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.
