Best Salsa Dancing Classes In Paris For Beginners

Just hang around and you will hear something different—the off-key beats carried out of basements, rooftops, and corner studios. There is dancing somewhere behind those shutters. Not only any dance—salsa. Happy, contagious, and highly social, salsa has become a part of the rhythm of this city.

Probably you have never danced in your life. Or perhaps, you did it once at a wedding and promised never to do it again. But here you are in Paris and something pulls a little, something separates your shoes, beyond the urge to find, there, beyond the words of good sense: why not?

Maybe you are a novice and you want to know the best salsa dancing schools to learn in Paris—then this is the best bet on the dance floor.

Why Salsa Is Ideal to Noobs

To say the truth, when being an adult, you may feel intimidated when learning something new. However, there is one of these rare occurrences, at least in the genre of dance: salsa is a dance that anyone is welcome to join in, at least in terms of rhythm, language and left-foot habits. It is not perfection. It is the matter of involvement.

The instructions are tedious but can be learnt using some patience. Salsa is an upbeat music. Class atmosphere is informal and always fun. And such as the community? That is where the rough stuff lies. Classes in salsa in Paris are crowded with locals, expats, tourists and halfway people. Everybody arrives uncomposed and goes away with a smile.

The dance has something common and it does not matter whether you speak French, Spanish or English. Your shoes will solve it.

What Occurs in an Intermediate Salsa Class?

And don’t worry if you have a vision of a stuffy ballroom or a stern instructor. That is not the kind of feeling here.

And this is what an average salsa beginner lesson in Paris is:

• After arrival, you will be met by the teacher him/herself, who tends to be bilingual (French/English).

• Initial session of the course concentrates on simple steps practiced individually: forward, back, side-to-side. No mate as yet.

• You will get into the pairs after the warm-up, and then partners change after every few minutes.

• The instructor counts or steps out making use of demonstration with music.

• Usually at the end there is time to practice, ask questions or do a brief freestyle.

• Most of the classes end with laughter, high-fives, and the invitation to attend the following level or attend a similar social dance nearby.

No experience in dancing? No problem. You will not be the first one. All people in the room are simply here to dance, interact, and have a rhythm.

Does One Require a Partner in a Dance?

Nope. As a matter of fact, the majority of the population arrives individually. One of the best things about salsa and merengue lessons is that they are put in terms of partners, not people, and thus you are guaranteed to dance with every person at least once during the lesson.

It eliminates stress and learning becomes easy. You will connect with people, you will feel much less embarrassed, and you will understand that dancing with strangers is not as frightening as it seems. And the worst part? You may even leave having new friends or even an idea to meet up and visit a salsa night.

So What Do You Wear?

Exciting news: You do not need to wear glittering or stilettoes in salsa. As to your first class, you had better appear in:

• Easy, movable clothes

• Flat soft sole shoes (not to be rubbery with countless adhesion)

• A fair towel or a water bottle in case the class gets warm

In Paris, fashion is intimate and casual. However, comfort prevails in the dance course. You will be glad when you have a bow which spins and spins without slipping.

Where To Study Salsa in Paris?

Now here is where it begins. In Paris, there are numerous salsa classes that are beginners-friendly; some of them are in the right of studios, others in bars, community centers, or even in parks. No matter how long you are staying in the city—or starting to stay here—there is a place where you can begin dancing.

The following is the overview of things to consider in selecting the right class:

What to Look for in a Paris Salsa Class (Beginner-Friendly)

Best Salsa Classes in Paris (Newbies Friendly)

So, let us have a look at some of the outstanding studios where newcomers feel welcomed and the classes are organized to help them learn—not to show off.

1. Baila Cubano in the City of Light – Cuban Heat

When you yearn to enjoy the real Cuban salsa in the middle of Paris, then you will be hearing the name Baila Cubano over and over again. The ambiance is booming and friendly, and its classes are set in proportion to all levels. Newcomers are at all times welcome.

