Dance Styles

What is Salsa?

An energetic partner dance full of rhythm, turns and fun — originating in New York, loved all over the world.

What is Salsa?

Salsa is one of the most energetic and joyful partner dances in the world. The dance originated in the 1960s in New York, as a mix of Cuban rhythms, jazz and other Latin influences. Today, Salsa is danced on every continent.

What does Salsa feel like?

Salsa is lively, playful and social. You dance to a fast rhythm, with quick footwork patterns, turns and figures. The connection with your partner is essential — a good leader and follower intuitively sense each other. Salsa is both technically challenging and incredibly liberating once it starts to flow.

Is Salsa difficult to learn?

Salsa requires more than it appears at first glance. The rhythm, the timing, the footwork and the connection with your partner — these are all elements that require time and repetition. But with every lesson you feel progress, and that makes it addictive.

Salsa today — more than one style

Salsa has spread from New York and Cuba around the world and along the way various styles have emerged:

Salsa LA (Los Angeles style) — danced on a straight line, with spectacular turns and figures. This is the style you see most often in shows and at dance parties in Europe.
Salsa New York style (On2) — also on a straight line, but danced on count 2. This gives a different feel and deeper musicality — something tighter and more elegant than LA style.
Salsa Puerto Rican style — related to New York style, but with its own character and strongly influenced by the local music culture.
Salsa Cubana — the original Cuban style, danced in a circular motion (Casino). More playful, rounder and closer to the roots of the dance.
Rueda de Casino — a group form of Salsa Cubana where multiple couples dance at the same time and continuously switch partners on the command of a caller. Enormously fun and social.

At Bailando Latino you learn Salsa LA, Salsa Cubana and Rueda de Casino.

Learn Salsa at Bailando Latino

Our Salsa lessons take place in Lier and Wommelgem. You don't need any experience and you don't have to come with a fixed partner — partners are switched during the lesson.

👉 View the Salsa lessons

Frequently Asked Questions

At Bailando Latino you can learn Salsa in Wommelgem (Autolei 113) on Monday, in Lier (Grote Markt 28) on Wednesday and Thursday.

Wommelgem is only a quarter hour from Antwerp and easily accessible via the E313 exit Wijnegem.

Lier is only half an hour from Antwerp and is also easily accessible by public transport.

Check the class schedule for all times.

Bailando Latino is one of the most renowned Salsa dance schools in the Antwerp region, with weekly lessons in Wommelgem and Lier for beginners to advanced. Both Salsa Cubana and Salsa LA are on the program.

Salsa LA you dance in a straight line and is athletic in nature. Salsa Cubana has a rounder, more playful movement with a typical Caribbean character. At Bailando Latino you can learn both styles. More explanation can be found on this page.

Yes, absolutely. At Bailando Latino you don't need a fixed dance partner. We use a rotation system where you switch partners — ideal for learning quickly and meeting new people.

Salsa is more accessible than most people think. In the Beginners lessons we build everything step by step. No rhythmic talent or dance experience required — just the desire to move.

In Wommelgem (Autolei 113) there are Salsa Cubana lessons on Monday (Starters at 19:30). In Lier (Grote Markt 28) there are Salsa LA lessons on Wednesday (Starters at 19:00) and Salsa Cubana on Thursday (Starters at 19:00). View the full lesson schedule.

At Bailando Latino we start three times a year with a new beginner series: early September, just after New Year and around Easter. Book a free trial lesson to be the first to know.

Start with Salsa

Your first lesson is FREE

Want to experience Salsa yourself? Come by for a free trial lesson. No obligation, no fixed partner needed.

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