Salsa Dancing Austin, TX

Salsa dancing in Austin is hot, hot, hot! There is a very large and active salsa dancing community in Austin, and, for newcomers, it can be intimidating to walk in to a crowded dance room and see everyone spinning around like experts. Never fear if you are new to salsa dancing – there are plenty off opportunities to learn, and some of them are even free!

Free Lessons
Every Sunday night at the Oasis on Lake Travis (6550 Comanche Trail), The Starlight Lounge hosts free salsa lessons with a live band. The venue is always packed with dancers of all levels. The instructor will walk you through each step progressing to turns, and anyone willing to try will be able to find a partner. From 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., this is an excellent way to learn salsa dancing. Keep in mind there is a two-drink minimum to get a table, as the crowd is so large. Their phone number is 512-266-2442, and their web site is www.oasis-austin.com
Speakeasy at 412D Congress Ave offers salsa dancing lessons Wednesday nights at 10:30 p.m. with live music starting at 9:30 p.m. Their phone number is 512-476-8017, and their web site is www.speakeasyaustin.com.

Paid Lessons
Copa at 217 Congress Avenue offers salsa dancing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. On Thursdays, The Brew plays live music. A DJ plays music on Fridays and Saturdays. Copa also offers salsa lessons Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fridays from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $5. Copa’s phone number is 512-479-5002.

Dallas Nightclub at 7113 Burnet Rd. offers salsa dancing on Sunday nights. They also have salsa lessons beginning at 9 p.m. There is a $2-4 cover charge. They occasionally have amateur salsa dancing contests. Their phone number is 512-452-2801, and their web site is www.dallasnightclub.net.

The University of Texas Informal Classes offers salsa lessons for all levels. Generally meeting once a week for five weeks, the classes run about $60 for non-students and $51 for students. Visit informalclasses.org for more information or call 512-232-5277.