Practice

                    Spend a lot of time in close hold moving in all directions as well as rotating on the spot in both directions.

Try braking away from your partner on the 1 count and returning 8 beats later to pick her up on the one.

Once you have been shown the casino step, try moving back and forth between it and close hold in as many ways as you can.

                   

Don't expect to get the step and movement in the first week !

 

( There are many forms of salsa , New York( on 2), LA, Cross body, Columbian, Street and mixes of different styles such as London (!), Cuban Style Salsa and more, but this site is about Cuban Salsa )

               

You will find the rhythm in the music and one day soon we will have you dancing so Cuban even your mates wont believe it.

 

ALSO READ OUR TIPS ON SALSA..

 

Other Salsa Dance Styles

  • Son
  • Rumba
  • Orisha
  • Reggaeton

     

    Moving up a Class ?

     

    I am often asked when should I move up a class and out of the beginners, having given it some thought ---

    Move up when you can do the basic step and simple turns with ease and with a little bit of style. This will take a few weeks to months, but don't move up until you are ready. If you do you will find that your learning will come to a rapid holt and Frustration will set in. At this point go back to the earlier class and sort your feet out you will find the class will be easy and you will be able to concentrate on getting your body movement in shape as well.

    Also improvers should use Sharon's class as a refresher every now and then to sort out bad habits. You will also find its nice to help the beginners out. 

    •          Beginners..

    Things to remember after your first Cuban Salsa Class

     

     The count is :          

     1  2  3  PAUSE  5 6 7 PAUSE  

     1  2  3  PAUSE  5 6 7 PAUSE etc, etc

                   

    Every time you count you step, Don't count the 4 and the 8 beats to the music, just take a breath.

    Men start with there left foot, so steps with the left on the 1, 3, 6 count and with the the right on the 2, 5, 7,

    Women start with there right foot, so steps with the right on the 1, 3, 6 and with the left on the 2, 5, 7,

    Slightly relax your whole body. Flex your knees so when you step you don't bounce, just try to get a nice flow.

    Arms bent at elbow, in quite close to your sides.

    Try to find a small natural movement of your arms that moves your shoulders slightly as well.

    (You may feel silly keeping your arms bent at the elbow but you will look as if you just don't care if you leave them hanging.)

    When you step transfer your weight through your foot into the floor and push off the floor to step.

    Use the whole of your foot ( don't dance on your toes ) . Take small easy steps.             

                       

    Things to remember after all of the above comes naturally

     

    Don't look at your feet, look at your partner.

     

    Step around to turn don't spin, plus you will get around to quick if you spin.

                       

    Keep close to your partner.

     

    Ladies let the men lead its there job and hopefully they we give you a chance to do what you do best, look incredible.

     

    Remember to smile at your partner, as you are supposed to be enjoying it.