One of the best deals for learning salsa in Evanston!
One of our most popular adult dance classes at Robert Crown Community Center, Salsa Dance introduces students to the fundamentals of salsa technique in the "on-1" style, with a primary focus on Cuban salsa supplement by aspects of salsa caleña, which is the world-famous style of Cali, Colombia.
This class focuses on teaching students the foundations for salsa steps and partnering and provides time at the end of each class meeting for open practice, where we let the music play giving students a chance to practice class material uninterrupted with a partner.
This class provides a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for those who are new to salsa or to partner dancing generally.
Signing up with a dance partner is strongly suggested, particularly for students interested in focusing on one partner role (i.e., leader or follower). Solo students are of course also welcome, though please keep in mind that solo registrants may need to flex between leader and follower roles depending on attendance and the number of other solo dancers in the class. Historically, we have had more solo registrants in the follower role, so those interested in leading, smash that registration button! =}
Session Schedule & Seasonal Calendar
Dance classes are offered by session and meet once a week over the course of that session, excluding holidays or other days off. When you sign up, you register for your choice of one or more sessions, which typically run for a four- to eight-week period with set start and end dates.
Salsa Dance 2026 Class Calendar
- Spring Session 8 total class meetings on Tuesdays, April 7 to May 26.
- Summer Session I 6 total class meetings on Tuesdays, June 2 to July 7.
- Summer Session II 6 total class meetings on Tuesdays, July 21 to August 25.
- Fall Session I September to October on Tuesdays, dates TBA
- Fall Session II Late October to early December on Tuesdays, dates TBA
Each multi-week session takes a particular technical and movement focus that is broken up across the session. This focus is selected based on each specific group of students for a given session such that beginning students receive the foundations they need while intermediate-level and returning students are able to continue to grow from session to session.
We do not currenty offer drop-in classes for the Salsa Dance class.
Individual Class Structure
Each class begins with a five- to six-minute set group warm-up where we practice the three most fundamental steps of salsa dance — the basic step (el paso básico), the side step (el paso lateral), and the cumbia step.
After warm-up, we typically work on shines, which are individually performed steps for used when dancing solo and during improvisation. Shines also gives us a chance to work as a class on aspects of salsa rhythm and movement styling, footwork, and upper/lower body coordination.
The last portion of class is reserved for partner work, which is one of the main focuses of the class. Here we focus on turns, set movement patterns (figuras), spacing, timing, and using our hands and arm positioning to communicate with our partner.
Who is Salsa Dance Intended for?
This is an adult dance class for ages 18 and up. The class is paced for those who are new to salsa or who are practicing the foundations of partner work. Prior salsa or dance experience is not required, and it is quite common for our classes to include a roughly equal mix of those with no salsa background, those who have some familiarity through informal learning, and those with experience at the beginning to intermediate skill level.
Whether you have some prior salsa experience and are starting from the absolute beginning, this class provides students with a strong foundation in rhythm, step patterns, shines (individual moves), partnering, and turns in a fun and friendly learning environment.
Class Length & Attire
This class meets weekly for one hour. Clothing should be comfortable and non-obstructive.
Shoe requirement: non-marking, clean-soled shoes.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a city-wide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accomodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or fill out a request form online at evanstonil.qscend.com/311.
