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Salsa

Salsa - The fiery, fast dance for young and old


The most important thing about salsa

You are very interested in dancing salsa, but you don't know exactly what to expect and whether does this fiery dance style really suit you? No problem! We have the most important information for you at a glance. Just try something new and let the upbeat music carry you along!

Salsa is a modern ballroom dance that originally comes from Latin America. in the early 1980s This special dance style eventually found its way to Germany and spread quickly. Nowadays there is a real scene in many big cities: from modern dance studios to numerous Lessons to clubs that organize regular salsa evenings. The dance can be done in pairs or in danced by the group.

The erotic hip movements and the noticeable passion are very typical of salsa dance Dance partner. The salsa style stands for relaxation, joy of life and sensuality. And you can see that too: Salsa is not just a dance or a style of music, but an attitude to life. A subculture that has gradually spread all over the world and become native. Hardly anyone has this Haven't tried the exotic dance style yet.

Salsa Basic Steps

There are a few basic steps of Salsa. The most common is the three weight changes (or steps) in each four-beat measure. The beat on which one does not step might contain a tap or kick, or weight transfer may simply continue with the actual step not occurring until the next beat. The option chosen depends upon individual choice and upon the specific style being danced. One of the steps is called a "break," which involves a change in direction. Different styles of Salsa are often differentiated by the timing of the break step (On Beat "Downbreak on 1" or Off Beat "Up beat on 2"). After 6 weight changes in 8 beats, the basic step cycle is complete. While dancing, the basic step can be modified significantly as part of the improvisation and stylings of the people dancing.

In many styles of Salsa dancing, as a dancer changes weight by stepping, the upper body remains level and nearly unaffected by the weight changes. Caught in the middle are the hips which end up moving quite a bit —- famously known as the "Cuban hip movement." Perhaps ironically, the Cuban Casino style of Salsa dancing actually has significant amounts of movement above the waist, with up-and-down shoulder movements and shifting of the ribcage.

The arms are used by the "lead" dancer, to communicate or signal the "follower," either in "open " or "closed" position. The open position requires the two dancers to hold one or both hands, especially for moves that involve turns, putting arms behind the back, or moving around each other, to name a few examples. In the closed position, the leader puts the right hand on the follower's back, while the follower puts the left hand on the leader's shoulder.

In the original Latin America form, the forward/backward motion of Salsa is done in diagonal or sideways with the 3-step weight change intact.

In some styles of salsa, such as LA and New York style, the dancers remain in a slot or line (switching places), while in some Latin American styles, such as Cuban style, the dancers circle around each other, sometimes in 3 points

Doing Salsa with a Partner / Salsa dance lessons for couples

Hold your partner in a closed position. In salsa, there is a lead (usually the man) and a follow (usually a woman). If you are leading, take your left hand and hold your partner's right hand in a loose grip with your thumb on their hand. Place your right hand on your partner's upper back. Keep a fair amount of space between you and your partner, holding them loosely.

  • Do not grip your partner too tightly or stiffen up your arms or legs as you hold them. Stay relaxed and loose.

  • As the lead, you will start all salsa steps moving forward. As the follow, your partner will begin all steps moving backward.

Do the “On1” step with a partner. Begin in the closed position with your partner. Step your left foot forward and lean to the left for count 1. Your partner will move their right foot backward, leaning with you to the left. Then, put weight into your right foot for count 2. Your partner will put weight on their left foot. Step your left foot backward for count 3. Your partner will step their right foot forward. Stay in neutral position for count 4.

  • Repeat these steps again for count 5, 6, 7, and 8.

  • Make sure you gently guide your partner as you move forward and backward by pushing into their hand and pulling on their back. Your partner should then push gently against you to give some resistance so the movements are balanced and smooth.

Practice the right turn with a partner. Start in the closed position with your left hand gripping your partner's right hand and your right hand gripping your partner's left hand. Lift the thumb of your left hand up. Then, draw a “J” shape or a half circle in the air with your left hand. At the top of the circle, open your hand and place two fingers against your partner's palm. Your partner will then spin to the right and then return to the closed position.

