Salsa: Basic Steps
(For absolute beginners) Hello, and welcome to our beginners dance lesson. Mastery of these basics will provide you with a foundation that should allow you to salsa in Britain, Latin America and North America. |  | |
We know that you're hungry to get started, but please try to follow the lesson in the descending order listed, you will find that it makes more sense. Finally let us stress that there can be no substitute for learning directly from a teacher. We do hope that this comes in a close second place.
Concepts The everyday activity of walking best demonstrates some important concepts from which several dance terms are derived.
Walking is a sequence of steps, each step being taken by an alternate leg. A single step can be broken down further into the placing of a foot on the floor (called a foot placement) and the movement of weight over that foot (called a weight transfer). The complete transfer of weight onto that foot leaves the other foot free to move, so the walker has no choice as to which foot to use next.
So, a foot placement followed by the full transfer of weight (a definite step) will ensure that you use the other foot next. This concept holds the key to dancing effectively, because in salsa and merengue, the legs are also used in alternation. Proper control of your weight transfer gives you proper control over your dancing. If you can walk, you can dance.
Definitions
Step: a foot placement followed by a weight transfer over that foot.
Foot placement: selection of a particular spot on the floor and the movement of the foot onto it.
Weight transfer (also known as a weight change): a shift weight from one leg to another.
Complete weight transfer (also known as full weight transfer): a shift of weight so that one leg bears all (100%) your weight.
Partial weight transfer: a shift of weight so that both legs bear a part of your weight.
Tap: a foot placement without a transfer of weight over that foot. Try standing with your weight on one leg, and tapping the floor with the other. Be aware that tapping the floor too hard encourages a partial transfer of weight over the tapping foot.
Replace (short for replace of weight): moving your weight to where it was just a moment ago. Strictly speaking, after a step is taken, the free foot remains where it is (in place) on the floor and weight is moved back onto it.
The tap and the replace are related: the tap is a foot placement without a new weight transfer; and the replace is a weight transfer without a new foot placement.
Null beat: A beat in the rhythm that is not "used". For example, in salsa there are four beats per bar of music: three dance beats and one null beat. Steps are taken during each dance beat, and no steps are taken during null beats. This results in the step–step–step–wait pattern of the basic salsa. In contrast the merengue has no null beats in its basic pattern and has a step–step–step–step pattern. This is similar to walking making merengue an easier dance to learn.
Highlight (also known as an adornment): Some dancers get bored during the null beat so they decorate it with a highlight. It can take the form of a tap, a flick of the foot, and so on. The options are endless. The salsa pattern would then change to e.g. step–step–step–tap, or step–step–step–flick. While the use of adornments can contribute to the visual appeal of the dance, it's important to remember that it is only supplementary to the structure of the dance.
About The Video Clips Most clips are filmed from the three-quarter angle. Alternate viewing angles are sometimes provided with the demonstrators performing in different orientations, or in a separate clip altogether. In most cases the demonstrators' arms are not in frame to allow an unobstructed view of the lower body.
The clips are provided in Real Media format (.RM) and the Motion Picture Experts Group version 2 format (.MPG):
RM files are small and can be streamed i.e. if you have a fast enough machine and connection, it may not be necessary to download the files.
MPG files are larger and should be downloaded by Right clicking on the link, selecting "Save Target As...", and following the prompts. Their advantage is that they perform better on older machines and can be set to play continuously (by right–clicking the picture as it plays, selecting «Options», «Playback», «Repeat Forever»). The MPG files have a much higher image and sound quality.
Using The Video Clips | 1. | View the clip once to get a feel of the whole basic. |
| 2. | Read the instructions and try it out to your own time, referring to the clip as often as necessary. |
| 3. | Practise just the verbal cue while viewing the clip. |
| 4. | Perform the basic, using the verbal cue. Try to make a link between each word of the cue and the specific action it describes. Refer to the clip as often as necessary. |
| 5. | Perform the basic in time while viewing the clip, with the verbal cue. |
| 6. | Perform the basic to the music file provided. |
Instruction notes
All the instructions are broken down into actions that should be completed by the end of the relevant beat. Since salsa is played in two bar phrases containing four beats in each bar, an eight beat count is used. Please don't be overly concerned if you can't hear the phrasing, you will given time. Just count beats 5,6,7,8 as 1,2,3,4 instead.
Visual notes
Where applicable, the instructions suggest that you perform the basic mirror imaged i.e. as if you were dancing facing the demonstrator.
Verbal notes
Verbal reinforcement is not to be underestimated. The verbal cues provided are your reminder. They take the form of four monosyllabic words per bar (measure) of music, one syllable per beat. The basic format is "Step-step-step-wait" corresponding to beats "one-two-three-four" respectively. You can also substitute the word "wait" with "weight". This can be an extremely useful reminder for you ensure that you've transferred your weight completely onto the foot used in beat three.
