Our next Salsa party will be on Friday 12th June
Bar/doors open 7:40pm
8pm Salsa and cha cha classes with Basil Heidi, Rosa Giles and the Onsalsa crew
10pm SHOW
Excellent music by our DJs Julian Summers and Gwyneth
This is an event for everybody, no matter what your level of dancing is! it is friendly social night where you can relax, chat, have a drink and dance your socks off.
Get your ticket early for only £12.50
Location: Oxford City FC, Court Place Farm, OX3 0NQ, Oxford.
One of the most common questions we get is “When should I move up?”and the honest answer is simple… when you’re truly ready, not just eager. It is very easy to want to do it all from day 1 but the reality is…that dancing takes time to learn, it just doesn’t happen like that.
It’s so important to build strong foundations and that is what all OnSalsa instructors focus on. Take your time to really understand and feel comfortable with your current steps. If your steps still feels unsure, rushed, or inconsistent, that’s a sign you’re not quite ready yet and that’s absolutely okay. Why rush and get into bad habits? be patient and take your time – we all learn differently at our our pace.
Don’t run before you can walk…
Moving up too quickly won’t help your leading or following, and it won’t benefit your dance partners either. Great dancers are built on solid basics.
Make sure you:
Always ask your teacher for advice – Not your dance partner unless he/she has strong foundations.
We’re here to guide you and will let you know when you’re ready. If you’re unsure, just ask
Remember:
There is no harm at all in repeating a level for a few weeks (or longer). The curriculum is vast, and each time you repeat a level, you’ll refine your technique and pick up something new. This is true whether you are a beginner, improver or advanced dancer.
Practice after your class:
We allow time after each level for you to practice so stay with us and use this time as an opportunity to:
You can:
And again, stay after class to practice what you’ve learned, ask questions, or even start creating your own moves. Let the creative spirit flow 😉
The more regularly you come to class, the faster you will improve. There is no secret, repetition under your teacher’s supervision is what works best.
All our group classes take place at the Summertown Church Hall, Portland Road, OX2 7EZ in Oxford.
And if you really want to level up your foundations, private tuition is a fantastic option. Rosa and Giles can really work with you on what you need the most.
Rosa and Giles can help you with:
The list is endless but small steps at a time. Whilst we’ve been teaching for over 25 years, we always strive to improve ourselves not only as dancers but also as dance teachers. Never think you know it all and always be keen to learn more and you will keep improving.
Private tuition takes place in their mirrored dance studio. Contact rosa@onsalsa.com if you would like to book your own 1:1 session. These can take place during the day or evenings or at weekends.
It is also good to go to Salsa events to practice what you have learnt in class and this is why we run our own monthly party nights. Classes at all levels are included at the beginning of the evening so that you can meet people and break the ice from the onset. Once the classes are finished, then practice as much as you want! Don’t feel intimidated as we’re all here to have fun! and you will know most people from your Tuesday evening classes.
Strong foundations = confident dancing.
Any questions, get in touch with Rosa or Giles on rosa@onsalsa.com
Happy dancing everyone! 💃🕺
Rosa and Giles xx
Have you ever wondered why, after just one class, you find yourself counting down the days until the next one? Salsa isn’t just a dance… it’s a feeling, an energy, and for many of us, it becomes a little bit addictive (in the best possible way!). Giles and I have been dancing for 26 years and taught for over 2 decades in Oxford and we still love it.
From the moment you walk in, you hear the music and something happens, right?. The rhythm, the movement, the steps, it all comes together to create a great fun evening. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or experienced dancer, salsa has a way of making you smile instantly. That is why we love it and enjoy our Tuesday OnSalsa Summertown classes – they are so much fun.
Salsa isn’t just any dance, it’s a skill. Every class gives you new moves, new turns, and new confidence. Seeing your progress week by week is incredibly rewarding. Giles, me and our OnSalsa team love to see you progressing, it is incredible and puts a smile on our faces.
Salsa brings people together. You meet new faces, dance with different partners, and build connections without even realising it. It’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to socialise. We’ve met a few of our besties through Salsa and those friendships last a lifetime (my son’s godparents are salsa dancers whom we’ve met 25 years ago!).
