What is a social, and how do you go for the first time?

Once you have been taking dance classes for a while, you soon hear the word: "Are you coming to the social on Friday?" For beginners that can be a bit of a mystery. Is it a party? A class? Do you need to be a good dancer? Below are the answers.

What is a social?

A social is a dance night, organised by a dance school, the local scene or community, or an organiser.

There is music, there is a dance floor, and everyone dances with everyone. The difference from a class is that nobody stands in front of the group: you are there to dance, not to learn something new. The difference from an ordinary party is that almost everyone comes to dance a particular dance, salsa, bachata, kizomba or a mix, and that you dance with changing partners.

Why would you go to a social?

To practise and to meet people. A social gives you extra room to practise and is a social occasion at the same time.

Practising. In class you learn a step or figure; at a social you find out whether you can also dance it to real music and with different partners. You notice where you are still unsure, and you learn to respond to dancers who lead or follow differently from what you are used to.

Meeting people. You meet local dancers who have been dancing longer. At bigger schools it gets mixed: students of different levels, teachers, people from other schools. That is how you get to know the scene in your city.

Who will you meet there?

Everyone: beginners who have just had a few classes, dancers who have been dancing for years, and everything in between.

At a school's social you often see the teachers dancing too. That mix is exactly what makes it valuable. A dance with someone who has been dancing longer can teach you a lot, because you feel how a figure is supposed to go.

Do you need to be a good dancer already?

No. A social should feel easy to walk into and accessible.

With a few classes behind you, you can go without any problem. You dance the basic step and the few figures you know; that is enough. Some socials start with a short workshop or class beforehand. That is a handy way to ease in.

What do you wear to a salsa party or social?

Fresh clothes that breathe, and dance shoes if you have them. Don't overthink it.

• Dance shoes. Recommended. They turn more easily on a dance floor. If you don't have any yet, choose shoes with a smooth sole.
• Fresh clothes that breathe. You are going to sweat, especially at salsa.
• Deodorant. You dance close to other people.
• A bit of courage. The first time is nerve-racking. That is part of it.

How do you ask someone to dance at a social?

Walk up to someone and ask: "Would you like to dance?" At a social everyone asks everyone.

There is no fixed rule that the lead does the asking. After the song you thank each other and often go your separate ways. A no is usually nothing personal: someone is tired, is waiting for a friend or wants to skip this song. Don't let it put you off, just ask someone else. And you can say no too, without giving a reason.

You can read more tips for your first time in your first time at a social.

Where can you find a salsa social?

At dance schools, which often organise their own socials, and through organisers and the local scene.

How often and at what price differs per school. At the Latin schools whose websites we looked at in October 2026, we saw socials every week, a few times a month and once a month. Entry ranged from free to 12.50 euros, sometimes including a drink. There are also socials that start with a free workshop. Always check the school's own website for current dates.

Which social do you go to the first time?

Preferably one at your own school: you will already know a few faces.

If you are still looking for a school, a social is also a good way to get to know one. You see how people dance together when there is no class. See how do you choose a good dance school.

Where can you find schools with socials near you?

On Baila Discover you can find schools by style and by town, and their profiles often list their socials too. Have a look at salsa in Rotterdam, salsa in Amsterdam, bachata classes or dance schools in Eindhoven.

Sources

Dance school websites, checked on 10 October 2026 (frequency of socials and entry fees):

• Extremos, Amsterdam: https://www.extremos.nl/beginners/ (in Dutch)
• Salsa4Fun, Amsterdam: https://salsa4fun.com (in Dutch)
• La Bodeguita, The Hague: https://labodeguita.nl (in Dutch)
• Dansschool Wesseling, The Hague: https://www.dansles-wesseling.nl/Salsa/ (in Dutch)
• Union Salsa Dance Company, Utrecht: https://www.unionsalsadancecompany.nl (in Dutch)
• Fusion Latina, Nijmegen: https://fusionlatina.nl (in Dutch)
• Aguanilé, Nijmegen: https://www.aguanile.nl/solutions (in Dutch)