A Guide to 5 Fundamentals of Salsa Dance -

The fundamentals of salsa dance help beginners understand rhythm, movement, and connection before learning advanced steps.

Alright, we have heard the song and felt the rhythm. But what else? You may have even made
some awkward attempts at shaking your hips or trying Salsa dancing steps, but you got
confused about where to start!

First, Salsa is a quick and enjoyable dance style that makes you appear more incredible than
you are. But here’s the aspect: you want to grasp the basics before busting out those complex
spins and clean footwork.

And don’t worry; this isn’t going to be one of those “supercritical” blogs that leave you feeling
like you signed up for a ten-year dance marathon. Nope, we’re here at Sensual Movement
USA to break down the five fundamentals of Salsa in a fun and smooth way to recognize.
Let us get started:

What are the Five Fundamentals of Salsa?

Take a look at the five basics before thinking of learning Salsa dance.

1.Learn The Basic Step

Before we get fancy with spins, turns, and dramatic arm movements, let us discuss the most
crucial step: the simple step.

Here’s the component of Salsa: it’s all about rhythm. If you don’t know which to start with, then
start with the simple step. It’s the heartbeat of the whole dance, the muse upon which the entire
thing rests.

The fundamental step comprises three easy steps: one step forward, one step backward, and
a quick step in place (or a tap).

If you’re the lead (aka the man or woman guiding the dance), you must take that first step
forward, back, and tap in place. If you are following, you’ll be doing the other.

Then the step looks more like-
● For lead: forward
● Follower: Back.
The beauty of Salsa is behind the mastered fundamental steps; honestly, you’re close to
learning the dance.

2.If You Can’t Count, You Can’t Salsa

Salsa isn’t just about shifting your body; it’s about shifting according to the beats. And to do this,
you’ve been given some serious timing skills. Salsa follows an 8-count rhythm, and learning that
is a path to Salsa pro.
Think of it this way: Salsa is a sport of musical chairs. You want to understand whilst moving (1,
2, 3, 5, 6, 7), pausing (4, 8), and making the dramatic hand move, making you appear to be
auditioning for a Salsa-themed track video.

Here is the trick- Just practice, practice, and practice.

Count alongside the music until the rhythm is in your bones. Before you understand it, you’ll
transfer to the beat and find its irresistible 2d nature. Just bear in mind: Salsa time is 1-2-3, 5-6-7.The four and eight will be your breather beats, wherein you pause and give yourself a
moment to experience how exceptional you look while your feet are definitely in sync with the
rhythm.

3.Salsa is all in Footwork

Yes, footwork is the actual magic of Salsa.

You’re ready to focus on your feet once you’ve nailed the simple step and locked down your
timing. Here is the component: Salsa is about moving your feet with a goal. Your feet aren’t
simply shuffling around aimlessly; they have a motive.

And no, you don’t need to tap like a dancer in ballet. However, you must recognize how to
manage your steps to fit the song. If you’ve been secretly taking Salsa lessons for years, you
want your feet to hit the floor with sufficient fashion and precision to surprise home sapiens.
An essential part of footwork is the ball of the foot. Most Salsa dancers step with the ball in their
foot first (instead of flat-footed) to offer you that sharp, crisp feeling. Practice stepping lightly and
quickly. Salsa is all about clean and controlled footwork, so keep it mild!

4.Show Your Dance Chemistry

Salsa isn’t a solo overall performance. It is a verbal exchange between two humans, a dance of
give-and-take that includes a leader and a follower. This leads to a connection, the only thing
that makes you fall in love with the dance, place, and lyrics.

The connection is what makes Salsa so beautiful. It lets both the leader and follower do the
talking with rhythm. Try to keep a comfortable but deep connection when dancing with your
partner.
The lead should be gentle, while the follower should respond lightly and fluidly. It is now not
about grabbing or pulling; it’s about using your palms, hands, and body to talk movements with
subtlety and grace.

5.Involve Whole Body

Finally, let’s discuss body movement. Salsa isn’t just about shifting your feet but making your
body move to the rhythm. So, you’ve got your toes taken care of, your timing down, and your
connection on point. But you’re missing out if you’re not transferring your body with some flair.
The key here is the hip movement. Yes, we already stated it. People know Salsa for the hip
movement only. That song is genuine when Shakira says, “The hips don’t lie.” When you
circulate your body, specifically your hips, in time with the music, it creates that natural glide that
makes Salsa look so easy.

Get Ready for Salsa!

So there you have it after knowing the five fundamentals of Salsa! The simple steps are timing,
footwork, connection, and body movement. You’ll be well on your way to being the Salsa dancer
you’ve always imagined yourself to be once you’ve mastered these fundamentals. Or at the
least, the one who can avoid stepping on different human beings’ feet.

Remember, Salsa is meant to be amusing, so don’t feel pressured if it takes a little extra
practice. Just hold dancing to the music, and soon enough, you’ll hopefully shake your hips and
twirl throughout the dance ground like a true pro. But still, if Salsa seems complicated, we
suggest you try your steps on Bachata Sensual. Try one bachata class with Sensual
Movement USA and enjoy it with your partner.