After taking dance lessons for several months, I feel that I understand the basics fairly well?
When I take the lady's out to the dance floor, I have trouble finding the "1". I was also told that Mambo is simply dancing salsa On2? The Salsero
The basic Salsa rhythm is based on 8 measures. This is why we normally count, "one, two, three, pause and five, six, seven, pause". When we start our first step on the first count, we call that "dancing" or "breaking on 1".
Many Salsa dancers have problems hearing the beats ( In particular to identify the first beat in the 8 beat phrase). This is because the Salsa rhythm is created by a complex blend of different rhythm instruments.The trick is to be able to hear the difference between the "Clave Rhythm" and the constant 1-2-3, 5-6-7 beat.
Listening to the Melodies
because you don't dance to the melody, you dance to the rhythm.
Don't listen to any one instrument. Try to just feel the music in general. There will not be one instrument playing a steady eight counts throughout the song. Sometimes there will be nothing to listen to at all like when the band is silent for a few seconds and then starts back up. You have to keep up a steady count just like they do
A good way to practice at home is by turning the bass up all the way on your stereo. The more bass and volume you have, the easier it is to feel the music.
As you slowly become a conisuer of vintage salsa music you will discover that there are many styles of salsa music that vary in rhythm depending on the countries they originate from. Some are geared for dancing On1 and some are geared for dancing Mambo On2. Try not to worry so much on timing and dance to the music. Salsa dancing is all about expressing yourself through the rhythm of the music and painting a Masterpiece of that song with the follower you are dancing with.
Dance whatever you are feeling in the music and just let it go!!!
Salsero's Corner
No matter how good you think you are, always dance to the level of the person that you are dancing with. Sometimes a lady's smile on the outside is really a cry for help on the inside.
Treat and make the ladies look like Queen's on the dance floor because that's what they are.
Arturo "Azucar" Penaloza is probably one of the most interesting salseros to watch on the dance floor.
When he is not styling, he is dancing musicality and if thats not enough, he will have you scratching your head as he displays the true definition of combinations with variations. Simply put he is Out of Control!
When you wear accessories such as hats, belts and long dresses don't be afraid to use them in your dance for styling. Example: Turn that hat to the side on that 5,6,7,. Use that dress when coming out of a turn and tell your partner no with it. This will definitely put a big smile on your his face.
If you can't style when you want to with your hands, because the leader has both of them let him have it with your foot work. Example: Shines or styling in cbl's or turns.
Smoke & Lights
Here are two of the most promising lawsuits for club owners and the quickest way to end to your career as a "Salsa DJ"!
As for dancers smoke is the quickest way to "Piss them off!" Salsero don't wear clothes they wear garments and they don't like anything which gets on or inhibits the display of there salsa "Go Get Um Gear"!
Lights are for techno and ecstasy and salsero's do neither one! This turns the dancefloor into a train wreck!
Tips For the Beginners
Master your rhythm & timing, basic step, right turns, left turns, basic shines (foot work) and cbl's. When you think that you have mastered them start over again and add styling and musicality.
Don't worry so much about patterns until you have mastered the basics with styling and musicality to all speeds of music.
San Diego visit to Salsa Suave Dance Company with Mambo's finest from
Puerto Rico, Jayson Molina
We’re all born unique but most of us end up dying copies of others. I hope that people maintain their uniqueness because that’s really a special thing, you should always maintain the little girl or little boy inside of you having fun.
Albert Torres
Q. The hand signals for Sacala and for Vacilala are exactly the same (index finger to the eyeball). Can you explain how one hand signal can cover two very different moves without causing confusion?
A. The hand signal for Sacala is only called when the lady is on the right shoulder. The hand signal for Vacilala is only called when the lady is on the left shoulder. *Note:In relation to the center of the circle.
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