Salsa is a Latin rhythmic dance that developed from Cuban culture. When dancing salsa, footsteps must be in sync with the rhythm of the music, which is heavily influenced by the movements of cha-cha, mambo, and various African dances. Many salsa dancers do variations by moving the hips and upper body according to the basic steps of salsa dance.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Following the Beats to the Rhythm of the Song
Step 1. Listen to the salsa dance accompaniment to get to know the rhythm
All songs have a basic beat or rhythm that can be counted. There are multiple beats in each bar, usually 3, 4, or 6 beats. The salsa rhythm song consists of 4 beats in each bar. The basic steps of salsa dance use 2 song bars or 8 beats.
- Recognize the rhythm of the music by clapping your hands while counting 1-8.
- For beginners, listen to slow rhythmic salsa music played using percussion so that the beats can be heard clearly.
- When you start practicing, listen to "Slow Salsa" (Jimmy Bosch), "Cuera Maraca y Bongo" (Los Nemus), "Cosas Nativas" (Frankie Ruiz) or "Yamulemau" (Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz).
Step 2. Clap your hands to the rhythm of the steps
The basic steps of salsa consist of 8 beats, but you don't need to walk for 8 beats. The feet only need to move on beats 1, 2, 3, stop on beats 4, step again on beats 5, 6, 7, stop again on beats 8.
- To understand the rhythm of a salsa step, clap when you have to step and don't clap when you don't have to.
- The rhythm of the salsa is clap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-silently. Repeat the rhythm throughout the song.
Step 3. Step into the rhythm of the song
Start practicing from a standing position and then move your feet to the rhythm of the salsa you just followed by clapping your hands. Alternately step on beats 1, 2, and 3, stop on beats 4, then repeat the same movement on beats 5 to 8.
Part 2 of 2: Dancing with a Salsa Step
Step 1. Mark each position of the footprints on the floor
Place numbered cards or sheets of paper on the floor to indicate where to set your feet while dancing.
- Number 1 is the starting position. Place it on the center floor of the room.
- Place the number 2 one step ahead of the number 1.
- Place the number 3 one step behind the number 1.
- Place the number 4 one step behind the number 3.
Step 2. Begin the dance by placing both feet on number 1
When you're ready to dance, move on to the next number.
Step 3. Step left foot to number 2 on beat 1
You must step alternately according to the beat.
Step 4. Place your right heel on the floor on beat 2
Move the center of gravity from front to back to change body position. Shake your hips slightly to accent the movement.
Step 5. Step back left foot to number 3 on beat 3
Rest on the ball of your left foot as you step back. You don't need to step on tap 4.
Step 6. Transfer the center of gravity from the ball of the left foot to the heel on beat 4
Don't step on beat 4.
Step 7. Step back right foot to number 4 on count 5
The left foot does not need to move on the count of 5.
Step 8. Move the center of gravity forward to the left foot on a count of 6
Shake your hips as you move your center of gravity forward to make the salsa move more beautiful.
Step 9. Step right foot forward back to number 1 on beat 7
Rest on the ball of your right foot as you step forward.
Step 10. Keep balance on beat 8
Lower your right heel to the floor and don't lift your foot on the 8th beat for the last count in a basic salsa step.
Count 1-8 repeatedly to continue the dance
Step 11. Practice walking without music
While counting, slowly step your feet until you are able to do this movement well.
Play some music when you've mastered how to step your feet while dancing salsa
Tips
- Learn how to step up to salsa dance alone before dancing with a partner.
- Salsa music is usually a fast rhythm of 150-225 beats/minute (beats per minute [BPM]).
- Shake your hips and swing your arms to accent each move and make your dance look more beautiful.
