"What if no one asks me to dance socially?"

This is a common concern among novice dancers, but thankfully, it’s rarely a problem. On a salsa night, the vast majority of people are there precisely to dance with different partners, and the chance that you will stay seated all evening is very small. Salsa is all about inclusion, and both men and women invite you to dance – it’s quite common for anyone to ask anyone.

That said, don’t just sit and wait for others to take the initiative. Be outreach yourself! If you want to dance, take the plunge and ask someone – the vast majority will answer yes. A good tip is to stand on the edge of the dance floor with an open and welcoming body language. Smile, nod to people and show with your eyes that you are ready for a dance. This sends a clear signal to others that you are available, and you will almost certainly get a partner in no time.

If you should still be seated for a couple of dances, don’t stress. Use the break to breathe, enjoy the music, or watch the other dancers – you can learn a lot from observing. Experienced dancers know that it’s perfectly normal to take a little break from time to time, so don’t look at it as something negative.

Remember that everyone has been new to the environment once, and most salsa people are open and inclusive. If you reach out and ask, “Do you want to dance?”, the answer will usually be yes. And if, against all odds, you should sit for a song or two, see it as a well-deserved breather. No one is left alone all evening in salsa – the environment is built on openness and the joy of dancing!