Your First Latin Dance Social: What to Expect from Arrival to Going Home

This page is a reference translation of the Japanese original (日本語の原文). It has not been checked by a native speaker. Please confirm details with each organizer.

For your first social, it helps to think in this order: read the notice before you go, arrive early, watch first, dance just one song, and leave without pushing yourself. Details differ by event, so this is the general flow.

At my own first social, I was hooked at once by the bright, happy energy. Still, even now there are days when I am too shy to dance at a social. I write this from a place where I understand both feelings.

About the writer

I live in Sapporo and am in my 50s. In 2019, I started salsa and bachata in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where I was living for work. I am not good at it, and I am not a teacher. This article is a general outline. It is not a notice from any specific event or organizer.

1. Before you go: read the notice

First, read the organizer’s notice. These are good points to check:

• Does it say beginners are welcome?
• Is there a lesson before the party? (Some events have one, some do not.)
• Is there any guidance on what to bring, or on clothes and shoes?
• Do you need to sign up, or can you join on the day?
• Are there rules on photos and videos? (Things to Check Before Taking Photos or Videos)

Dates, fees and venues differ by event, so always check the organizer’s official notice. This article does not give any specific information about Sapporo.

The differences between a party, a lesson and a workshop are in Party, Lesson or Workshop? The Differences.

2. Arrival: get there early

If you arrive before it gets crowded, you have time to get used to the venue. Some people find it easier to ask, or to be asked, when fewer people are there.

At events with a reception desk, check in first. It may help to tell the organizer, “It’s my first time.” They may keep an eye on you. How they respond differs by organizer.

3. Getting ready: bags and shoes

Whether there is a place to leave your bag or change your shoes depends on the venue. What to wear and which shoes to use also depend a lot on the event. If the notice says, follow it.

4. Watching: look first

For the first few songs, it is fine to just watch. Try looking at these things:

• How people ask each other between songs
• How people who look like beginners spend their time
• Where the organizer and staff are

The basics of asking and saying no are in How to Ask for a Dance and How to Say No.

5. The first song: one song is enough

When you dance, it lowers the bar to decide, “One song is enough today.” If it is hard to ask someone yourself, waiting to be asked is fine too. If you do ask, say a short “Would you like to dance?” before a song starts or between songs.

If you feel pain or discomfort while dancing, you can say so and stop at once. When the song ends, a short “Thank you” is a nice way to finish.

6. Breaks: it is OK to rest

You do not need to keep dancing all the time. When you are tired, sit down or drink some water. It is natural to spend some time resting without dancing. I also have days when I am too shy to dance and just spend the time that way.

7. Going home: no need to push, early is fine

It feels safer to decide your leaving time beforehand. If you get tired, it is fine to leave early. At some events, there may be a custom of telling the organizer before you leave. If you are not sure, ask at the desk or ask a staff member.

After you get home

You can look up event dates on the Sapporo Latin Dance Calendar (札幌ラテンダンスカレンダー) (external site).

I think that being able to go matters more than the number of songs you danced. I feel that I should have found the courage to try more. This is my own regret. It is not a rule for anyone else.

Related articles

• When You’re Too Shy to Dance at a Social
• Is It OK to Go to a Latin Dance Party Alone?
• How I Started Salsa and Bachata in Ho Chi Minh City
• Latin Dancing in Sapporo: How to Start
• Latin Dance Glossary (words such as “social”)

FAQ

How many hours do people stay at a social?

It differs by event. Some people stay long and some leave soon, so there is no rule. Check the start and end times in the organizer’s notice.

Is it OK to go even if I can’t dance?

I think so. Even just watching shows you the feel of the place. If you are unsure, ask the organizer before you join.

If I can’t dance even one song, does that mean it’s not for me?

No. I think many people feel nervous. I also have days when I am too shy to dance. Some people need time to get used to the place.

Is the flow the same in Sapporo?

The way of thinking is the same, but how events run and their rules differ from event to event. This article does not give information about specific events in Sapporo, so please check each organizer’s official notice.