Learn
to dance Salsa
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.
