Top Salsa Steps Every Beginner Should Learn

Every beginner student is always overwhelmed with "steps". There are so many steps for every dance. Each dance generally consists of three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. There are about 15 steps in each level depending on the dance. As a student, starting from the very first step of the bronze level is the way to go. Here are the "Top Salsa Steps Every Beginner Should Learn"

1. Basic

This sounds obvious but decide what type of Salsa basic you are working with. Are you learning Salsa on 1, Salsa on 2 or Mambo (which can be considered a combination of the two)? I can't stress enough, how well you know the basic will dictate how you dance all the following steps. Know your basic....know the timing, technique, style and partnering that's associated with it. This can also be done to the side known as "cucarachas" or "side breaks".

2. Right Turns

Right Turns are usually the first turn one should learn. These can be done just for the lady or in combination with the gentleman in a series called "alternate right turns". Know your right from your left ;), timing, technique and how to following/lead this step.

3. Open Break

An Open Break is very basic on it's own. To use it properly, it should always precede another "step". Open Breaks are common entrances to certain steps. The step itself only changes the man's footwork but the lady should be aware of spacing change between the couple.

4. Left Turns

Also know as "Broken Left Turns" are another fun basic form of turning. Gentlemen, the universal lead to make a lady turn is to put your arm up over her head. Know you leads for Right Turns vs. Left Turns to not confuse your Follower. Ladies, your Leader is not turning you, he's giving you timing and a signal of which direction to turn. Leaders and Followers must know what signals to give and how to respond.

5. Cross Body Lead

Yes! New scenery! Even though we've previously turned to the right and left, these did not change the orientation of the couple within the room. The Cross Body Lead rotates the couple 180 degrees. The is a great step that has many different variations. Consider the Cross Body Lead as the gateway step into more advanced patterns.

Knowing these 5 step patterns will not only organize the beginning route of your Salsa dance journey but they will ensure a solid Salsa foundation. Once these steps are mastered...everything else is easy to learn!

Boston Dancesport

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