It's important to note first
that while Salsa music uses 4/4 time, the dance does
not have the usual 1,2,3,4 step count that many dances
use. Instead, it leaves out the 4 and 8 count,
creating a slight pause. Also note that the male and
female steps are directly reversed to allow fluid
movement.
Salsa can be danced in a
closed dance position or hand-in-hand, with the man's
palms facing upwards, and the lady taking his hands
with her palms down, allowing more freedom of
movement. For the dance position, the man takes the
lady's right hand in his left, and places his right
hand on or around her left shoulder blade. The lady's
left hand then sits on his right shoulder, with her
arm over his. Be sure to give your partner just enough
pressure through the hands and arms to allow your
movements to be easily felt, without being
aggressive.
Salsa does not involve a
complete step on every count. , it is danced 1, 2, 3,
(4),5, 6, 7, (8) or in words: step, step, step, pause,
step, step, step, pause. This reflects the emphasis
Salsa music places on the first 3 of 4 beats. Step
forward with your left foot. Your weight should now be
on your left, .It may be easier in the beginning to
use larger steps, but your movements will be much
faster and neater with a smaller step. Shift your
weight back from your left foot to your right, leaving
your feet where they are. Your right foot should now
be holding all your weight. Step or slide your left
foot back to bring it next to or slightly behind your
right foot. Your weight should be evenly spread over
both feet. No steps are taken on this beat, and it can
be used to gradually move your weight to your left
foot in time for the next beat. Here, the same rules
apply as for step 1, but backwards. Bring your right
foot backwards with so your left foot is taking none
of your weight. Step in place with your left foot
without moving either of your feet. Your left foot
will now be carrying all your weight. Step or slide
your right foot up to meet or slightly pass your left,
balancing on both your feet equally. As with beat 4,
nothing is done on this beat, except you may take the
weight off your left foot in preparation of your next
step. You have a strong desire to repeat these steps
to salsa music.