Dancing releases endorphins, your body’s natural “happy chemicals.” That post-class buzz? That’s real. You leave your OnSalsa class feeling energised, uplifted, and ready to take on the week. We love it when we get that text, message and email saying: “I am still smiling the day after”.
No matter how busy or stressful life gets, Onsalsa gives you something to look forward to. It’s your time to switch off, be present, and enjoy the evening. So many times, we feel tired after a long day at work but somehow once we step into the Summertown Church Hall on a Tuesday evening (rain or shine), the energy comes out of nowhere and it’s such a great feeling.
At OnSalsa, we take all of this to the next level.
Our teachers bring fun, style, and technique into every class, making sure you not only learn but truly enjoy the journey. We work really hard, behind the scenes, to ensure you have an absolutely great time in our Tuesday classes, our monthly Tuesday themed evenings and our monthly Friday party nights. It all comes together into a fabulous social time.
At OnSalsa, we don’t just teach moves, in fact we create opportunities. With time to practice after class and amazing monthly events, you can take what you’ve learned and use it on the social dance floor, building your confidence step by step.
And most importantly…
There’s never a dull moment at OnSalsa.
We laugh | We learn | We have fun
That’s what we’re all about:
Building a vibrant, welcoming community where everyone feels part of something special.
So if you’ve ever felt that salsa “buzz”… now you know why 😉
And if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for? 💃🕺
Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm – classes including social / practice at the Summertown Church Hall, Portland Road OX2 7EZ – in the heart of North Oxford! premium location, premium teachers, quality classes.
Rosa & Giles xx
OnSalsa | Building Community Through Dance
Walking into a salsa event can feel intimidating. The music is playing, the floor is full, and it seems like everybody knows what they’re doing. Suddenly, you start thinking…
“Am I good enough?”
“Everyone looks better than me”
“What if I make mistakes?”
Does it matter? not really because you’ve come to have fun.
Salsa is a social dance. We’re moving, connecting, and expressing ourselves in front of others. When we see experienced dancers spinning or moving with confidence, it’s easy to compare ourselves and feel like we are not good enough. But those dancers were once a beginner, felt the same as you feel now but the difference is they kept attending classes and practising.
What if, instead of focusing on what we can’t do, we focus on what we can?
For example, why don’t you start saying
Progress in salsa doesn’t come from waiting until you feel “ready.” It comes from dancing, trying and enjoying the dance.
At OnSalsa, everyone is welcome and we love seeing you progress and have fun. It’s not about levels, it’s not about perfection, it is about dancing with others whatever their level.
After our Summertown Classes, during the social you will see Beginners dance with improvers, Improvers dance with advanced dancers. Everyone mixes, learns, and grows together. That’s how confidence builds, not by staying in your comfort zone, but by being part of a supportive, inclusive environment.
If you want to feel more confident at socials, keep it simple:
No pressure, just progress and fun
Rosa & Giles have built a space where everyone is welcome, no matter your level. Whether it’s your first class or whether you’ve been dancing for years, you are part of this community.
What we care about is:
💃🕺Dancing together
💃🕺Learning together
💃🕺Having fun together
So next time you step onto that dance floor, remember you’re here to have fun
Make it your goal this week to take that step.
Our next Social: Friday 10th April
Tickets here:
📍 Oxford City FC, Bar 1882, Court Place Farm, OX3 0NQ
Come for the class, Stay for the dancing AND most importantly, come and enjoy yourself.
Because salsa isn’t about being the best dancer in the room…it’s about being part of it 💃🕺
When people first walk into our Tuesday class, they often think they’re “just coming to learn some steps.” But very quickly, they realise…Salsa is so much more than that.
Pictures speak a thousand words so have a look at the end of this post.
You might not notice it while you’re smiling and spinning, but you’re doing a full-body workout.
Salsa improves:
In just one hour, you can burn serious calories without staring at a treadmill clock. You’re moving continuously, engaging your body and mind at the same time. And the best part? It doesn’t feel like exercise.
Life is busy, Work is stressful AND Screens are constant.
When you dance, your brain releases endorphins that help reduce stress and anxiety. I feel so much better after class or socials 🤩 – check our next Social on Friday 13th March at Oxford City, Court place farm OX3 0NQ
For one hour, you’re not thinking about emails or to-do lists. You’re thinking about learning to dance and simply having fun, right? and moving your body.
