Short answer: no. Here's how classes and socials actually work when you walk in alone.
No. Salsa is built for showing up alone. Group classes rotate partners every few minutes, so everyone dances with everyone. At a social — the open dancing that follows the lesson — dancing with many different people over the night is the norm, not the exception. Ask any room of regulars and most of them walked in solo their first night too.
No. Nearly every group class rotates: one side of the circle shifts a spot every minute or two, so you practice each move with a dozen different people. Teachers prefer it — you learn faster with varied partners than drilling with one. Couples who want to stay together usually have to ask.
No. A social works like this: someone asks, you dance one song, you thank each other, and you both move on. Asking is normal from either side, a simple "would you like to dance?" with an open hand is the entire script, and a polite no is respected. Arrive for the beginner lesson that opens most socials and you'll have met a roomful of people before the open dancing even starts.
Come to the lesson that starts the night — it exists exactly for you. You'll learn the basic step with other first-timers, and the people who stay for the social know who the beginners are and dance with them anyway. Nobody is watching your feet as closely as you are.
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