How to do the Basic Back Step in Salsa Dance

Salsa is a sinuous dance style that originated in Cuba and Puerto Rico. Most of the moves in Salsa concentrate on the lower half of the body. This basic back step is one of these steps. The basic back step is a fundamental move in Salsa dancing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stand with your feet 2 to 3 inches apart.

2. Bend your right leg and step behind your left leg. Step on the pad (or ball) of your foot with your heel still slightly in the air. Turn your hips with your foot as it moves backward.

3. Drop the right heel onto the floor and lift the left heel off the ground with the toe and ball of the foot still on the floor. Drop the left heel to the floor. At this point you hear three taps, or have three foot movements: the two right leg taps and the left leg tap. The time on this is 1-2-4 or 2-3-5 depending on when you start.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 with the opposite leg. This gives you a total of six steps or movements. These six movements complete the basic Salsa back step.

5. Practice this step until you can do it in the time with the music.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more Latin style, stretch your leg as you step back and extend the calf muscle.
• When doing the basic Salsa back step with a partner, you need to be in sync with each other.