You Can Salsa Dance Under the Stars in Greenville, SC

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Did you know that you could take free lessons in Salsa dancing in Greenville, SC. Local mom Kristina shares her favorite places to Salsa dance in Greenville, the perfect romantic date night. You can even dance under the stars!

Salsa dancing is quite close to my heart, and it’s pretty awesome that we can do it in Greenville, SC! Despite my current last name, I have zero Latin blood in me, but rather I’m the typical American mix of European ancestry, ones that arguably aren’t known for their superb dancing styles.

So when I had the chance to take salsa dancing lessons back when I lived near Washington, DC, I jumped at the opportunity. I had seen a beautiful couple at the bar/restaurant where the lessons occurred, twirling, laughing, and swaying their hips with the Latin beats. I wanted to be that girl, and I wanted to learn how to dance like that.

And I did.

Salsa dancing at Salsa at Sunset in Downtown Greenville, South Carolina
Salsa dancing at Camperdown Plaza

This was before marriage and kids, so I had time to go several times a week to lessons and dancing. But I got more out of it than I ever expected. I met my husband during one of those early classes. He had been taking lessons for a few months and easily impressed me. We went dancing together for nearly three years before we started dating and then got married.

We don’t go as often as we’d like to now, but when I heard about dancing salsa in the plaza at the Peace Center last summer, I got a babysitter and made plans to go. After all, when does the chance come up to dance under the stars? Not often enough.

Salsa at Sunset

On Fridays throughout the summer, Upstate International hosts the amazing Salsa at Sunset event at Camperdown Plaza in downtown Greenville. It’s a free outdoor event that features free group salsa lessons, a live band that plays salsa, merengue, and bachata (other Latin dance styles), and a beer and wine cash bar.

The event is family-friendly as well. We saw lots of kids there getting their groove on. There were dancers of every age and ability.

All of the events are from 6 pm to 10 pm and include free dance lessons and lots of dancing. The free dance lessons start around 6:15, so we recommend it if you want to learn before taking the dance floor.

In my experience of Latin dancing, it really doesn’t matter your age or ability or anything else you’re nervous about, and that may be holding you back. Everyone just wants to have fun.

Dancing is a great equalizer. Most dancers are patient and eager to teach and learn. Dancing is a wonderful activity to let your body take over and move with the music, and give your brain a break from doing any thinking. It’s relaxing and a great date activity.

Other Places for Salsa Dancing: Greenville, SC

Greenville has an active little salsa dancing community.

Salsa Greenville regularly hosts salsa dancing events at local clubs and organizations. Many of these events come along with fun themes, like Bachata Under the Stars and Pasion Thursdays. Social Latitude regularly hosts events with Salsa Greenville called Salsa Latitude on the 1st Saturday of each month.

What to Wear and Other Questions

For women, a shoe with a smooth bottom and a heel not more than two inches is preferable (tennis shoes aren’t the best because they stick to the floor, but I’ve seen women wear them and do fine). I usually get my shoes at this website, which is so fun, but I’ve also danced in regular shoes I’ve bought at some big box discount store. At Salsa at Sunset, I usually just use sneakers, and it’s fine.

Dresses are enjoyable to wear, but just be sure they either don’t fly all the way up when you spin or wear shorts underneath. Be comfortable because you’ll be moving around a lot.

For men, shoes with smooth bottoms are ideal as well. And just dress comfortably.

You don’t need a partner for lessons. You rotate around and get to dance with everyone there, so it’s not necessary to come with anyone.

Give it a shot – you may just love it.

Have you ever tried salsa dancing?

Guide to Date Night in Greenville, SC

For more date night ideas, see our full Date Night Guide to Greenville, SC.

Kristina Hernandez
About the Author
Kristina Hernandez is a mom of two girls, freelance writer and photographer. Originally from New Jersey, she is in love with the Upstate and could not imagine raising her kids anywhere else. She enjoys hiking to waterfalls, kayaking, camping, cooking, and exploring all that Greenville has to offer. And she really loves baby goats. Follow her on Instagram at @scadventurer.

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Sibrena Campbell
7 years ago

Do you still do lessons? I need beginner classes? Wanting to do as a hobby and be able to dance with guy I’m seeing.

Thanks

Gayle
7 years ago

Hi Kristina,
Just wondering if there may be Tango Workshops in our area?

Carol Okeefe
6 years ago

We are looking for an inexpensive way to learn the Salsa for our Christmas visit to Cuba. Thank you Kristina for your information.

Gordy Owens
6 years ago

What are the dates for salsa under the stars this summer 2019?

Isa
6 years ago

hello what is the place and time for salsa under the stars for august 17