At the beginning, everyone feels unsure.
“Am I doing this right?”
“Do I look silly?”
“Will I get it?”
And then something happens eventually
You master a turn, you stay on time, you lead or follow smoothly.
You hear someone say, “That was nice!”
Confidence grows step by step an it’s a joy for me to see that in you.
Salsa teaches you to:
And that confidence doesn’t stay just in Salsa, it goes with you into your everyday life and that quite powerful, if you ask me.
Salsa is a partner dance so that means:
You dance with different people
You laugh together
You encourage each other
Over time, newbies become familiar faces. Familiar faces become friends.
It’s not just a class, OnSalsa is a lovely community.
Let’s be honest, if exercise feels like a chore, we won’t stick to it. We can see that at the gym for example….
But when:
You want to come back 🤩 – Also we extend the fun on our 3rd Tuesday of each month when we have a Themed night (fancy dress optional) – This month is 007 James Bond on Tuesday 17th March.
That’s the magic…..So Remember…
When you come to class, you’re not just learning salsa.
You’re:
See you on the dance floor
Rosa & Giles 💖
OnSalsa | Summertown | Oxford
There are soooo many ways to stay fit like:
But for me, nothing compares to salsa. Not just because it’s exercise but because it’s so much more than that.
Salsa isn’t something you do alone. It’s a partnership, a togetherness. From the very first basic step, you’re connected to another person. You’re listening, responding, communicating, not with words, but with movement. There’s something powerful about that, language is not an issue and you’re not staring at a mirror or counting reps, in fact you’re sharing a feeling, energy.
Each dance is a conversation. You learn to lead or and follow. You learn to adapt, and when a move flows well together, then the magic happens “Yes! We did that.”
Once you step into our Salsa classes, you feel part of something very special, an amazing community. OnSalsa classes in Summertown, Oxford are very inclusive.
One of the biggest reasons I love salsa is the friendships that grow from it. You might arrive at class knowing no-one. But within minutes, you’re rotating partners, laughing at mistakes, enjoying dancing. Week after week, those familiar faces become friends. Throughout my 26 years of salsa dancing in Oxford and further afield, I have met the most amazing people, my husband Giles, my besties, and you all make my world (YES you do!).
I absolutely love seeing you, week in week out:
It’s not just a class! Your OnSalsa class becomes your weekly catch-up, your midweek boost, your reason to get out of the house even when you feel tired.
This kind of connection is rare, and one of a kind, in most forms of exercise
Let’s be honest, exercise can feel like a chore, especially when you’re tired, can’t get to shift those extra pounds, when “you can’t be bothered to go to your session”.
Salsa never does, at least for me!
The music lifts me instantly. The rhythm makes me wiggle. Even when I’ve had a long day, something magical happens when the music starts, I smile and start dancing to this incredible music.
I never watch the clock in a salsa class and I never count down the minute because I enjoy is so much and I hope you do too.
Of course, salsa is still a workout and it is great for our mental health
But because you’re focused on the music and your partner, it never feels like “exercise.” It’s so much fun and that makes all the difference.
More than anything, salsa is a community and that is why I am so PROUD of OnSalsa. We have an excellent team who supports us and believe in our ethos that Salsa should be fun, friendly and inclusive – So THANK YOU OnSalsa Crew.
It’s people from different ages, backgrounds, and professions coming together for one shared reason: to dance. There’s no competition, there’s no ego, just encouragement and fun.
You see the same faces at classes, at socials, at events. You celebrate birthdays together (thank you all for last week 😉 . You cheer for performances. You welcome new dancers. You grow together.
It becomes more than a hobby. For some of us, it becomes part of our life, it is our life.
That’s why I enjoy salsa dancing more than any other exercise because not only it feeds my body but also fills my heart with happiness.
And once you experience that feeling on the dance floor, it’s very hard to find it anywhere else. 💃🕺
Rosa | OnSalsa | Summertown Salsa
At OnSalsa, our classes are about learning, growing, and enjoying the journey together.
That means:
But sometimes, dancers experience criticism that doesn’t feel helpful and it can knock confidence.
Nobody walks into a salsa class already “perfect”!
