busy with their own dance.
See also
All Cuban salsa schools in the Netherlands
Looking for a school near you? See the full directory — verified and grouped by city.
To the schools directory