Beginners / New Dancers

The Winter term is now well under way. If you have not danced before please join our mailing list and we will email you with details of our beginner classes that start after Easter when we have finalised dates and times.

Experienced Dancers

If you are interested in joining classes and have previous experience please contact us so we can point you to one of our classes at an appropriate level.

We are Bristol Dance Experience

We have been teaching Ballroom & Latin in and around Bristol since 1991

We look forward to teaching you to dance!

We start absolute beginners classes (for people who have never danced any Ballroom & Latin before) in January, April and September. These classes take place in the Cotham/Redland areas of the city. It is best to join a class in the first few weeks as each week builds on what you have already learned.

What You Need to Know

No Previous Experience Necessary or Expected

We make the assumption that you have never danced a single step before!

Come as a Couple or on Your Own

The classes are for both couples and individuals. Please see the FAQ for details.

Casual Dress and Any Kind of Shoes

Wear whatever is comfortable for moving in, normal shoes are fine.

No Need To Book

Just turn up at the venue! We use large halls and there will always be room for you.

Pay As You Go

Only pay for the classes you attend. Pay at the door when you arrive before each class.

Anyone Can Dance

These are adult dance classes for anybody over the age of 18 who is able to move freely and easily.

Subscribe to our emailing list

Please join our emailing list so we can send you details of the next set of New Beginner classes. We usually send them out about four weeks before the classes are due to start so that you don’t have to remember to keep checking the website and you won’t miss the classes.

  • Get new term dates and info
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  • Can unsubscribe any time
  • We won’t pass on your details
  • No junk mailings
  • About two mailings per term
  • View the Mailing Archive
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Don't Just Take Our Word For It
See for yourself

Watch Video of the Dances We Teach

Watch Video of How Classes Work

Frequently asked questions

I have two left feet, is it worth me coming?

Most people can dance, they just don’t know it yet. Some people will pick things up more quickly than others. We do not expect you to know anything about dancing. Everyone will be too busy with their own feet to notice what you are doing and you may even surprise yourself.

How much does it cost?

All classes are £8.00 per person per class. Classes are pay-as-you-go. We can only accept cash or cheque payment at the classes. We cannot accept contactless payments. You pay at the start of each class and there is no need to book, just show up. You only ever pay for the classes you attend.

Can I start this week?

If it is not the first few weeks of term you really need to wait until the beginning of the next term. We build up the dances week on week and after about three weeks, it will be difficult to catch up. Please join the emailing list to get new term notifications. If you have previous Ballroom and Latin experience, contact us for an appropriate level class.

How should I dress for class?

The classes are relaxed and casual so anything you feel comfortable in is fine. Just wear comfortable clothes that you can move freely in. You can wear normal shoes, preferably ones that allow your foot to swivel on the floor. Please don’t buy dance shoes especially for class before you have tried it.

Do I need to come with a partner?

Our classes are for both couples and singles however if you come as a couple and wish to remain dancing as a couple and not change partners then that is fine.

If you come without a partner, we will be offering opportunities to dance with different partners if you wish. Please note however, we cannot guarantee you a partner as we do not know the numbers or gender mix of the people attending. Just turn up on the night and see who else is there. You can then decide if you wish to take part in the class or not. If you choose not to take part we will of course give you a full refund. I’m sorry but we cannot arrange/find partners for you.

If you choose to dance “solo” during the class then that is absolutely fine as well.

What happens in class, are there tests?​

We explain and demonstrate a a short of group of steps, we then walk the ladies through their steps, then the men walk through their steps. Then everyone tries it with a partner. We repeat the process ironing out problems or refining the steps and then we practice to music. Each week we review what we have done before then add more so that the dances build up. There are no exams, and students can progress to the higher level classes the following term if they feel confident to do so.

How long are terms?

We try to run our terms to coincide approximately with school terms so usually a term lasts twelve to fourteen weeks. We have three terms a year starting in January, April/May and September.

Do I need to book ahead?

You do not need to book ahead. Just come to class in the first few weeks of term and pay for each lesson as you arrive. You don’t pay for lessons you miss and there is no up front cost or commitment for a whole term.

I’ve danced ballet/salsa/LeRoc/etc before do I still need to go beginners?

Yes, although you will probably pick up the steps at a faster rate, it is best to do the beginners to understand the fundamental ideas and principles involved. If you want to supplement the beginners by attending the improvers class as well, then that will help you progress faster, with your Latin and Ballroom dancing.

Ballroom and Latin

We teach Ballroom and Latin dancing.
You have probably seen most of these danced on Strictly Come Dancing. We teach Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba and Jive at beginner level.



Read More

Where We Teach

These are the two venues we currently use for our classes. Please check which venue(s) has/have the advertised beginner class(es).



Elmgrove Centre, Elmgrove Road (off Redland Road), Cotham, Bristol BS6 6AH

See Venue Page

Cairns Road Baptist Church Hall, Cairns Rd, Redland Bristol BS6 7TH

See Venue Page