Every confident dancer you see:
Learning is the point and we encourage all our OnSalsa students to always try new steps and if they get it wrong, IT DOES NOT MATTER – LEARNING MATTERS.
If you’re trying, showing up, and giving your best then you’re doing exactly what you should be doing.
Not all feedback is bad but there are ways of communicating it.
Helpful Feedback is:
Example: “Would you like a little tip?”, “What about trying this a different way”?
Unhelpful Criticism is:
Example: “You’re doing that wrong.” “You should do it like me”.
It’s Okay to Set Boundaries
If someone gives you advice you didn’t ask for from “class mates”, you can respond politely and confidently:
Salsa improvement happens in stages:
That’s normal. It isn’t about never making mistakes, it’s about coming back and trying again. AND we are very proud of you for doing that.
A good dance partner will:
It is precious so look after it.
If something upsets you, please remember:
Speak to your teachers, we are here to support you.
When You Want Feedback, Ask for It
If you’d like to improve, the best people to ask are:
Try:
“Could you give me one thing to work on?” This keeps learning positive and constructive.
Our Class Culture
At OnSalsa, we believe in:
✔ Kindness
✔ Respect
✔ Encouragement
✔ Patience
We are building a community where everyone feels welcome; beginners, improvers, and experienced dancers alike.
Final Message
You belong in this class.
You belong on this dance floor.
Keep dancing
Keep learning
Keep smiling
We’re proud of you
With love,
Rosa & Giles 💛💃
Work, responsibilities, children, and routines can easily take over our week(s) and before you know it, the week is over. Did we have “Me Time”? were we running on autopilot? if YES then read on.
Because, that once a week, when you attend your Salsa lesson, you are absolutely guaranteed time to yourself, to have fun, to do something new or to continue your dancing development in a very friendly and caring environment that OnSalsa creates.
Tuesday evenings become:
When you walk into the hall, into your class, phones go away, music turns on and suddenly, we are so happy and excited about what we are going to learn. For that hour, we’re present, we’re moving, smiling and simply having fun. And I feel that is when the magic happens!
Knowing that Tuesday is YOUR salsa night changes how the rest of your week feels:
Monday becomes “two days to dancing” and the excitement is building up
Wednesday feels lighter (as you carry your happy feeling from dancing)
The whole week has more energy and you feel better for it (for the exercise, the friendships, the Summertown OnSalsa Community that you are part of). Soon enough, Tuesday becomes the highlight of your week.
Even dancing once a week can lift your mood, reduce stress, and give you something genuinely exciting to look forward to.
Salsa is not just dance, I truly believe it is a weekly SELF-CARE. Simple as that, Salsa is my Happy place and we hope to make it your Happy Place too 😍
If you’ve been meaning to come back, start again, or try for the first time, this is your sign.
Come and give yourself one hour this week.
And of course, if time allows, join our fabulous monthly Salsa events in Oxford at Bar 1882, Court Place Farm, OX3 0NQ. We offer Salsa and cha cha cha classes for everybody, and a whole evening of dancing. This month our event is on FRIDAY 13th February 8pm – It is your PRE-VALENTINE celebration😍 where better but go Salsa dancing!
No pressure
No judgement
Just music, movement, and smiles with our fantastic OnSalsa crew (John, Jo, Shelley, Sarah, Natalia, Emma).
💃 Make Tuesday your happy place
Rosa & Giles x
OnSalsa | Building Community Through Dance
Sometimes, one hour of salsa a week is enough to change how you feel, how you move and how you start seeing things differently – do not underestimate the magic of dance.
From our beginners sessions and throughout all our levels, we make you aware of your posture and always encourage you to work on your balance, on the grounding of your steps and your connection with your partner (through partner hold, tension etc). All these, link to having, and or, developing good posture. Before you know it, you will notice your posture improving as well as your dancing.
Over time, your shoulders will relax, your posture will improve and you will execute moves with ease and fluidity. In turn, your confidence on the dance floor will start building up.
We often hear you say: “I can’t wait til next Tuesday, it’s the highlight of my week”.
I completely get that 😉 – Life is so busy with work, family, school runs BUT you know that comes Tuesday evening, you will do something for YOURSELF
Your Tuesday evening will bring you such a great feeling that you will be smiling for the rest of the week. After 26 years of dancing and teaching Salsa, we still get that buzz, that feeling that makes you so happy.
