Hips swayed, heels stomped, bodies twirled and the horns blared as live salsa dancing in Union Square illuminated downtown in the early Wednesday evening on Aug. 19.

"This is the best place to learn how to dance and best of all, it's free," said Evan Margolin, creator of Salsa in the Square.

Margolin began the night with a free 20-minute lesson on how to step, turn and undulate to the music.

"People of all ages can learn to dance while enjoying the atmosphere of the city around them," he said as he explained why the event, part of San Francisco's Jewels in the Square series, had such a large turnout.

After the lesson ended, Orquesta Borinquen, the night's 10-piece band, began to play while the large crowd covered the floor and moved to the beat of the drums.

Darryl Pollard, a 41-year-old San Franciscan, changed partners throughout the night as he dipped and spun ladies around.

"It's a very sensual dance, but at the same time it's non-invasive," he said. "Everyone can just have fun."

Across the dance floor, Lea Coopersmith, 61, with short golden brown hair, danced effortlessly with a young gentleman.

"Younger men never turn down an older woman," she said with a laugh. "They think they're humoring me when they say 'yes,' but what they don't know is that I'm actually very good."

Over the past 50 years, Coopersmith perfected the art of salsa by attending nightclubs in New York, San Francisco and Havana, Cuba.

"There's just this certain beat to it that you feel," she said while tapping her toes.

The event wasn't just for experienced dancers -- tourists and locals alike appeared to enjoy their time as well.

Some stood around and observed the other dancers while listening to the band, while others dared to step up on the floor themselves.

Maggie Lolate, 24, tried salsa dancing for the first time that evening with her partner. She described the event as "fun and sensual."

"I love the music and the fact that everyone out here is having a good time," Lolate said as she leaned in toward her partner.

Salsa in the Square takes place every third Wednesday of the month, lasting until the end of October.

For more information, go to www.salsainthequare.com or www.salsacrazy.com.