Salsa Dancing San Francisco: Get Your Groove On Tonight!
Salsa dancing is a popular social dance that originated in Latin America and has now spread all over the world. San Francisco, being a hub of diverse cultures and communities, has a vibrant salsa dancing scene.
In this article, we’ll explore the best places to go salsa dancing in San Francisco, including clubs, classes, and events. We’ll also provide tips on how to get started with salsa dancing, what to wear, and how to improve your skills.
DISCLAIMER: Specifically, our site contains affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links or promo codes, you won’t pay a penny more, but we will get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Additionally, we are an Amazon Associate and earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting us!
Table of Contents
Introduction to Salsa Dancing
Salsa is a partner dance that involves a combination of steps and turns. It is danced to salsa music, which is a blend of Latin and Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
Salsa is a fun and energetic dance that is perfect for socializing and meeting new people. It is also a great way to exercise and improve your coordination. Here is a list of the different styles of Salsa dancing,
Cuban Style Salsa: Also known as Casino, this style has a circular pattern and involves more Afro-Cuban footwork.
Colombian / Cali Style Salsa: This style emphasizes intricate footwork and has a very fast-paced, energetic feel.
New York Style Salsa: This style is characterized by its long, linear movements and is danced on the second beat of the music.
Los Angeles Style Salsa: Also known as LA Style or On1, this style is more structured and has a strong emphasis on spinning and flashy moves.
On2 Style Salsa: This style is also known as Mambo Style and is danced to the Clave rhythm, with the break step on the second beat.
Rueda de Casino Salsa: This is a group dance where couples form a circle and switch partners while performing various moves.
Each style has its own unique features and is popular in different regions of the world.
Salsa Dancing in San Francisco
Indeed San Francisco has several bars, restaurants & nightclubs that offer salsa dancing on a regular basis. Some of the best locations include El Valenciano, Roccapulco, and Cigar Bar & Grill.
El Valenciano is a cozy bar that is popular for salsa dancing on Wednesday nights.
Roccapulco is a large dance club that offers salsa dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.
Cigar Bar & Grill is a classy venue that offers salsa dancing on weekend nights. It also has some salsa dancing on Thursday nights which is popular Bachata dancing night.
Here is our list of the top 6 spots to dance Salsa in San Francisco, CA.
The Ramp Every Wednesday from 7:30pm to 11pm – 855 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158.
Bissap Baobab Offers salsa and other Latin dances on Fridays and Saturdays @ 2243 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA.
Roccapulco – Offers salsa dancing on Fridays and Saturdays-3140 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA.
El Valenciano Wednesday night is the most popular night to dance here for On 2 dancers. This weekly social is hosted by the Mambo Romero Dance Company in San Francisco, featuring salsa lessons On2 and dancing until 2 in the morning. The address is 1153 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA.
Danzhaus – Offers salsa dancing on Wednesdays. 7pm-8pm – Beginner Lesson 8pm-9:30pm – Beginner/Intermediate Lesson. The cost is $20 beginner, $25 intermediate, $30 both lessons. The address is 1275 Connecticut St San Francisco, CA 94107. Danzhaus Dance Center.
- The Cigar Bar & Grill – The Cigar Bar & Grill is a unique San Francisco restaurant & bar located in historic Jackson Square. Live salsa music on some nights with different salsa bands. For the latest information visit their website cigarbarandgrill.
Salsa Dancing Classes in San Francisco
If you’re new to salsa dancing, taking classes is a great way to get started. San Francisco has several dance schools that offer salsa dancing classes nightly. Below are seven that offer salsa dancing in the Bay area. Remember to always contact each school as dance class schedules frequently change and are held for different levels.
Dance Mission Theater – Offers salsa classes for all levels.
Symbolic Dance & Fitness – Offers salsa classes for all levels on Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
ODC Dance Commons – Currently offers salsa classes on Fridays.
Salsacrazy – Offers salsa classes for all levels several nights every week.
Inessence Dance Co. – Offers private salsa and bachata classes.
