The Importance of choosing a good Teacher (Especially If You’re a Beginner)

This post is for anyone who’s thinking about learning to dance — whether you have zero experience, “two left feet,” or you’ve simply been watching Salsa and Bachata videos and thinking, “That looks fun… maybe I should try.”

First of all: amazing choice! Welcome to the world of social dancing 💃🕺Salsa, Bachata (and many other styles) are not just about steps — they’re about confidence, connection, music, and community.

But here’s something most beginners don’t realise: 👉 Who you learn from at the beginning matters more than anything else.

Starting From Zero: Why Your First Teacher Is So Important

When you’re brand new to dancing, you don’t yet know: what good technique looks or feels like, what’s “normal” progress vs bad teaching, whether you are struggling, or the class structure isn’t right. So naturally, most people choose a class based on:

• location

• friends or a partner going there

• Google’s first result

And that’s totally understandable.

However, if you do have options in your area, here are a few things worth checking before committing — because a good teacher will speed up your progress, protect your body, and make dancing enjoyable from day one.

1. Research the Teachers (Not Just the School Name)

Start by looking beyond the first Google result. Search the school and teachers on:

• Google

• Instagram

• Facebook

Don’t just look at pretty marketing photos — try to find real information:

• How long have they been teaching?

• Who did they train with?

• Do they mention qualifications, certifications, or recognised mentors?

• Have they performed, competed, or trained internationally?

Awards and titles are a bonus, but what really matters is whether they’ve invested in learning how to teach, not just how to dance.

2. Watch Real Class Footage — Not Just Performances

Performances can be inspiring, but they don’t tell you how a class actually feels.

If a school shares videos of real classes, pay attention to:

• the vibe (friendly, supportive, organised?)

• how the teacher explains movements

• whether beginners look relaxed or stressed

• how the teacher interacts with students

If there are very few class videos, or everything looks overly staged, be cautious. A confident, experienced teacher is usually happy to show their real classes — progress, mistakes, and all.

Social media stories are often the most honest place to see the real atmosphere.

3. Look at How the Students Dance (This Is Huge)

As a beginner, you won’t dance like the teacher — and that’s okay.But you can look at how the students move.

Ask yourself:

• Do they look balanced and relaxed?

• Do they seem confident dancing with different partners?

• Is there connection, not just memorised steps?

A teacher’s true skill shows through their students.

4. Check the Teacher’s Own Dancing (Yes, It Matters)

While teaching skill is crucial, your teacher should still be a strong, confident dancer.

Look for:

• videos of them social dancing

• videos with different partners

• consistency in style and musicality

If there are very few (or no) videos of the teachers dancing, it can be a red flag. Confidence and transparency matter — especially when you’re trusting someone with your learning journey.

5. Reach Out and Ask Questions

Before joining, send a message or email. A good school will happily answer things like:

• “Is this suitable for complete beginners?”

• “How are levels structured?”

• “What should I expect in my first weeks?”

A professional teacher wants you placed correctly and set up for success — not just added to a class.

And remember: learning to dance takes patience. The right teacher will help you trust the process and enjoy it.

A Final Honest Note

A professional dance school will:

• assess your level

• guide you honestly

• place you where you’ll improve best

They won’t promise shortcuts or tell you everything you want to hear just to sign you up.

For styles like Salsa and Bachata, don’t be afraid to ask about:

• teaching qualifications

• certifications

• training background

Your body, time, and motivation are valuable.

Choose a teacher who respects that — and you’ll build a strong foundation that lasts for years.