Topic of the Week: When am I ready to move up to the next level?

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:

• Feel completely comfortable with your current level (whatever it might be)
• Can perform moves confidently and consistently
• Maintain good timing, connection, and technique

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:

• Ask questions to your teachers
• Practice specific moves or techniques with your fellow dancers
• Dance with your teachers – we really love this, trust me
• Allow yourself to make mistakes, we always learn from them – Don’t be cross when something doesn’t work out, it is OK and we are here to support you.

Once you are ready to move up then…

You can:

• Take two classes in one evening (e.g. Take Level 2 and stay for Level 3, or Level 4 & 5)
• Challenge yourself while still reinforcing your foundations

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 😉

Consistency is Key

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.

Individual tuition

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:

• Your timing
• Your leading
• Your following
• Your partnerwork technique
• Turns/spins
• Styling
• Shines
• To build your confidence

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.

OnSalsa events

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

Why is Salsa so Addictive?….um….

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.

It’s Pure Fun….in Summertown

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.

You’re Learning Something Great

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.

A Social Experience Like No Other

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!).

Those Feel-Good Endorphins

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”.

It Brightens Your Week

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.

The OnSalsa Experience

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

Going to Salsa Socials, events

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.

Why do we feel intimidated?

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.

So let’s start thinking positively

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

• I love dancing
• I can do this
• I will get better

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:

• Attend your salsa classes regularly
• Stay after class for the social and practice – please ask your teachers (Rosa, Giles, Jo, John, Sarah, Shelley) to dance, they will love that
• Say yes to dances (even if you feel nervous)
• Go to the next social, take the class, and enjoy the evening

No pressure, just progress and fun

OnSalsa Community

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

Join us

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 💃🕺

Salsa is not just a dance class

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.

It’s a Brilliant Way to Keep Fit

You might not notice it while you’re smiling and spinning, but you’re doing a full-body workout.

Salsa improves:

• Cardiovascular fitness
• Coordination
• Balance
• Core strength
• Stamina

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.

It’s Good for Your Wellbeing

Life is busy, Work is stressful AND Screens are constant.

Salsa gives you:

• A break from daily pressures – a moment to breathe
• A moment for you to disconnect from your day – relax and have fun
• Music that lifts your mood and make you smile
• Human connection – new faces, new friends

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.

It Boosts your Confidence

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:

• Stand taller – better posture
• Make eye contact – not staring 😁
• Step outside your comfort zone – oh yes!

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.

It’s a Way to Meet New People

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.

It’s Exercise Disguised as Fun

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:

• The music makes you smile
• The atmosphere is fun
• The people are happy

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:

• Improving your fitness
• Supporting your mental wellbeing
• Building confidence
• Growing your social circle

See you on the dance floor 

Rosa & Giles 💖

OnSalsa | Summertown | Oxford

Be part of this amazing Community | OnSalsa Summertown

Why I Enjoy Salsa Dancing More Than Any Other Exercise

There are soooo many ways to stay fit like:

• Going to the gym , swimming, running (and I do all of these)
• Following a home workout on a screen

But for me, nothing compares to salsa. Not just because it’s exercise but because it’s so much more than that.

It’s a partner Dance

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.

It’s Friendship

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:

• Improving
• Supporting each other
• Encouraging each other

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

It’s Fun

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.

It’s Exercise (without feeling like it)

Of course, salsa is still a workout and it is great for our mental health

• You’re moving constantly (because I never let you stop in class 😉
• You’re working your legs, core, arms (and that’s brilliant for our wellbeing)
• You’re improving coordination, balance, and stamina each week
• You get your heart rate up (wear your FitBit and you’ll see all these steps accumulating)

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.

It’s a Community | Your Community

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:

• Making mistakes
• Trying new things
• Laughing when it goes wrong
• Supporting each other

But sometimes, dancers experience criticism that doesn’t feel helpful and it can knock confidence.

Remember: You are here to learn

Nobody walks into a salsa class already “perfect”!

Every confident dancer you see:

• Once felt unsure
• Once forgot steps
• Once got things wrong

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.

Helpful Feedback vs Unhelpful Criticism

Not all feedback is bad but there are ways of communicating it.

 Helpful Feedback is:

• Given with permission
• Supportive
• Private
• Encouraging

Example: “Would you like a little tip?”, “What about trying this a different way”?

 Unhelpful Criticism is:

• Unasked for
• Public
• Negative
• Discouraging

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:

• “Thank you, I’m just enjoying learning and I’ll ask the teachers for help”.
• “I’m not perfect but I’ll keep trying and practising”.
• “I’m trying really hard so with time I’ll get there, thank you”.

Progress matters more than perfection

Salsa improvement happens in stages:

• Some weeks feel great
• Some weeks feel confusing
• Some weeks feel messy

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:

• Encourage you
• Makes you feel comfortable
• Respect your level

Your Confidence

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:

• Your teachers
• Our assistants
• Trusted, supportive dancers

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.

You belong in this community.

Keep dancing

Keep learning

Keep smiling

We’re proud of you

With love,

Rosa & Giles 💛💃

Life gets busy and takes over

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.

Why does Salsa means so much to so many people?

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:

• Your OWN one hour
• Your OWN evening
• Your ME time

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!

How does your mood change?

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

How Salsa changes you (even if you only dance once a week) – How?

• You don’t need to dance every day
• You don’t need to be “naturally good”
• You don’t need to change your whole life

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.