Practice Track
A practice track of the same music used in the clips forty bars long (mono) is provided.
Practice track, 40 Bars – Pract40.mp3 (1.4 Mb)
Right click on the link and select «Save Target As...» to download.
Side–To–Side
The side-to-side is the basic that our students experience the most success with, so it's a good place to start. It is most commonly danced in social settings in Latin America and therefore the most useful.
Verbal Cue:
Side-Close-Side-Clap
Prepare to start:
Stand with your weight on your right leg ready to move to your left.
Beat:
| 1. | Take a step to the side with your left leg. |
| 2. | Place your right foot close to your left foot and transfer your weight onto it. |
| 3. | Take another step to the side with your left leg. |
| 4. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
Your weight should now be on your left leg ready to move to your right.
Repeating the process moving to the right,
Beat:
| 5. | Take a step to the side with your right leg. |
| 6. | Place your left foot close to your right foot and transfer your weight onto it. |
| 7. | Take another step to the side with your right leg. |
| 8. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
You are now where you began, with your weight on your right leg, ready to move to your left.
Back Basic The back basic is the foundation piece of British salsa. Eventually the back step provides the wind-up for the anti-clockwise spin that is the trademark of the British turn combinations.
Verbal Cue:
Back-And-Close-Clap
Prepare to start:
Stand with your weight on your right leg ready to move with your left.
Beat:
| 1. | Take a step back with your left leg, while your right foot stays in the same place. (Remember to transfer your weight completely onto your left leg) |
| 2. | Transfer your weight from your left leg onto your right leg. This is called a replace of weight, and is done to the verbal cue of "and". |
| 3. | Place your left foot close to your right and transfer your weight onto it. |
| 4. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
Your weight should now be on your left leg ready to move with your right.
Repeating the process moving to the right,
Beat:
| 5. | Take a step back with your right leg, while your left foot stays in the same place. (Remember to transfer your weight completely onto your right leg) |
| 6. | Transfer your weight from your right leg onto your left leg. (Replace of weight done to the cue of "and") |
| 7. | Place your right foot close to your left and transfer your weight onto it. |
| 8. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
You are now back to the beginning with your weight on your right leg, ready to move with your left.
Comments:
If you want to practise this basic facing Shirin in the clip: Back Basic, Dual Angle; you should start with your weight on your left leg ready to move with your right.
Turning Basic The turning basic is just a variation of the back basic with a turn of the body included. It's easier to learn after the back basic, and it provides a change of scenery. If possible, align yourself facing one direction with objects that you can focus on ninety degrees to both your left and right e.g. walls in a square room. You can use these objects as reference points to help you learn.
Verbal Cue:
Turn-And-Close-Clap
Prepare to start:
Stand with your weight on your right leg ready to turn to your left.
Beat:
| 1. | Turn your body ninety degrees to your left while taking a step back with your left leg. (You should now be looking straight at the object that was previously on your left) |
| 2. | Transfer your weight from your left leg forward onto your right leg. This is called a replace of weight, and is done to the verbal cue of "and". |
| 3. | Turn your body ninety degrees to your right, place your left foot close to your right and transfer your weight onto it. (You should now be facing the same direction you started in) |
| 4. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
Your weight should now be on your left leg ready to move to your right.
Repeating the process turning to the right,
Beat:
| 5. | Turn your body ninety degrees to your right while taking a step back with your right leg. (You should now be looking straight at the object that was previously on your right) |
| 6. | Transfer your weight from your right leg forward onto your left leg. This is called a replace of weight, and is done to the verbal cue of "and". |
| 7. | Turn your body ninety degrees to your left, place your right foot close to your left and transfer your weight onto it. (You should now be facing the same direction you started in) |
| 8. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
You are now where you began, with your weight on your right leg, ready to move to your left.
Comments:
When you practise this basic with Dan in the clip: Turning Basic, Detailed; remember that he is dancing in mirror image to you.
Latin Basic The Latin basic is commonly used in Latin America, and is also the foundation piece of North American salsa, giving rise to the single right turn combinations. The Latin basic is taught here as a simple variation of the back basic, where the left leg steps forward instead of backward.
Verbal Cue:
Front–And–Close–Clap,–Back–And–Close–Clap
Prepare to start:
Stand with your weight on your right leg ready to move with your left.
Beat:
| 1. | Take a step forward with your left leg, while your right foot stays in the same place (Remember to transfer your weight completely onto your left leg). Done to the verbal cue of "front". |
| 2. | Transfer your weight backward from your left leg onto your right leg. This is called a replace of weight, and is done to the verbal cue of "and". |
| 3. | Place your left foot close to your right and transfer your weight onto it. |
| 4. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
Your weight should now be on your left leg ready to move with your right.
