Everyone starts as a beginner
Honest answers, a little glossary and a friendly community ready to help you walk in and dance.
The things people ask before their first night
No question is too small. Here are the ones we hear most.
Comfortable clothes you can move in, and shoes with a smooth sole that let you turn easily. Bring a spare top, as floors get warm. No special outfit, heels or dance shoes are needed to start.
You arrive, the teacher welcomes everyone, then walks the group through the basic step slowly. You practise with a few partners, learn one or two simple moves, and finish with a relaxed social where you try it all to real music.
In most classes partners rotate every few minutes, so you dance with many people rather than just one. It is normal, friendly and the fastest way to improve. Rotation is always optional, and you can sit any one out.
Simple kindness: it is fine to accept or politely decline a dance, dance to your partner's level, mind the space around you, and thank each other after. A clean shirt and fresh breath go a long way too.
Everyone in the room was new once and nobody is watching you. Smile, count the basic, and treat mistakes as part of the fun. Go with a friend if it helps, and remember one good song is all it takes to relax.
Start with a beginner-friendly social near you, then build from there. Browse our weekly events by day, city and level, or message us and we will point you to a welcoming room for your first night.
The words you will hear on the floor
Plain-English meanings so nothing on the night sounds like a secret code.
- Social
- A relaxed evening of open dancing, no fixed partner needed.
- Congress
- A weekend festival of workshops, shows and late-night dancing.
- Lead
- The dancer who offers and shapes the next move.
- Follow
- The dancer who reads and answers what is offered.
- Shine
- A short solo moment, dancing apart from your partner.
- Cross-body lead
- A core move that swaps the dancers' places.
- Musicality
- Matching your movement to the rhythm and feel of the song.
- Connection
- The gentle give-and-take that lets two dancers communicate.
- Rotation
- Changing partners regularly during a class.
- Killing it
- A warm compliment, meaning someone is dancing brilliantly.
Say hello, we are friendly
Whether you have a question or just want a nudge to your first night, message us on whatever feels easiest.