You will feel comfortable with rotating partners in class and you will see the benefits from doing so. Getting used to a different lead/following, executing new moves, learning new steps and adding your own style, “flair”.
You will develop a new way of communication through dance (lead/follow). No more small talk, you will be using your leading and following skills to communicate your next step, move. So language then becomes irrelevant so that’s why it is so easy to dance with anyone – Language is not a barrier anymore – ? si o no? This in turn will help your confidence building.
You will notice that suddenly:
Why does this matter I hear you say?
Because it is the small steps that will make a BIG difference. They show you that progress is what really matters and eventually you will do things that you didn’t think you could do! You will be able to social dance with ease and confidence . So start social dancing after class and then at our monthly OnSalsa socials (2nd Friday of each month).
Salsa will improve your:
I particularly love when exercise feels like fun and not like a chore – don’t get me wrong I love going to the gym but I do not get that feel good factor of exercising, socialising at the same time.
The hardest thing is to leave your comfy sofa but TRUST ME, once you get to class, meet lovely people then you will never feel along for long as we will welcome you and the “sofa will become history”.
It is easy to manage, it won’t take over your life but it will change it for the better.
Join us for our weekly Tuesday salsa classes
Open to beginners, improvers, intermediates, advanced dancers, singles, and couples.
No partner needed.
No experience required.
Just show up and we’ll guide you from there.
Tuesdays, 7:30pm at the Summertown Church Hall, Portland Road, OX2 7EZ
Parking available by venue and if you don’t drive, the bus stop is just outside the hall on the main road.
Walking into your Oxford Salsa Social/party for the very first time OR into a venue you’ve never danced at before can be quite interesting/challenging due to the mix of emotions. However the truth is that it feels the same for most dancers, from absolute beginners to the most experienced dancers!
There’s something exciting about a new dance space. New Djs, different music, new faces, new energy and this is so cool. You could be dancing for hours on end without even noticing how long you’ve been dancing for until your feet get really sore. This is exactly what happened this week end at the Scottish Salsa Congress where I danced so much, I could barely walk! It was super exciting to meet new people from Ireland, Holland, Spain etc…
You might feel inspired watching others dance by looking at the styling, body movement, turn patterns, enjoying the vibe, or simply excited to dance somewhere new.
Once you take that first step onto the dance floor, fun takes over, for sure!
You laugh at missed steps, enjoy the music, and remember why you started dancing in the first place. It is so much fun when you really connect with your dance partner and have an amazing dance (regardless of their level). Rosa and Giles will always tell you that you learn best when having fun.
Let’s be honest, nerves are totally normal whether you go to your local venue, or a different venue, or attend a festival/congress. That’s human nature for you! it could be excitement, or butterflies in your tummy. Even experienced dancers feel like this, the key here is remember what social dancing is all about: connection with your dance partner, not perfection.
Asking someone to dance doesn’t need to be or feel complicated.
In simple terms, be kind and courteous to your dance partner and you will have the best dance.
A compliment goes a long way – A kind word can completely transform someone’s confidence. Something like “I really enjoyed your leading, it was super fun” or “Thank you so much, loved the dance”.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning, or already an experienced dancer, our classes are designed to help you:
Feel relaxed asking people to dance (lots of practice in class and in our mini socials)
Enjoy socials without pressure
Be part of our friendly, welcoming community
📍 Rosa and Giles’ Class Details
🗓 Tuesdays
7:30pm for Levels 1, 2 & 4 – following by Social Dancing
8:45pm for Levels 3 & 5 – followed by Social dancing til 10:15pm
📍 Summertown Church Hall, Portland Road, OX2 7EZ, Oxford
Pricing
£9 per class, or £30 for 4 weekly classes
Singles and couples welcome, no partner needed.
🔗 Book Your Place
👉 Book online: www.onsalsa.co.uk
👉 Follow us on Instagram: @OnSalsaOxford
👉 Message us directly, rosa@onsalsa.com, if you’re unsure which class is right for you
If you can walk, you can dance.
And at OnSalsa, you’ll always feel welcome
Rosa & Giles x