You Start Standing Taller

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.

Salsa becomes the highlight of your week

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

• You will come out to dance
• You will have fun on the dance floor
• You will meet new people
• You will feel happier
• And you will laugh more (even more so, if you join us at the pub after the classes across the road)

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.

Partnering up in class becomes the norm

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.

Your dancing will improve

You will notice that suddenly:

• A step will click
• A turn will feel smooth and enjoyable (no more dizziness, loss of balance, bouncing)
• You will remember a turn pattern (series of moves put together by your teacher)

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).

Not only your body gets a work out but so does your brain

Salsa will improve your:

• Co-ordination
• Help your memory (oh yes, all these turn patterns and shines to remember)
• Improve your timing
• Help with your body movement (less stiffness, more stretching and fluidity)

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.

You will feel part of our OnSalsa Community

• It is OK to come on your own or with your partner / friends
• You will start recognising faces and eventually make friends
• You will share smiles when you get “that” tricky move, shines
• You will celebrate your progress on the dance floor – Yes you can

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”.

One Class a week – Big Change

It is easy to manage, it won’t take over your life but it will change it for the better.

• You will dance
• You will be doing something for yourself
• You will become a happier person (music and dance have wonderful effects on our brain)

Ready to See What One Class Can Do?

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

Book your class here

Parking available by venue and if you don’t drive, the bus stop is just outside the hall on the main road.

Regardless of your level

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!

Excitement

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.

Fun

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.

Nervousness

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.

Breaking the Ice: asking someone to dance

Asking someone to dance doesn’t need to be or feel complicated.

• A smile and eye contact go a long way
• A simple “Would you like to dance?” is more than enough and so easy to do. Especially if you ask someone you’ve never seen before, as it will make both of you feel inclusive and friendly.

Kindness & Courtesy on the Dance Floor

In simple terms, be kind and courteous to your dance partner and you will have the best dance.

• Be aware of your partner and the space around you (if it’s busy, make sure you take small steps and don’t bump into the next couple – space awareness pretty important)
• Adjust your dancing to suit each other (if one of you is a more experienced dancer then adjust the lead/following to ensure you have the best possible dance). I often have amazing dances with intermediate dancers because they know how to have fun and they don’t worry about being perfect but just about connecting with their dance partner and music
• Always say thank you at the end of the dance – this is so simple, easy but often overlooked – a simple thank you and a smile can really increase someone’s confidence on the dance floor and enhance their experience for the whole evening

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”.

At OnSalsa, we don’t just teach salsa steps , we teach you how to feel confident social dancing anywhere

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

Dance with confidence

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

What is Styling?

Styling is the expression of yourself through dance.

It is how you bring your personality, emotions, and musical interpretation into the movements you already know.

Styling isn’t about doing “extra” steps. It’s about how you move (e.g. the timing, the intention, and the body movement that sits around your basics). It is what I call “the cherry on the cake”

It can be:

• A soft arm line
• A pause to match the music (musicality… another big Topic)
• A head movement (head roll, subtle with with arm line)
• And much more!

In short, styling is how your dance starts to feel truly yours, how you make it yours.

Why do we style?

Styling naturally appears as you progress through your dance journey. As you get confident in your dance technique, your moves, you will start thinking about how to embellish your dancing, you will start to explore and express more through your arms, hands, foot work and musicality.

Styling helps you:

• Add your flair and knowledge into your own Salsa dancing
• Make your moves more interesting without overcomplicated them
• Feel more connected to the music (hitting breaks for example)
• Build confidence and your own personality on the dance floor

BUT it is not about standing out or showing off, it is about feeling comfortable and confident in your own body, expression while you dance.

How do we style?

This is truly personal and evolves over time. You cannot rush styling and you can’t compare styling because it is how you feel the music, your knowledge and ultimately yourself.

Some dancers,including myself, draw styling from other backgrounds. Having a strong background in ballet and Jazz dance, I incorporate a lot of elegance and grace to my social dancing.

• Ballet
• Contemporary
• Hip hop

Other dancers prefer to let the music guide them and let their body respond to the latin rhythms (listening to the base or campana or piano etc)

Now you might ask yourself

• What feels comfortable for me to do?
• What is the music telling me?
• What do i like doing? body movement? shines? armography?

That subtle “je ne sais quoi” comes from listening to the music and yourself of course. You might feel like not styling your arms but you may start moving your hips, upper body.

Final thoughts

Styling is not the final destination of dancing. It is the Cherry on The Cake. This takes time, patience and experience to develop over time.

At OnSalsa, we believe that strong basics come first:

• Clear basics
• Solid turn technique
• Confident leading and following
• Timing

Once these foundations are rooted then styling will become your next layer, the next step in your dance journey. Styling will become effortless and you will enjoy making it your own and have fun with it and with your dance partner.

Rosa and Giles introduce styling elements right from Level 1, so that you can start developing awareness and confidence early — little by little, without pressure.

Remember:

Styling is a nice touch, not a necessity

It grows differently for everyone

It should be enjoyed, not stressed over

Your OnSalsa teachers are always here to guide, support, and encourage your personal dance development.

Interested in 1:1 styling sessions?

For personalised guidance tailored to your body and movement style, contact Rosa & Giles at rosa@onsalsa.com

Keep dancing, keep discovering, and enjoy the journey. 💃🕺

Rosa and Giles | OnSalsa | Building Community Through Dance