Latin Roots
Structured Salsa and Bachata classes for adults, plus weekly socials in Edinb…
A Latin dance studio offering classes in popular Latin styles.
Before your first class
The academy is designed for adults starting from zero, with clear guidance from the first step, no partner needed, and a warm, structured atmosphere built specifically for people new to dance.
Comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily.
On-street parking is available nearby and is usually free after 6:30pm.
About this studio
Latin Roots is a Salsa and Bachata academy in Edinburgh city centre built for adults who want more than random drop-in classes. Classes take place at Shanghai Club inside Le Monde Hotel on George Street — a central location close to Waverley Station and major bus routes, with on-street parking free after 6:30pm.
The academy runs classes across four progressive stages. Complete beginners start with a structured 4-week Beginners Course in Salsa and Bachata, offered on Tuesdays at 7:00pm, Wednesdays at 7:00pm, or Sundays at 5:00pm. No partner is needed and no previous experience is required. After the beginner foundation, you progress through Stage 2 (Core Elements), Stage 3 (Technique & Evolution), and Stage 4 (Integration & Flow), with classes available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays across the weekly schedule. The academy runs training in structured 4-week blocks, giving you clear start points and regular weekly training rather than random one-off lessons. Most regular classes are 45 minutes and include both Salsa and Bachata.
Latin Roots is led by Wellington Black (Founder, Director & Lead Instructor) and Eleanna Podara (Salsa & Bachata Instructor). Wellington, born in the Dominican Republic, grew up surrounded by Bachata music and rhythm and has studied extensively with recognised international teachers across Dominican Bachata, Sensual Bachata, modern Bachata, Salsa partnerwork and musicality. He sets the academy's teaching direction, syllabus and progression pathway. Eleanna teaches Salsa and Bachata across all academy levels and leads ladies styling sessions, bringing technical depth and a focus on confidence, expression and adaptable following. The academy has over 10 years of teaching experience and maintains 20+ classes every week.
Social dancing is central to the academy experience. The Latin Roots Social runs every Sunday from 8:00pm to 10:30pm at Shanghai Club — a regular space to practise, dance and meet people. A Bailar! is a larger monthly Saturday social held every 4-week block, bringing the academy together for pre-social classes, music, dancing and the full Latin Roots atmosphere. Both events welcome beginners, academy members and experienced dancers from the wider dance community. The academy approach focuses on foundations before complexity, clear progression, learning both Salsa and Bachata together to build fuller Latin dance foundations, and teaching for the social dance floor — developing timing, rhythm, movement, connection and confidence dancing with real people to real music.
The academy has a 4.9 Google rating from 170+ reviews. Students report feeling welcomed from their first visit, with praise for patient and attentive instruction, clear explanations, structured progression and a supportive atmosphere. Many note they came alone and quickly felt part of a community. New beginners can request a £10 Welcome Code toward their first beginner course, and the academy offers gift cards valid for 6 months.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll join a 45-minute class of adults at different stages of learning, rotating partners throughout so you meet different people. Teaching is clear and structured, with practical feedback. Classes run in regular 4-week blocks so you have a set start point and consistent weekly training rather than drop-ins. No partner is needed — most people come alone.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Wellington Black is the founder, director and lead instructor. Born in the Dominican Republic and having studied extensively with recognised international teachers, he leads the academy's direction and teaches across all levels. Eleanna Podara teaches Salsa and Bachata across the academy levels and leads ladies styling sessions, bringing focus to confidence, expression and connection.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The academy is designed for adults starting from zero, with clear guidance from the first step, no partner needed, and a warm, structured atmosphere built specifically for people new to dance.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily. Wear shoes that are comfortable and secure, avoiding shoes that stick heavily to the floor or are too slippery; special dance shoes are not required when starting.
Studio history
Latin Roots was created to give adults in Edinburgh a clearer, warmer and more structured way to learn Salsa and Bachata — from first steps to confident social dancing. The academy has been teaching for over 10 years and maintains 20+ classes every week across four progressive training stages.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Latin Rootshasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Latin Roots, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Latin Roots
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Latin Roots teach?
Latin Roots teaches Latin, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Latin Roots located?
Latin Roots is located in Edinburgh. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Latin Roots offer private lessons?
Contact Latin Roots directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Latin Roots teach kids and adults?
Latin Roots welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Latin Roots?
The fastest path is to visit Latin Roots via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Latin Roots?
On-street parking is available nearby and is usually free after 6:30pm.