The Salsa
|
Dance Summary
Type: Latin American Social Character: Fast, circular, continous motion Music: Traditional Latin (4/4) In Short: Salsa is highly improvisational, great exercise, and very popular, but difficult for beginners |
|
|
Beginner's Rating
Simple:  Instructional: Creative: Slow-Paced: Practical: Overall Score: |
|
|
Notes on Frame Though a strict ballroom frame is unnecessary in this dance, be certain to maintain a good connection with your partner. While in closed position, the man should place his right hand is on the lady's shoulder blade and make a shelf with his left hand at about her eye level. The lady should place her left hand in opposition to his shoulder and right on the shelf created by her partner. While in open position, partners should maintain connection via hand-to-hand contact, in which case both must be mindful to provide enough resistance in their arms to communicate with one another. |
|
|
Notes on Footwork All steps should be taken on the inside edge of the balls of the feet in order to facilitate a stop-and-go sort of motion as well as cuban hip motion, no more than shoulder width when stepping to the side and heel to toe when stepping forwards and backwards. Latin dances employ sudden quicks and lingering slows to produce stocatto movement around the floor. Feet should always be in contact with the floor. |
|
|
Notes on Movement Generally Latin dances such at this will be contained and circular, aside from a few patterns which allow for more travel. Higher level dancers will travel more than beginning dancers. There are no rules for travel in this dance. Simply be considerate of others on the floor, being careful to allow adequate space for any patterns performed. |
|
Practice Points
Begin by listening to Salsa music on a regular basis. Salsa music often does not have the pronounced beats present in many other styles and is usually played by a twelve-piece band, making for a rich yet confusing instrumental experience. Learning to hear the music is essential to dancing it. With the dance, begin practicing the basic by marching it out in place. Stepping in place is two thirds of the basic step and is closer to the actual Salsa than performing the pattern off timing. Once the timing has become second nature, begin to expand the pattern to the actual basic. Keep the dance compact and controlled.
Recommendations
The Salsa is quickly becoming one of the world's favorite dances. Its symmetry allows for a wide range of patterns and improvisational techniques. Its movement and styling produce an impressive high energy display. And its highly social nature gives it a relaxed air and makes it adaptable to a wide range of social situations. A beginner's only fear in this dance is its fast pace, a barrier which is not always so easily overcome. Nonetheless, Salsa's practicality and excitement more than make up for the difficult learning process.
This dance would be well suited for any of the following occasions:
| Anniversary Evenings Ballroom Dances  Class Reunions Corporate Events Cruises Dance Clubs | Fitness Centers College Formals In-home Parties Marriage Programs Marriage Retreats Outdoor Dances | Regional Vacations Social Dances School Proms School Talent Shows Wedding Receptions Youth Events |