Salsa Dance Steps for Beginners

Basic salsa dance steps are fun and easily learned.

Salsa is a fun and sexy dance. It can be intimidating to watch advanced salsa dancers, but when practiced, basic salsa dance steps are easily learned. If you practice frequently at home or at a studio then you can do well enough to join your friends at a salsa club or host your own salsa party.

The Latin Basic

Just move one foot in front of the other and move back.

The Latin basic is popular throughout the Americas. Fortunately it is a really simple step to learn. To start, shift your weight to the right leg. Keep your right leg in place and take a small step forward with your left leg. To perform a correct Latin step, step onto the inside ball of your foot (by your big toe) and roll your foot to your little toe. Place your foot flat on the floor and keep your leg straight. Move your left leg back in line with your right leg. Shift your weight to your left leg. Clap once. Firmly keep your left leg in place and take a small step forward with your right leg. Roll the foot properly, then move your right leg back in line with your left leg. Clap once. Repeat to keep in beat with the music. If you do this correctly, there should be a natural hip sway. Do not try to create this effect, but let it happen naturally.

Cucaracha

The Cucaracha is a basic side step.

The cucaracha may sound like it would be difficult but it is actually a very simple step. Using your right leg, take a small step to your side. Keep your left leg firmly in place. Move your right leg back so that it is next to your left leg. Clap once. Repeat the process.

Basic Salsa Step

This is an easy salsa step.

To do this basic salsa step, hold hands with your partner. Decide who will lead. Whoever leads does the following: Take a small step in place with your left foot. Take a small step back with your right foot. Take another small step in place with your left foot. Hold position for one beat. Take a small step in place with your right foot. Step forward with your left foot. Take another small step in place with your right foot. Hold position for one beat. Repeat. The follower does opposite so that you are moving in the same direction. The symbolism of this step is that the leader is trying to seduce the follower by pushing the follower forward and then backward.

Arm Movements

Arm movements are more advanced.

According to Cynthia La China of NY Salsa Baby, you should not "thrash" your arms about. It is best just to hold hands with your partner while doing the moves and keep your arms steady. Though arm movements are a part of salsa dancing, you should probably learn the basic steps before trying to attempt them.

Sexuality

Stay at an equal sexual pace with your partner.

According to Cynthia La China, salsa is sexual in nature but it is a good idea to be respectful if there are any children around. Otherwise, take cues from your partner regarding the sexual pace of the dance.

References

• Salsa and Merengue: Salsa Basic Steps
• NY Salsa Baby: Basic Steps: Cynthia La China