How to Learn Salsa Dance Steps

Salsa dancing is best mastered through learning the basics first.

The best way to learn salsa is to immerse yourself in the salsa culture by observing salsa dancing either online or through DVDs or ideally through attending or observing a salsa dance class. Start at home by practicing the basic salsa combination below. This combination is used often in salsa dancing and choreography and is a core step that once mastered will help you to progress as a salsa dancer.

Things You'll Need

• Shoes with a heel
• Space to dance
• Salsa DVD
• Salsa class
• Mirror
• Music
• Computer

Instructions

1. Leave your arms at your side until the footwork is mastered. Begin with your feet shoulder-width apart and the weight evening distributed between them.

2. Step the right foot forward and put the weight on the ball of the right foot. Shift the weight back to the left foot, and bring the right foot back alongside the left.

3. Step the left foot behind, putting your weight on the ball of the left foot. Rock your weight back to the right foot and move your left foot back alongside the right.

4. Repeat the step combination, picking up speed as you increase your comfort with the steps.

5. Add hips and arm movements once the footwork is mastered. When you step the right foot forward, swing your hips to the right. When the left foot steps backward, swing the hips to the left. With your arms bent in at an angle, make small circles with your arms in front of your body, rolling your shoulders simultaneously in time with the footwork.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your moves in front of a mirror to help identify flaws and perfect your movement.

• Begin learning the steps without music. Add music once the basic step is mastered to help you develop musicality and keep time with the rhythm.

References

• Salsa Dance Secrets
• Learn Salsa: About Us