  • Apply pressure with your fingers to your partner's palm as they spin so they stay balanced.

  • Leaders and followers should have a good understanding of timing. It is paramount in any dance, especially when social dancing.

The different salsa styles

New York Style Salsa (Salsa On 2)

  • Originated in New York in the 1960s by Eddie Torres.

  • Danced to the second beat of the music (on 2).

  • Characterized by linear structure, smooth turns, and musicality.

LA Style Salsa (Salsa On 1)

  • Originated in Los Angeles and popularized by the Vazquez brothers.

  • Danced to the first beat of the music (on 1).

  • Known for its sharp, flashy, and acrobatic moves, and a linear cross-body lead structure.

Cuban Style Salsa (Salsa Cubana)

  • Originated in Cuba and is the original form of salsa.

  • Danced in a circular motion, similar to East Coast Swing.

  • Characterized by Afro-Cuban style body movement, hip movement, and hand tricks.

Colombian Style Salsa (Salsa Caleña)

  • Originated in Colombia and is danced to a different type of salsa music called "Cumbia."

  • Danced in a circular style with open/side breaks and very little turn patterns.

Puerto Rican Style Salsa

  • Danced "On 1" or "On 2."

  • Characterized by clean lines, shoulder shimmies, and emphasis on dancing to the "Clave" (2/3 clave).

Salsa Rueda (Rueda de Casino)

  • Originated in Cuba.

  • A group dance where dancers form a circle and follow a caller's instructions.

Miami Style Salsa (Classico Cubano, Casino)

  • A more advanced and technically challenging style of Cuban salsa.

  • Characterized by intricate and pretzel-like moves.

Colombian Style Salsa (Salsa Caleña) – Cumbia

  • Danced to a different type of salsa music called "Cumbia."

  • Characterized by a circular style of open/side breaks with very little turn patterns.

Music suitable for Salsa Dance

Salsa music is a diverse and vibrant genre that encompasses a variety of tempos and styles. For salsa dancing, it's essential to choose music that is within the typical salsa tempo range, which is between 160 and 220 beats per minute (BPM). Here are some popular salsa songs and artists that are suitable for salsa dancing:

  • Celia Cruz, "La vida es un carnaval"

  • Héctor Lavoe, "Periódico de Ayer"

  • Eddie Palmieri, "Vámonos pal monte"

  • Tirso Duarte & Guayacán, "El más rico beso"

  • Marc Anthony, "Vivir mi vida"

  • Mauro Castillo, "El alboroto"

  • Rigo El Negro, "La más bella"

  • Los hermanos LeBron, "Qué haces aquí"

  • Michael Jackson, "They Don't Care About Us"

  • Mary J Blige, "Family Affair"

  • Elvis vs JXL, "A Little Less Conversation"

  • Johnny Colón, "Merecumbe"

These songs are a mix of classic salsa tracks and more contemporary pieces that are suitable for salsa dancing. Keep in mind that not all pop songs with a BPM within the salsa range will necessarily be suitable for salsa dancing, as the rhythm and structure of the music are also important factors.

Great benefits of dancing salsa

Dancing salsa releases a lot of feelings of happiness and strengthens the body due to the release of endorphins emotional health. However, the fiery ballroom dance not only has a positive effect on your own soul but is also a real blessing from a physical point of view: your posture noticeably improves; you You stand much more upright and therefore radiate more self-confidence and pride. Plus it lasts Dance direction Salsa keeps your joints and bones fit and ensures enough movement in your life! The dance style applies a true fountain of youth and should definitely be tried out.

If you want to learn salsa, there are endless options available. You can do so at Lass-Tanzen You are welcome to register and find a suitable dance partner by specifying your desired city look for a course. You can also narrow down the search by dance level and age of your partner.

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