How to Do a Salsa Basic Step

Salsa dancing has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. Watching the expert salseros spin and shimmy on the dance floor can be intimidating. But don't be a wallflower. While the best way to learn salsa dancing is from a trained dancer, just knowing the basic salsa step--upon which all salsa dancing is based-- is all you need to venture out onto the dance floor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. When you dance salsa, you move to a rhythm of two measures with four beats each. The basic step uses three steps for each measure or "half." You count from 1 to 8 to complete the move.

2. Stand up tall and bend your knees slightly. Start with your feet together. Complete the step as follows from 1 to 8.

3. 1: Step your left foot forward.2. Lift and lower your right foot (which is still in place) slightly. It's not so much of a "step" as it is the suggestion of a step.3. Move your left foot back to center.3. Pause

4. 1: Step your left foot backward.2. Lift and lower your right foot (which is still in place) slightly. Again, it's not so much of a "step" as it is the suggestion of a step.3. Move your left foot back to center.3. Pause

5. Although you can dance salsa alone, you will almost certainly want to salsa with a partner. The man and woman basically perform the same steps either holding hands or in open or closed dance positions. The only difference is that, when the man's left foot proceeds forward, the woman's left foot moves backward, and vice-versa. With a partner, you can expand upon the basic step and learn new moves, turns, spins and all sorts of variations. Remember: salsa is a largely improvised dance. But to be able to improvise, you need to learn a repertoire of movements.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a class. It's the best way to learn salsa.
• Get familiar with the music. Immerse yourself in the sounds of salsa --including its defining clave and its African roots--and your dancing will almost certainly improve.