Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below the frequently asked questions. If there are still questions, please feel free to contact us via email or phone on our contact page.
Do I need a partner to enroll for a couple dancing style?
You don’t need to bring a partner but should book in early for our numbers, but it is always a bit more fun to bring someone along that you know – even a friend. You will rotate with the students in the class so everyone can have a go.
Can I dance only with my partner?
Yes. The rotation is not compulsory. Just tell the teacher before each class.
However we highly encourage you to change partners, as it speeds and improves your learning.
What clothes/shoes should I wear?
Couple dances (Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Tango others)
Clothes: Wear comfortable clothes. We recommend smart casual attire that allows easy movement. Please avoid tight or long skirts, ties, or anything too warm or restrictive. Men should wear a tshirt or shirt with sleeves – no tank tops and bring a spare shirt or 2 with you for when it gets warm. Everyone should have mints and wear deodorant.
Shoes: Please avoid thongs, slippers, mules or open toe sandals. To start we recommend flat shoes or low heels that have an ankle strap and are secure around your ankles. Later on you can buy a proper jazz or latin dance shoes. Ladies: wear flat shoes for comfort or high heels if you are confident on them.
Men: some sneakers and leather shoes are best.
Individual dances (Samba, Stretch)
Clothes: Gym or dance wear as you tend to sweat.
Shoes: To start you can use sneakers/trainers. Later on you can buy jazz or samba shoes.
Most classes are one hour long.
Choreography and workshops are sometimes longer than one hour.
Do you have even numbers of males & females?
We do only book in even numbers, which is why early booking is essential for this to happen. We can invite more advanced students to come and help us make up numbers with advanced notice. We can’t control when people are sick or don’t turn up, but generally we have even ratios.
Yes, you are more than welcome to watch any class for 10 minutes. Just check which levels we are running and come along. You may want to think about doing a trial lesson instead (which you can upgrade to the course price at the end of class) – you will get a better picture of what the classes are like and what could suit you best.
Can I do the first class for free?
Yes you can!
If you are a new student you can try a salsa beginner class here.
How do I enroll on the classes?
ONLINE
Please click on the style you would like to learn to make an enrollment: Salsa , Bachata , Samba , Private Lessons , Wedding Dance Lessons .Performance Workshops.
OVER THE PHONE
If you prefer, you can enroll over the phone with us and pay with your MasterCard/Visa card in hand. You can find our contact number on our contact page here.
ONLINE
(Master/Visa accepted) at the dance page of your choice you will have the option to pay via Debit/Credit Card through PayPal.
PHONE
You can pay over the phone with your Mastercard / Visa card.
IN PERSON
Cash, Cheque, Eftpos and credit card are all accepted in person to pay.
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL at least one week before the first class so you can guarantee your place – most courses get booked out and we need to control male/female ratio in partnerwork classes
We are open most days during the week. Closed on Sundays.
For detailed opening hours please visit our timetable page to see updated specifics hours of operation.
We do not offer student discounts however we do credit you generously – $30 per referral for referring friends who book in for a course.
We offer casual classes only on Saturday beginner Salsa at 8pm
Samba beginner Tuesday 630pm (first 2 weeks only of course)
As of now, we offer casual classes only within the first 2 weeks of Salsa and Samba 6 beginner’s course semester.
To find out dates, please visit the timetable page.
We do our best to accommodate people who can’t make it every week. We do have a 10 class pass – however, you cannot start a course from week 3 or do a private class to catch up – best to call us and we can work out a suitable programme for you.
I’m only in Sydney for a limited number of days. Can I take some classes?
Yes, if you are from another state or overseas you can still participate in classes. Each individuals needs are different so please give us a call and let us know your situation. We will offer you the best options.
What is the average age of attendees?
Our students vary quite widely between late teens to those in their late 50’s, with the majority from 20’s to 40’s. If you fall anywhere outside this box don’t worry, we offer private classes to any age, kids as well.
Which style of salsa do you teach at Salsa Republic? On1, On2, LA, Cuban?
In our Salsa courses, we teach Salsa On2 with emphasis on social dancing and performance classes for the more adventurous students who want to get into the conga groove.
We also teach linear style On1 concentrating on social dancing, with some performance group opportunities. (Linear style means you dance moving up and down on an imaginary line instead of in circles). Linear is the most popular way to dance salsa in Sydney
We run sporadic Cuban style (more circular moves and turns) workshops and choreos.
We offer private classes in ALL salsa styles.
You have 2 options to know which level you are.
OPTION 1
The best option is to schedule a private assessment with one of our instructors to check which level you are. This option is recommended because the instructor will tell you exactly what would be the best level for you and also will explain what you are going to learn at this level. Besides that, he/she will be able to check your strengths and weakness, plus during the private class you can consolidate your knowledge and you might be able to go to the next level of the group courses.
OPTION 2
The second option is to book for one course and try the first class, if the course is too easy or too difficult you can transfer to another level.
What if I’ve done a lot of dancing before (ballet, jazz, contemporary etc) but never specifically learnt Latin dance. What level am I at?
We understand you would have already done a lot of dancing before, we are sure that you will be able to pick up things very quickly. Remember though that partner dancing is very different to any solo styles – we would recommend a private lesson to see where you are at and get you up to speed to attend a course. The instructor will tell you exactly what would be the best level for you and also will explain what you are going to learn at this level.
How many people attend the classes?
The average number of attendees in our classes is 20-25, this can vary, performance groups tend to be smaller.
What happens If I miss one class? Can I catch up another day?
unfortunately we wouldn’t be able to control catch up classes and that also affects our males/females ratio for couple classes. It is best for your ongoing education to do a private lesson so as not to miss out on vital information
We always do our best to accommodate so best to call us and we may be able to get you in on an instructor training session or something
Do you have children classes? What is the minimum age to attend the classes?
We currently only run private lessons – under 13 years a parent/adult is required to attend from 13 years not necessary. We do need to consult the parent to discuss the minors need and goals as we do run lots of classes for young singers and actors needing dance training for musicals etc.
As we can only take so many bookings in a course, we do not refund at all, but of course every situation is unique so will happily discuss and where possible offer a credit if appropriate.