Questions before you join?
Here are the most common questions about starting, joining, classes, memberships, events and visiting Latin Roots Dance Academy in Edinburgh.
Complete Beginner?
Start with our structured 4-Week Salsa & Bachata Beginner Course.
Already Dancing?
Book an Introductory Session so we can guide you to the right level.
Events & Socials
See our Latin Roots Social, A Bailar! and upcoming dance events.
Still Not Sure?
Send us a message and weโll help you choose the right next step.
Where should I start?
I am a complete beginner. Where do I start?
Start with the 4-Week Salsa & Bachata Beginner Course. It is a structured 4-week course designed for adults who are new to Salsa and Bachata.
You do not need previous dance experience, and you do not need to bring a partner.
When can I start if I am a beginner?
New beginner courses usually open in 4-week cycles. You can see the current start dates and available course days on the Beginner Course page.
I have danced before. Can I join a higher level?
If you already have Salsa or Bachata experience, start with an Introductory Session.
This takes place inside a regular Latin Roots class so we can understand your current level and recommend the right place to continue.
Do I need to bring a partner?
No. Most people come on their own. In class, we rotate partners so everyone gets to practise and meet different people.
What age group are your students?
Latin Roots is an adult academy. Our students are adults of different ages, backgrounds and experience levels. The environment is warm, structured and welcoming.
How classes work
How long is each class?
Our standard training sessions are 90 minutes, with 45 minutes of Salsa and 45 minutes of Bachata.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily. You do not need special dancewear for beginner courses.
What shoes should I wear?
Wear shoes that are comfortable and secure. Avoid shoes that stick heavily to the floor or are too slippery. Many regular dancers eventually choose dance shoes, but they are not required when you are starting.
How long will it take me to learn?
It depends on how consistently you train and how much practice you get. The fastest progress usually comes from a mix of structured classes, repetition and social dancing.
The important thing is to start properly, build good foundations, and stay consistent.
Training regularly
Are memberships right for me?
Memberships are for students who want to train regularly at the academy after their first course or introductory session.
They give you a clear training rhythm, help you stay consistent, and make it easier to keep progressing with Salsa and Bachata.
What membership options do you have?
Latin Roots has different membership options depending on how often you want to train โ from a lighter rhythm to a fuller academy training option.
You can compare the current options on the Prices page.
Can I train without a recurring membership?
Yes. Our one-off 4-Week Passes are available for students who want to train for one block without automatic renewal. Hooked offers 8 class sessions for ยฃ90, while Addicted offers up to 24 eligible sessions for ยฃ170.
Passes provide the corresponding tier's class access but do not include recurring membership discounts, priority or other member-only benefits. Class placement and availability still apply. If you already dance, begin with our Introductory Session so we can recommend a suitable option. You can also compare the options on our Prices page.
Do memberships have a minimum commitment?
Yes. New recurring memberships begin with an initial period of two consecutive 4-week payments. You can change your training tier during this period without restarting it.
After those first two payments, your membership renews every 4 weeks until you cancel. You can submit a cancellation at any time, provided it is received before the next payment is taken. Full terms are explained in the Membership Agreement.
Dancing outside class
Do Latin Roots run social dancing events?
Yes. Social dancing is a big part of Latin Roots. Alongside our academy training, we run events where people can dance, practise, meet others and enjoy Salsa and Bachata in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Our public events welcome Latin Roots students and dancers from the wider community. Social dancing is intended for people who already know some Salsa or Bachata. You can see upcoming dates on the Events page.
What is the Latin Roots Social?
The Latin Roots Social takes place on selected Sundays โ a friendly evening to dance Salsa and Bachata, practise what you are learning, meet familiar faces and enjoy the music.
It is for people who already know some Salsa or Bachata, including newer dancers with the basics and more experienced dancers. If you have never danced before, start with our 4-Week Beginner Course. Check the Events page for the next confirmed Social.
What is A Bailar?
A Bailar! is our bigger Salsa and Bachata party โ a fuller night of dancing, music and community. It brings together Latin Roots students, regular social dancers and people from the wider dance community.
Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be a Latin Roots member to join A Bailar! See upcoming dates and details on the Events page.
Do I need to be a member to attend events?
No. Many of our public events welcome Latin Roots students and dancers from the wider community. For social dancing, you should already know some Salsa or Bachata.
Some student-only activities may be reserved for active academy members, but our public events will say clearly who they are for. The best place to check is the Events page.
Can beginners come to social dancing events?
Yes, if you already know some basic Salsa or Bachata. You do not need to be an advanced dancer, but our socials are not introductory lessons for complete beginners.
If you are completely new to dancing, join our 4-Week Beginner Course first. Once you know the basics, you can practise at your own pace and enjoy the atmosphere. See confirmed Social dates on the Events page.
Can experienced dancers come to Latin Roots events?
Yes. Experienced dancers are very welcome at our public events. Latin Roots has a strong academy community, and many of our regular higher-level students and experienced dancers come to our socials and parties.
That means you can expect a friendly dance floor with a good mix of levels, plenty of Salsa and Bachata, and dancers who are there to enjoy good music, good connection and a warm atmosphere.
If you are looking for the next social or party, visit the Events page.
Visiting Latin Roots
Where are classes held?
Most Latin Roots classes take place at Shanghai Club, inside Le Monde Hotel, 16a George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PF.
How do I find the entrance?
When you arrive at the front of Le Monde Hotel, take the stairs on the left-hand side of the building down to the basement entrance for Shanghai Club.
Is there parking nearby?
There is on-street parking around the area, and parking is usually free after 6:30pm. Please check local signs when you arrive.
Giving a course as a gift
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. Latin Roots gift cards are available for the 4-Week Salsa & Bachata Beginner Course.
You can view the options on the Gift Cards page.
How does a gift card work?
After purchase, the gift card code is sent to the person buying the gift card by email. They can then share the code with the person they are giving it to.
The code is used when booking through the Latin Roots Beginner Course page.
Can two people use one gift card?
No. Each gift card is for one person only. If two people want to attend together, each person needs their own gift card or course booking.
How long are gift cards valid for?
Gift cards are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase. Advance booking is required and course places are subject to availability.
Still have a question?
Send us a message and weโll help you choose the right next step for where you are now.