Metronome Dance Collective – Offers private salsa classes for all levels.
Latin Connection Dance – Offers salsa classes for all levels a couple of nights each week.
Salsa Dancing Events in San Francisco
In addition to clubs and classes, San Francisco also hosts several salsa dancing events throughout the year.
Some of the most popular events include the San Francisco Salsa Festival, the SF SBK Congress, and the SF International Bachata Festival.
Firstly the San Francisco Salsa Festival is held in March and features performances by professional salsa dancers.
Secondly, the SBK Congress is held in November and features workshops, performances, and social dancing.
Thirdly the SF International Bachata Festival is held in July and features workshops, performances, and social dancing. Additionally, you can see other Salsa and bachata dance festivals here.
What to Wear for Salsa Dancing
When it comes to what to wear for salsa dancing, comfort is key. You want to wear clothes that allow you to move freely and comfortably.
Women can wear a dress or skirt with a top, or pants with a blouse. Men can wear dress pants with a shirt or a t-shirt. It’s also important to wear shoes that are comfortable and easy to dance in. Salsa shoes are the best option, but any comfortable shoes with a smooth sole will do.
Tips for Improving Your Salsa Dancing Skills
If you’re looking to improve your salsa dancing skills, there are several things you can do.
Firstly, practice, practice, practice. The more you dance, the better you’ll get.
Secondly, take classes to learn new moves and techniques.
Thirdly, watch other dancers to learn from them.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from your dance partner or instructor. Indeed constructive criticism can help you improve your skills.
SALSA DANCING FAQs:
Is salsa dancing difficult to learn?
Like any dance style, salsa can be challenging to learn at first. However, with consistent practice and the right instruction, anyone can learn how to salsa dance.
What should I wear to a salsa dance class or event?
It’s best to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Many dancers choose to wear dance shoes or sneakers with non-marking soles to help them move more easily on the dance floor.
Do I need a partner to take salsa dance classes?
No, you do not need a partner to take salsa dance classes. Many classes offer partner rotations, which allow you to dance with different people and improve your skills.
Is salsa dancing only for young people?
Certainly not, salsa dancing is for people of all ages! In fact many dance studios offer classes for adults of all ages, and there are plenty of socials.
Lastly, thanks for visiting the Bachata Embassy! Moreover, I hope this information about Salsa Dancing in San Francisco, California is helpful to you.
Feel free to share this article with your friends and also let us know if we are missing any good Salsa spots in the comments section. See you on the dance floor soon!
Brian Moran
Brian Moran is a Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba dancer from New York City. He has been fortunate to live and work abroad in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean for over 13 years. While living overseas, he has attended hundreds of international dance festivals and events. He has also taken classes and workshops with some of the top professional Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba Instructors worldwide.
ABOUT US
The Bachata Embassy is based out of the Washington, DC Metro Area with Team members and Bachata Dancers from all over the globe! Indeed we are passionate about Bachata!
We are also dedicated to growing the Bachata community by highlighting all styles of professional Bachata dance instructors, artists, festivals, news, and events around the world! This includes Traditional Bachata, Bachata Sensual, Bachata Tango, and also Bachata Fusion.
We are also a multilingual website.
For the latest information on Bachata Festivals worldwide, then check out the Bachata Embassy Events Calendar here!
If you would like to add your upcoming Bachata Festival and or event to our Calendar, then Contact Us here!
Moreover, check out some of our recent Bachata Embassy articles listed below:
Where to dance Bachata Salsa & Kizomba in Buenos Aires
Bangkok Nightlife Best Places to Dance
Paris Nightlife Best Places for Dancers
Most Popular Bachateros on Instagram
Where To Dance Bachata in Tokyo Japan
Best places to Dance Bachata in Spain
Also, join the Bachata Embassy Facebook Group here!
Follow us on Instagram here!
Meanwhile, for Kizomba dancers, check out our sister site Kizomba Embassy.
Here you can find the latest information on Kizomba Festivals and also our Kizomba Ambassadors!