• Ambiance: Party, pace, Cuban flavored

• Teachers: Native Cubans are quite often (very) interactive

• Extras: There are classes in Bachata and reggaeton

• Location: Multi-venues Paris

• Languages: French & English

And you can come in with no rhythm, or the air of excited tourist—it will be a place to relax and get into a groove.

2. Centre de Danse du Marais – Historic Dance with Contemporary Moves

This dance learning center is among the most renowned learning centers in the city of Paris, where it is located within a 17th-century building in Le Marais. They also have salsa learning lessons conducted by experienced teachers at different times of the day.

• Style: Classy, business-like, formal

• Teachers: Fluent experience and ability to speak different languages

• Studio: Parisian studios which are high-ceilinged and mirrored

• Location: So very central, you can walk to the Hôtel de Ville

• Languages: English-friendly

Perfect in case you are a beginner and would love a little structure, yet want to have a fairly laid-back atmosphere. It will seem as though you are in one of the Paris-based dance films.

3. Latin Dance Lowdown Daytime (Meetup Group)

In need of something recreational, light, and parties? These salsa communities are a popular Meetup group among natives and visitors. Led by seasoned dancers, these informal lessons occur during the daytime in open venues or in venues that are casual.

• Ambiance: Casual, social worker friendly, all about traveling

• Format: Drop-in, pay-as-you-go or free

• Teachers: Volunteer workers or freelance teachers

• Venue: Various, and are available upon meeting group at Meetup

• Languages: Mostly English with some French

It is the best way to dip your toes into something in Paris in the short term when you do not feel like committing to a studio.

4. Salsa Studio Massaro – Where Do Parisian Young People Go to Dance

Fresh, funky, and highly newcomer-friendly, this studio has salsa classes that are focused on technique and enjoyable. It has got students, professionals, and creatives.

• Ambiance: Fresh, chill, unrestrictive

• Coupons: Free trial of each month

• Community: Weekend socials and socials based on themes

• Languages: English-friendly teaching

• Close Attractions: It is close to Bastille, and this is an excellent place to have some drinks after the class.

This is ideal for young adults or any person interested in blending learning with social life.

Is Parisian Salsa Only Local?

Not a bit. Actually, the cultural cross of cultures is one of the factors why the salsa is prospering here. As classes are filled with students, expats, travelers, and locals, one can compare it to classes in the United States. You will meet English, and Spanish, and French—and a great deal of laughter.

This is what makes classes of beginners so worthwhile. It is not about learning steps, it is about bridging the communication gap, language, and culture. It is the rhythm which accepts everybody.

Choosing a Fashion: Cuban vs. LA vs. NY – Which Is Correct?

 

Once you arrive in your first salsa lesson, you may be confronted with such words as Cuban style, LA On1, or New York On2. That should not give you any fear—they are all made of the same spirit, and only vary as to their rhythm and structure.

Generally, in Paris, most beginner classes are on Cuban or LA style since it is simpler to understand when one is breaking in as a student.

Let’s simplify them down:

• Cuban (Casino): Arcs, enfanteills, and convivial. Average discoverers should have fun with partner swapping and rhythm dancing. It is frequently tiped in Rueda (group circle).

• LA (On1): Sharper and lineier. Performance-oriented, flashy turns. Perfect when you like order and dance.

• New York (On2): More complicate and smoother, danced on the second beat. Not necessarily newbie friendly, but beautiful with even a bit of fundamentals.

The fusion style is used in most dance schools in Paris. That is, they begin with footwork of one dancing style and gradually add some others with time. Hence, there is no need to worry about selecting a style on the first day. It is only important to begin.

What Are the Class Formats in Paris: Which One Is Best Suited to You (Being a Beginner)?

Paris has all the types of salsa learning that one can think of. This is how you can determine what is best according to what is available to you, how much you can afford, and what you prefer to learn.

