Your first basic steps are important building blocks where each shine and each turn pattern build upon itself to a solid foundation. There are two basic movements to the Salsa dance steps - Forward Basic and Back Basic.

Generally, the follower or woman always mirrors the leader's or man's steps, so while the leader performs a back basic movement, the follower performs a forward basic movement and visa versa.

The numbers below represents the beat of the music.
Your weight should be on the foot mentioned by the beat in the music. Always start with both feet together.

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BASIC STEPS - LEADER'S/MEN’S TIMING
1 2 3 hold  5 6 7 hold
L R L hold R L R hold

Leaders start with BACK BASIC:
1. Step in place with your LEFT Foot
2. Break back with your RIGHT Foot
3. Step in place with LEFT Foot
4. Hold this beat

Then complete with FORWARD BASIC:
5. Step in place with RIGHT Foot
6. Break forward with LEFT Foot
7. Step in place with RIGHT Foot
8. Hold this beat

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BASIC STEPS - FOLLOWER'S/WOMEN’S TIMING
1 2 3  hold 5 6 7 hold
R L R hold L R L hold

Followers start with FORWARD BASIC:
1. Step in place with RIGHT Foot
2. Break forward with LEFT Foot
3. Step in place with RIGHT Foot
4. Hold this beat

Then complete with BACK BASIC:
5. Step in place with LEFT Foot
6. Break back with RIGHT Foot
7. Step in place with LEFT Foot
8. Hold this beat

Learning dance steps is like learning to ride a bike. Aside from getting the rhythm and timing into your system, it's all about muscle memories. And practice makes perfect! All it takes is 15 to 30 minutes each day to review the basic turns and shines that was taught in a previous class, then invite a fellow student/partner to practice together after class.

NEW!!! Student practice is starting on May 6 and then every Tuesday from 9:30-10pm at Champions Studio. It's highly  recommended that everyone stay after classes or drop-in for single practice sessions ($5). Instructor(s) will be around for guidance and questions.

click here for current classes and practice schedules >>>

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LEADING AND FOLLOWING

Even though the man leads the whole dance, the idea is that the man is trying to seduce the lady, he is pushing forward and she is pushing him away. So maintain a slight forward pressure with your body.

If you are in closed dance position – Leader’s right hand should be just below the shoulder blade, and his left hand gently takes hers in his - Follower should place her thumb on the intersection of the muscles just below his shoulder (he should have a little slot where it fits naturally). The cardinal rule is hold each other comfortably. Under no circumstances should you stretch to reach your partner.

There’s only one leader in the dance, so let the leader lead. After all it is his job! If he is having trouble, be considerate and have patience. He will come around and when he does, he will remember who was nice to him when he struggled.

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LATIN DANCE TECHNIQUE

When you step, whether forward, backward or side, step onto the inside ball of your foot (big toe), roll your foot onto the small ball (little toe), then place the foot flatly onto the floor, straightening the leg. If you have done this correctly, your body weight is now on the foot you have lowered and you should be able to stand on one leg without falling over.

The hip sway motion is a natural consequence of changing weight from one foot to the other. There is no intentional hip movement in any of the Latin dances, so don’t overdo it!

Always take small steps. If the music is really fast, move with just a half foot length!

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KNEE BENDS

You shouldn't need to consciously bend your knee. Relax! As you change weight onto one leg the other leg should naturally bend at the knee and the heel of the foot raise. In the Latin dances whenever one leg is straight (bearing weight), the other should be bent. If this hasn't happened then your weight is probably centered. Simply shift your weight onto the appropriate leg. It may take a bit of practice to co-ordinate your movements.

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ARMS AND ELBOWS

Try not to thrash your arms and elbows aimlessly. Proper arm styling can enhance your dance if only used effectively. Leader should use his arms to tell the follower when to come forward or go back. Both need to keep some tension (pressure) in the arms, so that leaders can lead. Even if you are a beginner, you can dance effectively if you stand erect and keep a firm pressure on your partner.

Ladies should let the leaders lead them. Try to control your movements within timing and style appropriately. A leader would not be able to lead effectively if followers bounce around, do not stay on timing or do not sustain hand/arm pressure when dancing.

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POSTURE

Salsa dance should be done with a hint of sexuality but remember, children maybe watching, so keep it clean! Leaders need to keep their upper body tall and be gently aggressive. When you dance, pay attention and look at your partner. Enjoy yourselves and have a good time!

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DANCE TRICKS AND TIPS

If you lose the beat and find yourself out of step with the music, don't try to catch up. It will make things worse and confuse your partner. Instead just close your feet to return to the start position (do nothing). Wait for the next bar of music and start again (forward or back basics).

Please be considerate of your partner. If you want to perform some fancy move but your follower is on the wrong foot, or someone is in the way making it hard or even dangerous for her to do the move - abort mission! Be aware of what’s around you and always lead your follower into an open space before you do a move.

Dance is about partnership and team work. Co-operate with each other is the key. Be your partners’ eyes if they are stepping backwards where something will obstruct their steps, it’s both of your responsibility to prevent accidents from happening.