Salsa

[scottcarson]

Can you step "left, right"? Can you count to 3? Then you can salsa!

The Salsa is the street version of the mambo, so it's a little more fun and not usually not done in a ballroom fashion with perfect frames, etc. Here it is:

> Make sure you have a good salsa-friendly song playing. I recommend anything with a "1,2 ... 3" beat. If you don't know how to look for that yet, that's OK, just use something simple like Ricki Lee - Can't Touch It


First, just listen for the beat and step on the spot. For now, just count/step "1,2.. 1,2... 1,2 ..." or "left, right, left, right ...". If you get mixed up later, just remember that the dance is always "left, right, left, right ...".

Next, listen for the beat to count "1-2,3 ... 1-2,3 ..." or "quick-quick, slow ... quick-quick, slow ...".

1. Gentlemen: You'll be stepping forward with the left for the first step. Ladies: You'll step back with the right. So (using the gentleman's stepping), the move is:
   • Start with feet side by side
   • Step forward with the left
   • Step on the spot with the right
   • Step back to the beginning (feet side by side)
   Think of it like you're chasing the lady ;-)
2. Again, using the gentleman's steps, the next sequence is to do the opposite (i.e. the right goes back), like this:
   • Start with feet side by side
   • Step backward with the right
   • Step on the spot with the left
   • Step back to the beginning (feet side by side)

Now, just keep repeating that sequence!

Once you have the step sequence down packed, you'll want to match it to the beat of the music. As I mentioned earlier, the music has a "3 count", or "quick-qucik, slow" count. That means the first 2 steps are done quickly, then there's a slight pause and the third step occurs. So we now have (using the gentleman's step):
- left-right ... left ... right-left ... right

To help you get the speed, don't actually "step". Be light on your toes for all the steps. Also, on the 2nd quick step (i.e. left-right ... left), don't step. Rather, just rock in place with the foot. Lastly, use your hips instead! Rock your hips to help you get the speed.

The Fusion Factory will be producing instructional videos for you. In the meantime, here's a great demo: Intro To Salsa - Part 1

Show me your SaLsAAAA!!!
-Scott.