Ballroom and Latin Classes in Bristol

We teach Ballroom and Latin dancing to adults of all ages. Our beginners classes are aimed at people with no dancing experience. You have probably seen most of these styles danced on Strictly Come Dancing.

We teach Waltz, Quickstep, Rhythm Foxtrot, Cha Cha Cha, Samba and Jive at our weekly beginner classes. As you progress, we introduce Rumba, Tango, Slow Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz in our higher level classes.

We look forward to teaching you to dance!

Term is well underway, please come along next term

We start absolute beginners dance classes in January, April and September. Our terms coincide approximately with school terms.

We recommend starting within the first few weeks of term to get the most from the classes, otherwise it is best to wait and start the following term.

Please join our mailing list to receive details of our next term a few weeks before it begins.

Please sign up to our mailing list
Smokie Taylor
Smokie Taylor
7 months ago

I've always wanted to do dance but never had the opportunity, I took the step and went, it was the best thing I've ever done. The dance instructor, Eric, is an absolute supper star, he made me feel part of something from day one, if there was more people like Eric the world would be a better place. I don't always get it straight away, but Kate, who is also a supper star has helped me, an absolutely wonderful team, I encourage everyone to give to a go, anyone and everyone can do it, many thanks to Eric and kate 😊

Tanya Bartlett
Tanya Bartlett
9 months ago

The Bristol Dance Experience was recommended to me by friends who also attended Eric and Helia classes. I was not disappointed. The dance classes are for both couples and singles. As a single, I tentatively went along and was warmly greeted, had a very enjoyable evening, which is why it is a constant my diary. Eric’s style of teaching is fun, encouraging, relaxed and the class itself is a mix of age ranges. The Greenway Dances give you an opportunity to listen to a lovely mix of Latin and Ballroom music which enable you to apply what you’ve learned. Brilliant!

Oliver Hill
Oliver Hill
9 months ago

“You can’t go wrong” with Bristol Dance Experience! Eric’s catchphrases and useful verbal cues are now a staple in our house. We went along nervously to our first Beginner’s session in September and haven’t looked back. The group lessons are relaxed, well paced and there is a really good mix of ages. We look forward to it every week and are now looking forward to becoming “improvers” in the new year. Having attended this December’s Greenway Dance and reflected on the last term of lessons, we can’t rate this anything other than 5 stars. See you in the new year, Ollie and Megan

Key Facts

Anyone Can Dance

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

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. But you need to start in the first few weeks of term.

No Previous Experience Necessary

Dancing for complete beginners. We make the assumption that you have never danced a single step before!

Come as a Couple or on Your Own

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

Pay As You Go (Cash/Cheque Only)

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

Frequently Asked Questions
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 have 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.

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.

What happens in class, are there tests?

We explain and demonstrate a short 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 we 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.

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.

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.

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.

How much does it cost?

All classes are £8.50 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.

What dance styles do you teach in class?

We teach ballroom and Latin dances. Each lesson looks at two different styles and we spend a few weeks on them before moving onto other styles. We start beginners with the waltz and cha cha cha, and will cover foxtrot, jive, samba and quickstep in the first term. In later terms we add rumba, tango and Viennese waltz.

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.

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