This is one of the most common questions I get from new dancers, and honestly, I LOVE when beginners ask it! It shows that they’re excited and eager to dive into the vibrant social side of dance. Let’s face it—many of us started dancing because we were drawn to the energy, connection, and fun of a good party or social. So, when is the right time to start?
Here’s my take: contrary to what some instructors might say, I firmly believe beginners should start attending dance socials as soon as they can comfortably do the basic steps, turns, and a few simple moves. Why? Let me break it down for you:
Watch couple enjoying Salsa social dancing.
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For every hour of class, you need about 5–7 extra hours to repeat and solidify what you’ve learned. Repetition is the secret sauce to embedding technique and moves into your muscle memory. And let’s be real—there just isn’t enough time in a weekly class to get those hours in.
Hack: Practice a little at home and attend one or two socials weekly. You’ll quickly start seeing your progress multiply.
Everyone learns differently. Watching other dancers at a social can spark motivation and remind you why you fell in love with dancing in the first place. Plus, when you spot familiar moves you learned in class, it can boost your confidence to try them with a patient friend or an intermediate dancer.
Dance is nothing without the music. By attending socials, you’ll expose yourself to the rhythms, instruments, and flow of the songs. Over time, the music will start to feel natural, helping you improve your timing and musicality without even realising it.
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Watch couple enjoying Bachata social dancing.
Of course, starting socials early does come with challenges. Let me highlight a few common pitfalls so you’re prepared:
Some beginners might think, “Why do I need lessons when I can just learn on the dance floor?” Unfortunately, this leads to poor technique, bad habits, and even injuries—not to mention unpleasant dance etiquette.
Pro Tip: Keep taking classes! Socials are for reinforcing what you have learnt in class, not a replacement for structured learning.
Watching advanced dancers spin and shine can feel intimidating. You might think, “I’ll never be that good,” or worry you’re slowing others down.
Reframe: Instead of feeling down, use this as fuel! Let it inspire you to take more classes and refine your skills. Remember, every great dancer was once a beginner, too.
Some experienced dancers might unknowingly overwhelm you. Leaders might try complicated moves, and followers could seem bored or disengaged.
What to Do: Politely decline dances you’re not ready for and stick to dancing with patient or understanding partners. It’s okay to set boundaries—it’s your journey!
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The short answer: Start as soon as you know your basics. Socials are one of the best ways to improve your dancing, gain confidence, and immerse yourself in the joy of dance culture. Just remember to approach it with a learning mindset—don’t aim for perfection, aim for progress.
Dancing is about having fun, connecting with others, and expressing yourself. You don’t need to be perfect to join the party—you just need to show up and enjoy the process.
See you on the dance floor!
If you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments or DM me—I love hearing from you!
Congratulations on making it this far! As a token of my gratitude for your support, I’m thrilled to offer you FREE ACCESS to Chapter 1 of my new book, The Joy of Salsa. Click here to download your free copy—happy reading!
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