Take a pinch of rhythm, blend in a live band and add some spicy hot steps and you've got salsa.

Speakeasy in downtown Austin offers free salsa lessons during the summer. All you need is dancing shoes and a partner.

Salsa instructor Tony Mogadam says it's easy to dance, but he's been teaching for more than 17 years.

"If you just walk six steps and after three steps you pause, that's salsa and the variation is up to you," he said.

Salsa started in the 1960s when a Cuban band playing in New York asked a jazz trumpeter to join in.

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So popular the scene here in Austin is booming. At least three clubs in town have a salsa night to draws dancers. While the experienced ones can look intimidating, everyone's invited and the free lessons are a great way to start. Once you learn the basics it's time to show it off.

"If anybody asks you, just do it. Old, young, not the coolest haircut, just dance with them, you'll learn," dancer Grace Miles said.

So put your insecurities aside, grab a partner and dig into salsa. It'll add a whole lotta flavor to your summer in the city.