Repeating the process moving to the right,
Beat:
| 5. | Take a step back with your right leg, while your left foot stays in the same place. (Remember to transfer your weight completely onto your right leg) |
| 6. | Transfer your weight from your right leg onto your left leg. (Replace of weight done to the cue of "and") |
| 7. | Place your right foot close to your left and transfer your weight onto it. |
| 8. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
You are now where you began, with your weight on your right leg, ready to move with your left.
Comments:
If you want to practise this basic facing Shirin in the clip: Latin Basic, Dual Angle; you should start with your weight on your left leg ready to move with your right. In this basic the partners do not dance in mirror image; you should step back as Shirin steps forward, and step forward as she steps back.
Cross Basic
The cross basic is used often as it covers a lot of ground, usually to circle around a partner who is turning on the spot or spinning. This basic gets its name because it is a cross between the back basic and side-to-side, and also because one leg moves across the other.
Verbal Cue:
Back-Cross-Side-Clap
Prepare to start:
Stand with your weight on your right leg ready to move with your left leg.
Beat:
| 1. | Take a step back with your left leg. |
| 2. | Take a step to the left with your right leg by swinging it across the front of your left leg and transferring your weight onto it. |
| 3. | Take a side step to the left with your left leg. |
| 4. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
Your weight should now be on your left leg ready to move with your right.
Repeating the process moving to the right,
Beat:
| 5. | Take a step back with your right leg. |
| 6. | Take a step to the right with your left leg by swinging it across the front of your right leg and transferring your weight onto it. |
| 7. | Take a side step to the right with your right leg. |
| 8. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
You are now where you began, with your weight on your right leg, ready to move with your left.
Comments:
When practising this while viewing the clip: Cross Basic, Solo; remember that you are dancing in mirror image to Dan. The clip is cropped late on beat one, so please don't be alarmed.
Cucaracha The cucaracha takes up very little space on a dance floor and is especially handy to use under busier conditions.
Verbal Cue:
Side-And-Close-Clap
Prepare to start:
Stand with your weight on your left leg ready to move to your right.
Beat:
| 1. | Take a step to the side with your right leg, while your left foot stays in the same place. (Remember to transfer your weight completely onto your left leg) |
| 2. | Transfer your weight from your right leg onto your left leg. This is called a replace of weight, and is done to the verbal cue of "and". |
| 3. | Place your right foot close to your left and transfer your weight onto it. |
| 4. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
Your weight should now be on your right leg ready to move to your left.
Repeating the process moving to the left,
Beat:
| 5. | Take a step to the side with your left leg, while your right foot stays in the same place. (Remember to transfer your weight completely onto your left leg) |
| 6. | Transfer your weight from your left leg onto your right leg. (Replace of weight done to the cue of "and") |
| 7. | Place your left foot close to your right and transfer your weight onto it. |
| 8. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
You are now where you began, with your weight on your left leg, ready to move to your right.
Comments:
We've used a different start position to match Shirin in the video clip. However, you can still start dancing the basic to your left. For more explanation, please read the More Practices section.
The cucaracha is actually a variation of the Latin basic, where the dancer's body is turned ninety degrees to the right relative to his/her feet.
Single Right Turn (SRT) The single right turn (SRT) is derived from the Latin basic, where a right turn is performed during the forward phase of the Latin basic; the backward phase remains unchanged. The SRT is the foundation piece of most North American turn combinations. Like the turning basic, try to align yourself facing one direction with objects that you can focus on ninety degrees to both your right and behind your starting position e.g. walls in a square room. You can use these objects as reference points to help you learn.
Verbal Cue:
Turn–Turn–Turn–Clap,–Back–And–Close–Clap
Prepare to start:
Stand with your weight on your right leg ready to move with your left leg.
Beat:
| 1. | Take a step forward with your left leg, turning your body ninety degrees to the right. (You should end up with your weight on your left leg, looking straight at the object that was previously on your right) |
| 2. | Turn your body a further ninety degrees to your right to face the direction opposite to your starting position, stepping onto your right leg. (This is a replace of weight with a change in orientation) |
| 3. | Turn the remaining one hundred and eighty degrees with weight still on your right leg. Stop yourself turning by placing your left foot close to your right and transferring your weight onto it. |
| 4. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
Your weight should now be on your left leg ready to move with your right.
Complete the basic by performing a back basic with the right foot,
Beat:
| 5. | Take a step back with your right leg, while your left foot stays in the same place. (Remember to transfer your weight completely onto your right leg) |
| 6. | Transfer your weight from your right leg onto your left leg. (Replace of weight done to the cue of "and") |
| 7. | Place your right foot close to your left and transfer your weight onto it. |
| 8. | Clap your hands once to mark the null beat. |
You are now back to the beginning with your weight on your right leg, ready to move with your left.
Comments:
If you want to practise this basic with Dan in the clip: Single Right Turn, Solo; you should start with your weight on your left leg ready to dance the back basic with your right leg. Partners do not dance in mirror image; you should step back as Dan turns, and turn as he steps back.
