How to Salsa

Listen to the rhythm of the music as you learn this popular Latin dance. You can learn the basic salsa steps in less than an hour and sashay all over the dance floor before you know it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Dance Floors
• Dancing Skirts
• Men's Baggy Pants
• Men's Dancing Shoes
• Women's Dancing Shoes
• Cuban Salsa CDs
• Salsa Videos

1. Get in position by facing your partner. If you are the leader, place your right hand on your partner's waist, slightly around the back. Extend your left arm diagonally to chest height with your elbow bent at a right angle and your palm raised. Grasp your partner's right hand in a loose grip; your partner's left hand should be on your right shoulder.
2. On the first beat, step forward with your left foot. Your partner will mirror each of your movements throughout the dance; for example, on the first beat she will step backward with her right foot.
3. Step in place with your right foot on the second beat.
4. Step back with your left foot on the third beat so that you are back in the starting position, and hold in place for the fourth beat.
5. Step back with your right foot on the fifth beat.
6. Step in place with your left foot on the sixth beat.
7. Step forward with your right foot on the seventh beat so that you are back in the starting position, and hold for the eighth beat.
8. Repeat, starting at step 2.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add more complicated moves once you've got the basic salsa step down.
• Act sassy while dancing, but don't use exaggerated hip movement. That sexy swing will come naturally as you let yourself feel the rhythm.
• Some salsa clubs offer free or inexpensive introductory classes or specials on certain nights of the week.