How to Do a Salsa Break Step

A break step is an important part of salsa dancing. It occurs on the same beat each measure, allowing partners to establish a connection and timing together. With some practice, you can do a break step in salsa dancing accurately and artfully!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Do a forward salsa break step on count one! That is the most popular way of teaching salsa. On this break step, it will be established who is leading the dance. The break step is then done again on count four. It should proceed this way through the dance for many forms of salsa dance.

2. Start the back break step by rolling your weight from the ball of your foot to its heel. The heel should touch the ground in one movement, then rise.

3. Thrust the left foot behind you, letting it glide slowly and completely to the floor.

4. Bring the left foot back directly into position.

5. Thrust the right foot behind you as soon as the heel of the left foot is on the floor.

6. Bring the right foot back into position.

7. Thrust the left foot behind you once again as soon as the heel of the right foot is back in position and begin the sequence all over again!

8. Repeat this over and over again in quick succession to learn fully what a salsa break step is. Get up to tempo and you will find it looks like a skilled, fluid motion when done in a fast-paced dance.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow for alterations on who leads on the break step. It should be felt between the partners.
• Each break step should be distinct, giving a full shift in which foot your weight rests upon.
• Take small steps, as they allow you to move faster to the music!
• Don't blend slow and fast steps together. Let each style of step have their own moment, beat, and story.
• Never count steps aloud. They should be counted mentally, but never aloud.
• Don't over-extend your arms. You want to keep the movements short and connected to your partner.