Salsa is the most-danced Latin social in the country, and also the most forked. East-coast rooms dance On-2 — the break lands on the second beat, slower partner feel, dense musicality. West-coast and most of the country dance On-1 — break on the first beat, faster turns, more showy footwork. Cuban casino, with its rueda (group) form, is its own universe. You can learn one and struggle the first night in another city; that's normal, and good teachers fix it fast.

Start with a lesson before your first social — every city we cover runs them, usually 30 minutes before the floor opens. Learn the basic, stay for the open dancing, and don't apologize for being new. Leads and follows will walk you through it if you ask.