What to Wear to Salsa Class: Clothes and Shoes

Wear comfortable clothes you can move in and shoes with smooth soles that stay on your feet. Skip grippy sneakers. They stick to the floor and make turns hard on your knees.

Here is the full list for your first salsa or bachata class.

Shoes matter most

Your shoes need to let you turn.

• Best: dance shoes. Suede soles glide and grip in balance. Our students like GFranco, Ray Rose and Burju.
• Good: smooth leather-soled shoes. Dress shoes, flats or loafers work for a first class.
• Skip: running shoes and rubber soles. They grab the floor and twist your knees on a spin.
• Skip: flip-flops and loose sandals. They fly off on a turn.

Bring your dance shoes in a bag and change at the studio. Street soles carry grit that ruins a dance floor.

What women wear

• A top you can raise your arms in
• Leggings, joggers or a skirt that moves
• Flats or a low dance heel for your first class
• Hair tied back if it's long

A skirt that flares on a spin feels great. Skip tight skirts that limit your step.

What men wear

• A breathable shirt or polo
• Pants or chinos that let you step wide
• Smooth-soled dress shoes or dance sneakers with a suede sole

Salsa warms you up fast. Pick fabric that breathes.

What to bring

• Water. You will sweat.
• Your dance shoes in a bag.
• Deodorant or mints. You dance close to many partners.
• An open mind. Everyone was new once.

What to skip

• Big rings, bracelets and watches that catch on a partner's hand
• Heavy perfume or cologne
• Baggy sleeves that tangle in turns

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear sneakers to salsa class?

Most sneakers grip too much for turns. Dance sneakers with a suede patch work well. Smooth-soled shoes work for a first class.

Should women wear heels to salsa class?

Not for your first class. Start in flats or a low heel. Add height once your balance feels solid.

What should men wear to bachata class?

A breathable shirt, pants you can move in and smooth-soled shoes. Bachata keeps partners close, so fresh breath helps.

Where can I buy dance shoes?

Online brands like GFranco, Ray Rose and Burju sell salsa shoes. Ask your teacher for sizing tips first.

Ready for class?

Bella Vita Dance Company is at Eastside Plaza, 859 Hanover Street in Manchester, NH, next to Hannaford with plenty of parking. Book a free 30-minute Dance Confidence Assessment before your first class. More answers live on our FAQ page.