LET'S CLEAR
THINGS UP.

That is exactly what Introduction to Latin is designed for. No previous dance experience is required. The four-week introduction starts with Bachata in Weeks 1–2 and Salsa in Weeks 3–4, while also teaching the foundations of timing, Lead/Follow and how to recognise the two styles of music.

No. Many students arrive on their own. Partner rotation is a normal part of Elite group classes and helps you learn genuine Lead/Follow skills with different people. Couples may stay together if they strongly prefer, although we encourage rotation for better learning and class flow.

No. Beginners can start in comfortable, secure shoes. Avoid thongs, Crocs, loose sandals and very grippy soles. Proper Latin dance shoes can be worthwhile once you have attended classes or socials and know you want to keep dancing. If you are not already comfortable in heels, start in flats.

Wear comfortable, secure clothing you can move in and bring water. Activewear is fine; jeans and a nice top are also common for social dancing. A small bathroom is available for changing, although it can be busy.

Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. You will be greeted and signed in, receive a name tag, and there is usually music playing so you can settle in or practise before class.

Intro begins with about 10 minutes of solo fundamentals, then moves into partnered work and rotations. Students briefly introduce themselves to each new partner. There is practice/social-dance time, an opportunity for individual instructor help, and a designated end-of-class opportunity to film the instructors demonstrating the material for home practice.

If you miss the warm-up, warm up at the side before joining in. If partnerwork has already been underway for more than about 10 minutes and you cannot easily catch up, the instructor may ask you to watch rather than disrupt the class.

Lesson videos are uploaded to the Student Hub. If a suitable similar-level class runs on another night within the next fortnight, has space and you meet the prerequisites, a make-up may be possible. Current students who need extra help can also ask about the limited 30-minute catch-up private option.

Yes, and it is encouraged rather than compulsory. Reviewing the previous lesson video is a useful way to reinforce the material. Solo steps can be practised without a partner; students have even used a wheeled chair as a simple partner substitute for practising positioning.

Yes. Once your instructor records your end-of-course assessment, every assessed student receives a personal 20% repeat-course code, whether the result is Full Pass, Conditional Pass or Needs Further Revision. The code is for that student, that same course and one redemption.

Your instructor records Full Pass, Conditional Pass or Needs Further Revision together with individual feedback. The result and feedback are emailed to you and remain privately available in your Student Hub. A Full Pass means you may progress; repeating is simply an optional way to consolidate your skills.

Elite is familiar with many other studios and syllabi, so your previous level can give us a rough guide. Because level names and individual ability vary, an in-person or video assessment is the best way to place you accurately. Almost any recent footage in the relevant style can be useful if it genuinely represents your dancing.

If you have been away for more than about a year, we prefer to reassess you rather than automatically place you back into your old level. You may have lost some material or progressed elsewhere in the meantime.

Salsa and Bachata are both extremely common at Latin socials and are often played in roughly equal proportions. Learning the basics of both means you can participate across essentially the full mix of music rather than sitting out around half the songs.

Elite’s current group pathway teaches Salsa On1, combining a strong linear foundation with a sprinkle of Cuban movement. Other Salsa styles, including On2, can be taught privately.

Lower-level Bachata focuses on traditional and Dominican fundamentals. Sensual and Bachazouk concepts are introduced progressively at higher levels. Intro Bachata is not taught as a close or overtly sensual dance.

Ask someone who is standing or available, often by offering a hand and asking, “Would you like to dance?” A normal social dance is usually one song. Thank your partner afterward and ask them again later if you both want another dance. Accept a no politely, and do not interrupt an existing dance or an engrossing conversation.

No. Bachata can be danced in open frame and physical closeness is optional. Preferences can often be communicated through your frame, and it is completely acceptable to state a boundary verbally. If someone repeatedly ignores a clearly communicated physical boundary, end the dance and tell an Elite instructor or team member.

Yes. Students learn to find the beat using the music rather than only memorising counts. Musicality begins at beginner level and becomes more sophisticated as dancers progress, including responding to accents, breaks, instrumentation and changes in energy.

Gold Coast group classes are held at 99 Ashmore Road, Bundall. Plenty of parking is available in the carpark right outside the studio door. Private lessons are available from Elite’s Molendinar studio.

Yes, within reason. A support person may watch free and pays only if they participate. For a general friend or guest, one — or occasionally two — spectators is fine as a one-off; classes are not intended to become spectator events. Seating is available behind the partition for someone waiting.

Yes, within reason. Please keep the studio tidy, clean up small spills and alert the Elite team to anything larger that needs attention. Bringing water is encouraged.

Alcohol arrangements depend on the context. At events it may be BYO or bar service depending on the event and venue. The important behavioural rule is that intoxication must not affect safe, respectful participation; someone whose behaviour is inappropriate or unsafe may be asked to leave.

Yes, the Bundall group-class venue has wheelchair access. If you have an injury, limitation or other practical concern, mention it to your instructor before class; if you are unsure whether dancing is suitable for you, check with your GP first.

Regular group classes are currently for adults 18+. Elite does not currently run regular kids classes, but children can take private or group-private lessons and can receive competition coaching with appropriately checked instructors.

At the designated end-of-class filming opportunity, students may film the instructors demonstrating the material taught so they have an accurate reference for home practice.

Elite regularly photographs and films classes and events for promotional use. If you do not want to appear in identifiable promotional content, tell Elite before class and the team will make reasonable efforts to keep you out of promotional footage.

Showering before class, deodorant and fresh breath make close partner dancing more comfortable for everyone. Mints are useful, and men dancing for a long or hot session may want a spare shirt. The studio is air-conditioned, bathroom deodorant is available and reception has mints.

Only if they ask. Social dancing is for sharing a dance, not giving unsolicited instruction. Keep feedback respectful and leave teaching to the instructors unless your partner specifically requests help.

Yes. Private lessons are available for individuals and couples, from complete beginners through to experienced social dancers, competitors and people with specific technical goals.

Yes. Elite offers first-dance lessons plus bridesmaid and groomsmen choreography. One lesson can help a couple become comfortable connecting, around three can provide a few go-to moves, five is the minimum we generally recommend for a pre-choreographed dance, and around ten is a useful guide for something polished and more elaborate.

Yes. Elite can provide performances, interactive lessons and bespoke entertainment for weddings, corporate functions and private events. The scale can range from one couple to multiple couples or larger teams, depending on the brief, floor space, AV and budget.

Yes. Competition coaching is available for soloists, couples and Pro/Am dancers in multiple Latin styles, in person or remotely, including technique, choreography and preparation for Australian or overseas competitions.