Study Latin ballroom's history and roots, plus get some step and costume tips, by reading books such as "Latin and Ballroom (Dance)" by Susie Hodge, "The Social Dance Survival Guide: Ballroom and Latin Basics" by Ken Akrill, "The Joy of Dancing: Ballroom, Latin and Rock/Jive for Absolute Beginners of All Ages" by Peggy Spencer or "Ballroom Dance American Style: Smooth, Rhythm, Latin" by Shirley Rushing et al.
Practice dance steps at home alongside the professionals by renting or buying a DVD such as "Ballroom and Latin Dance Sampler," "Ballroom Dancing for Beginners," "Latin Ballroom Dancer, Vol. 1: How to Learn Salsa & Merengue" or "The Latin Dance Workout 3 DVD Set: iChaCha, iSalsa, iSamba."
Sign up for lessons at a dance school; some schools specialize in ballroom and Latin styles, others offer many different forms of dancing. Latin ballroom enthusiasts in the West Roxbury, Massachusetts area will find options such as the Out to Dance school, offering lessons in the tango, cha cha and rhumba, with both group and individual/private lessons available.
Visit an online salsa and Latin dancing website, which may involve joining a free membership mailing list or paying a fee to access videos and tutorials. Websites such as Salsa Boot Camp offer step-by-step instruction on some of the most common Latin dancing steps, forums to discuss dancing with other Latin enthusiasts, dance secrets and mistakes to avoid, plus videos and downloadable music.