| Mastering the basic step will be the first key step to | | | | Repeat Step 1 |
| developing proper technique and timing in salsa. Your | | | | FOR THE MEN |
| spins and partner-work techniques will be executed in | | | | 1. Step back with the left foot on the first count |
| sync with the rhythm of the music once you have | | | | 2. Step back with the right foot on the second count |
| mastered your basic. Think of the basic step as the | | | | 3. Step in place with the left foot on the third count |
| drummer in a band. It keeps you and your partner on | | | | 4. Pause on the fourth count |
| time. | | | | 5. Step forward with your right foot on the fifth count |
| I encourage you to practice these steps at home but it | | | | 6. Step forward with your left foot on the sixth count |
| goes with out saying that online instruction is no | | | | 7. Step in place with your right foot on the seventh |
| substitute for real time studio instruction. There are | | | | count |
| many finer elements of the basic step such as the | | | | 8. Pause on the eighth count |
| cuban hip motion and arm work. What you get in a | | | | Repeat Step 1 |
| class that you don't get from your computer is | | | | Because of the pause on the 4th and 8th counts, |
| invaluable feedback from your instructor and the | | | | salsa has a rhythmic feel of slow, quick, slow, - slow, |
| opportunity practice with other students. I hope this | | | | quick, slow, |
| tutorial will get your feet moving but make sure to get | | | | The Salsa Basic Dance Step is danced in closed |
| the proper training by stopping by a studio salsa class. | | | | position with the Man facing the Woman. |
| Salsa music is played in 4/4 time and has 4 beats to | | | | There are four points of contact between the Man |
| the measure or bar. The basic step happens with in 2 | | | | and the Woman. |
| measures or 8 counts. The Salsa Basic Step is | | | | 1.) The Leader takes the Follower's Right Hand with his |
| danced as follows... | | | | Left Hand. |
| FOR THE LADIES | | | | 2.) The Leader places his Right Hand on the Followers |
| 1. Step forward with your right foot on the first count | | | | back. |
| 2. Step forward with your left foot on the second | | | | 3.) The Follower places her Left hand on the Leaders |
| count | | | | shoulder. |
| 3. Step in place with your right foot on the third count | | | | 4.) The Leader and the Follower keep their chin up and |
| 4. Pause on the fourth count | | | | maintain eye contact. |
| 5. Step back with the left foot on the fifth count | | | | Now that you have your feet moving, make sure to |
| 6. Step back with the right foot on the sixth count | | | | enroll in salsa classes to get the experience of doing |
| 7. Step in place with the left foot on the seventh count | | | | the basic step with different partners. |
| 8. Pause on the eighth count | | | | |