Drop-In Classes

• Per class, no obligation

• It is fantastic as a tourist, or as a trial of various teachers

• Price: €10–15 per session

• Where to find them: Studios, community centers, or through Meetup

Class Packages

• Purchase 5–10 sessions in advance

• Less expensive by lesson (€8–12)

• Most suitable to those who are staying a few weeks or more

• A good choice when one plans regular practice

Private Lessons

• Individual training to your tempo

• Perfect when you are shy or when you want to take the next step fast

• Greater price: Between €40–80 per hour

• Usually offered by the same teachers who conduct group classes

Salsa Class Formats in Paris – Beginner Comparison

More Introductions to Salsa Class for Beginners

In Part 1, we discussed some of the common names. Now it is time to add some more choices adored by both beginners and expats:

1. ClassPass Salsa

In case you are already a customer at ClassPass (fitness or yoga), you will also find salsa classes available on the platform. It offers you the flexibility to get a feel of different studios across Paris without being obliged to enroll in any of them. Simply filter with the name of dance or Latin.

• Vibe: Flexibility to try before you commit

• Studios: Studio Massaro, Fit Ballet, and DanceFloor Paris

• Best in case: Locals or digital nomads who have an active ClassPass

2. Salsa in Funbooker (Including Pro Dancers)

It is a book-and-go solution and it is entirely aimed at the persons who are absolutely new to it. Partnerships with tested teachers are involved in the Funbooker platform, and they host trial classes or group discovery. A number of them are central—in Le Marais or Montmartre.

• Vibe: Laid back, easygoing, good for tourists

• Booking: Simple online booking and confirmation on the spot

• Languages: English speaking is available

• Audience: Couples, singles, or company-building evenings

3. DanceUS Salsa Calendar – Stay in the Loop

This is not quite a class provider but it’s your best friend after you have learned a few classes and want to get out on dance floors.

• Locate amateur social evenings

• Get informed of themed events and live music

• Find out the venues where people can dance without professional training

What Is the Best Place to Social Dance in Paris After Class?

When you have worked on your steps in class, you want to get them out in the city. Salsa is not merely a dance but rather a social affair. The city of Paris has a good salsa nightlife that is quite inclusive.

Best Salsa Social Parties:

• Le Balajo (Rue de Lappe): Historic Parisian nightclub with Latin nights

• O’Sullivans by the Mill (Pigalle): Salsa and bachata on Tuesday

• Barrio Latino / Pachamama (Bastille): Latino musique, live band, cocktails

• La Pachanga (Montparnasse surrounds): Famous for Cuban salsa and weekly socials

Even a new one will not feel displaced, because some of these places provide short instructions at the beginning of the evening.

Advice of the {Real Salsa Teachers} in Paris

We have compiled a list of a few tips that salsa teachers working in Paris have provided to us—given to them on a regular basis by beginners. This is what they want more people to understand:

• Do not be observing your feet. By touching the rhythm, you will learn more.

• Practice out of school. Decent steps done at home only once a day (5 minutes!) can speed up your learning.

• Dance with other people. It makes you adapt and enhances communication.

• Enjoy the screw-up. Everyone stumbles. That is how you develop.

• Show up, keep showing up. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it accumulates fast.

Salsa is never a passing test. It is a language you are practicing. The more you dance, the more you will talk it out—through your organism.

Mental Guide to the First Day of Classes

The idea of being embarrassed is at the top of the list of many draftees. And this is the reality: everyone is just deducing. All people pay so much attention to personal steps. It is okay that you are awkward. It is okay to fail. Everybody begins that way.

These are the steps to be done before taking your first class:

• Listen to a YouTube video of simple Salsa moves (only 2–3 minutes)

• Put on comfortable footgear, have a bit of water

• Go there 10 minutes earlier in order to get settled down

• Inform the instructor that it is your initial time—they will watch out on you

• Smile. Literally, it is useful to free up your body.

Summary: The Biggest Step Is the First One

When you learn salsa in Paris, it is more than learning dancing. It is an entrance to a secretive part of the city where people are acquaintances and songs are recollection.

It is not necessary to be aligned. You do not have to have a partner. Do it with just a little curiosity and the ability to take a chance.

Take a breath, get a class, and get swept away with the music.

Who knows? It is possible that in a couple of months, you will be that one who will be spinning confidently and will be inviting the next novice to the dance.