When you think of dance, you might picture the glitz and glamour of sequinned dresses, the spin of polished shoes, or the awkward shuffle of your uncle attempting to boogie at a wedding. But what about learning salsa steps at a dance evening with an escort? It’s not your average night out, but it can certainly be one to remember.

Now, before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s clarify: an escort isn’t just someone who walks with you into a venue. It’s about having a partner, a companion, someone who’s got your back (and your two left feet). For this kind of evening, they’re the person who’s game to join you as you venture into the world of Latin beats, shimmying shoulders, and—if you’re lucky—rhythmic footwork.

Picture the scene: the warm glow of lights, a room full of people eager to learn the basics of salsa, and a DJ spinning upbeat tracks to get everyone in the mood. You and your escort step in, slightly nervous but excited. The instructor stands at the front, radiating confidence, and claps their hands to signal it’s time to begin.

“Right, let’s start with the basic step!” they announce.

Your escort turns to you with a reassuring smile, and the two of you attempt the first movement: one step forward, one step back. It sounds simple enough, but if you’re anything like most beginners, it takes a moment to coordinate your legs, arms, and brain. Thankfully, your escort seems unfazed. In fact, they’re as patient as a saint and might even throw in a cheeky joke to ease your nerves.

“Don’t worry, ” they say, “we’ll master this… eventually.”

The beauty of learning salsa with an escort is that there’s no pressure to impress anyone. They’re not here to critique your moves or point out your lack of rhythm. Instead, they’re there to encourage you, have a laugh when things go hilariously wrong, and celebrate when you finally nail that tricky spin.

Speaking of spins, this is where things get interesting. Salsa instructors love throwing in a turn or two to spice things up. Your escort, ever the steady hand, guides you through the motions. Sure, there’s the odd misstep—a twirl that ends with tangled arms or a stumble that could rival a toddler learning to walk—but it’s all part of the fun.

As the evening progresses, you might notice something magical happening. That initial awkwardness fades, and suddenly, you’re moving together with a bit more confidence. The music feels less intimidating and more like an invitation to let loose. Even if you’re not quite ready for “Strictly Come Dancing, ” you’ve taken a step—quite literally—towards learning a new skill.

By the end of the night, the two of you are sweaty, slightly out of breath, and maybe even a little sore from all the movement. But there’s a shared sense of achievement. Your escort pats you on the back (or maybe offers a dramatic high-five), and you leave the dance floor grinning ear to ear.

Salsa evenings like these are proof that stepping out of your comfort zone can be surprisingly rewarding. And with an escort by your side, the journey feels a lot less daunting and a lot more entertaining. Plus, who knows? You might even find yourself humming salsa tunes on the way home, plotting your next adventure on the dance floor.