FAQ & Level Guide

Courses start in January, March, May, August and October, and run for roughly 7 to 9 weeks. Registration opens about a month before each start date. You're welcome to fill in the contact form, and we'll write to you as soon as the next schedule is ready – so you can sign up in good time.

All teaching at CSA is in English.

No. You're welcome to bring one, but we always keep a roughly even number of leaders and followers, and places are limited – so everyone dances the whole time.

Something comfortable and stretchy that you can move freely in. Dance shoes are ideal, but if you don't have a pair, bring trainers or flat shoes that don't grip the floor and won't put strain on your knees and joints.

Read the class description, which gives an estimate of the dance experience we recommend. Everyone learns at a different pace – practice, social dancing, commitment and previous experience all play their part. If you dance outside class, you'll usually progress faster. And if you only want to dance once a week, an easier class is often the better choice: less frustration, more fun.

We recommend staying at the same level until you've mastered the technique, rather than rushing through the levels. It's far better to do a few figures and some footwork really well than to know a lot of moves you execute badly – and your dance partners will feel the difference.

Starting at CSA with experience from another school? Pick a level below the one you're used to. It gives you time to settle into how our courses run and to pick up the technical differences.

Our group classes are for all ages. Salsa and bachata are social dances, and everyone is welcome whatever their age. The one exception is our youth class for young adults aged 16 to 29 – see that class description for details.