Classes - Levels

At the SEAL Dance Academy, we currently run 3 levels of salsa classes / lessons.

In order to develop your dancing effectively and avoid picking up bad habits that later complicate advanced development, we recommend that you take your time going through the levels (however long it takes) until you are comfortable with the material and confident that you can demonstrate the syllabus content without thinking about it.

We teach the following levels:


Foundation (Level 1)

This is the SEAL Dance Academy introductory level to Salsa and we recommend at least 4 - 6 sessions at this level.

The Syllabus consists of:

  • Identifying different styles of salsa and general music awareness
  • 4 x Fundamental Footwork patterns (including 3 step patterns and 1 turn)
  • 4 x Partnerwork Essentials including (2 holds, changing hand positions, and leading & following the footwork patterns)
  • Fine Tuning (in terms of frame, step size, timing, tension and lead)

The full syllabus is available at the SEAL Dance Academy club night.


In order to proceed to the next level (Progression - Level 2), you should be able to confidently demonstrate the content of the Foundation level syllabus in time and to music on your own, and with a partner.

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Progression (Level 2)

This is the second level to our Salsa classes, and introduces a vital part of salsa (the Cross-body). We recommend at least 12 - 20 sessions at this level.

The Syllabus consists of:

  • Footwork patterns (including 3 Cross-body patterns, 2 turns, and some basic shines)
  • Partnerwork including (Cross-body combinations, double turns, and basic styling)
  • Fine Tuning (in terms of spotting and confidence)

The full syllabus is available at the SEAL Dance Academy club night.


In order to proceed to the next level (Development - Level 3), you should be able to confidently demonstrate the content of the Progression level syllabus in time and to music on your own, and with a partner.

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Development (Level 3)

This is our third level of Salsa and begins to combine the content of levels 1 and 2 in more interesting and challenging positions. We recommend at least 12 - 20 sessions at this level.

The Syllabus consists of:

  • Combination Footwork patterns (including more complex shines)
  • Partnerwork including (arm locks, wraps, double spins, and more complex styling)

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