Queer Salsa Courses in London
Queer Salsa Courses in London
A 5-week progressive Cuban Salsa course, covering footwork, body movement, partner-work with a special focus on the group partner dance: Rueda de Casino. Your purchase covers the full 5 sessions. Plus an informal Cuban Salsa Social at a different venue.
📅 Dates: the following 5 Thursdays: 5/2, 12/2, 19/2, 5/3 and 12/3 (informal Cuban social at different venue 26/2)
🕗 Time: 19:00–21:00
📍 Location: Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4QH
🔗 Google Maps.
💸 Reduced Cost Spots at £40 and Free Spots
A small number of reduced-cost places are prioritised for:
Queer Latinx people
People on Universal Credit (or similar benefits)
Those on minimum wage or low income
We also offer up to 2 free spots each month for:
People seeking asylum
People in precarious situations without access to public funds
Spots are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
💌 Contact us: hello@queersalsa.co.uk
💛 About Cuban Salsa & Rueda de Casino
Salsa was born in Cuba, created by enslaved African people and their descendants. Rooted in African rhythms, movement, and ways of dancing together, Salsa is a dance of joy, survival, resistance, and collective celebration. It carries histories of struggle alongside playfulness, creativity, and deep community connection.
Cuban Salsa, also known as Casino, developed in Havana’s social dance halls. It’s a circular, grounded style that emphasises rotation, rhythm, improvisation, and shared connection. Unlike Cross-Body Salsa, which travels along a line, Casino moves around a common center.
Rueda de Casino grew out of social Casino dancing in Havana, when groups of friends began dancing together in a circle and playfully changing partners. Using simple called moves, Rueda turns salsa into a shared group experience.
💛 Suitable for Beginners & Beyond
It’s ideal if you’re completely new to Cuban Salsa, returning after a break, coming from another Salsa or Afro-Latin style, or exploring a new dance role.
If you already have experience in Cuban Salsa, we’ll offer optional variations on the core material to keep things engaging. You’re also welcome to get in touch about volunteering as a Guardian Dancer, attending classes for free and offering extra 1:1 support where needed.
In the first class, we’ll introduce the roles of Leading and Following and invite you to choose which role you’d like to explore for the rest of the course.
💛 Weekly Breakdown
This is a progressive course, so each week will be building on from the other
5/2 — Week 1: Foundations
We start from the very beginning. You’ll learn the basic step, rhythm, how to move with a partner, and how Cuban Salsa works in a circular way.
12/2 — Week 2: Enchufla Family
Enchufla is a core Cuban Salsa movement and a gateway to many other steps. This week focuses on smooth partner exchanges, timing, and building confidence dancing together.
19/2 — Week 3: Sácala & Exhibela
You’ll learn two common Cuban Salsa movements that introduce playful turns and changes of direction. We’ll focus on clarity, flow, and staying connected with your partner.
»»»»»»»»»»»»»» 26/2 — Break from Classes
Optional group outing to a local Cuban Salsa social with the cohort.
5/3 — Week 4: Vacílala & Sombrero
This week introduces more expressive movements, including turns and wraps. We’ll explore creativity, musicality, and having fun with variation.
12/3 — Week 5: Prima, Hermana & La Familia
We bring everything together with a set of related movements that feel dynamic and playful. Expect more flow, partner changes, and a sense of dancing as a group.
💛 Welfare & Accessibility
Classes take place in the Upper Hall at Bishopsgate. The venue has step-free access via a lift, as well as accessible toilets and water points nearby.
The class cohort will be fairly large. You’re welcome to take breaks at any time, there are chairs inside the hall and quieter spaces outside if you need to step away.
There are places outside of the hall and chairs in the hall to take breaks whenever you need.
Guardian Dancers: Experienced volunteers wearing pink wristbands who offer extra 1:1 support during class and are available for welfare needs.
Venue access: Step-free entry and accessible toilets.
PA’s attend free: Just let a member of the team know on the day.
We’re committed to making our courses safe and inclusive. Please contact us about any needs that would help you take part more fully.