6 Tips for Better Salsa Basic Steps (and WHY you should use them)
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- Опубліковано 11 лип 2024
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Improve your salsa basic steps with these salsa technique tips for men and women. We'll help you avoid the most common mistakes salsa beginners make when doing the salsa basic steps. The biggest tip I have for salsa for beginners is make good habits from the start. Unlearning your bad habits later is much harder. Think of this tutorial whenever doing your salsa basics solo or with a partner.
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Which tip was most helpful? Let me know! If you want to go deeper with us I invite you to try our complete online salsa and bachata courses free for a week: go.thedancedojo.com/free-trial
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Your most helpful tip for me was to learn that I don't have to bring my foot back to neutral position or home position. It definitely looks better, not so robotic. Thanks a lot!
Right on, glad it helped!
I have been salsa dancing for 10 years and teach beginner classes from time to time. Being knock-kneed and pigeon toed, I've always struggled with my balance. I have worked on turning my feet out and it really helps a lot. No teacher has ever specifically mentioned that so I really appreciate this.
So glad it could help Sherri! I've had hip issues myself so it's these little things that make you more comfortable that can actually be a big deal. keep having fun! -robin
@@thedancedojo Also, I will be moving to Mexico (Baja) next month. We will be looking for salsa instructors to come down and do workshops. Just putting that out there.
Sounds fun! I've never been to Baja. In this case it would be coming up since I live in Medellín ;) haha -Robin
@@thedancedojo I don't know where that is. lol
If you watch modeling video tutorials, that's where it the tightrope thing comes from as more "elegant." I completely agree with you. It could be ok to do here and there as a subtle style difference.
To me acknowledging that there is no 'right' and 'wrong' was important to see that everything needs to be put into context with purpose. Each of my teachers has a slightly individual style and Iearning from different teachers, I get sometimes confused why they do steps a bit differently - like passing through the middle for instance. I realise that dancing gives you a lot more leeway in positioning your feet compared to a karate kata. Arguing the pro's and con's of different styles helps me to form an opinion and gain a little confidence. Thanks.
Awesome, glad it can help! It helped me a lot to realize there's no right or wrong as well. you get less judgemental with yourself and realize there's lots of leeway. what works is the most important. -robin
No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5 are the most useful points for me because nobody had ever explained to me about them so specifically. Many thanks Robin, you are the best !!!
Glad they helped my man! -Robin
YOU have a gift, I now understand the " why" to the basics and made so much sense...thank you.
So happy it helped! 🙌 -robin
All the tips are so helpful, especially turning your feet out and dancing on two lines. Dancing on one line looks so hard!!
Couldn't agree more. Won't see me on a tightrope between two buildings anytime soon. -robin
Thank you for sharing these tips. All of them are useful for me. At age 65, I challenged myself to learn salsa for the first time in my life. After three years, I am enjoying the process. I have followed several of your very well done videos. They have been of great help.
That's so inspiring, congratulations to you for being so open and pushing yourself to do new things. I love that! And thanks for taking a second to send me some love, it really means a lot. Keep having fun and enjoy the journey :) -Robin
Bro,you’re doing a great job. Thank you 🙏🏼
Thanks Tomas! glad you're enjoying the vids -robin
As someone who is just starting out, all 6 tips were the best advice for me. Thank you so much.
Right on Larry! Glad they could help
Your teachings are a bliss 🙏 your last tip is what I must work on the most 👍
Thanks a lot. so glad it can help! -robin
This is a good explanation! Thank you for your video!
Glad it was helpful! -Robin
Aha!! #1 and #6. Amazing how we never stop learning the nuance of salsa. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise.
Thanks for watching sharing Amparo! You're totally right, there's always so much more to learn -Robin
all of your tipps are great.....love it. Thanks so much
Thanks Benno! glad you liked em
Such a great video! ❤ Clear and to the point ❤❤❤
Glad it was helpful! -Robin
Dance on two lines. That's one I haven't heard before.
Thanks for the videos. Really great work you're doing to help us get better, new and experienced alike.
So glad it could help! thanks a lot :) -robin
I've just started dancing, and Salsa has always been my dream. This video was superb! Especially the "chill with body movements" 😂 I felt so called out. Thank you! Such a wholesome content.
Haha we've all done it! Glad you liked it dude. Enjoy the journey, it's fun! -robin
Just went to my first lesson yesterday in a helluva long time, so I was searching for videos on breaking down the fundamentals. Great tips I can use right away. Especially liked the feet out for turns and hip movement, pass through the middle, and importance of the "why" behind not only these tips but life in general.
Awesome Greg, so glad it was helpful! Keep up the practice and you'll be feeling great in no time :) -robin
Thank you. It was ALL great advice. Probably, most helpful for me was the posture advice and the ‘passing’ of feet. I’ve watched a number of videos on basic Salsa and yours has been the most helpful. Thanks again. Greetings from Australia.
Thanks for the love Carmel! so glad those tips were helpful :) - Robin
Thank you so much. Blessings ❤
You are so welcome! Thank you.
The first tip on its own is huge, great video thank you.
Glad it helped Andre! -robin
Oh my gosh! I love you. This has been do helpful!
So glad to hear that Natalia! -robin
Definitely the basic step saying for to be more smooth like a walk opposed to coming to the center really great tip!
Awesome, glad it helped Reagan! But also know that it's not wrong to stop in the middle if that's the aesthetic you want. -robin
Thank YOU 🙏 Answers so many questions !!
So glad it helped Christina! -robin
Easy to understand with good tips. Great video class for beginners.
thanks!
Excellent presentation. Makes sense! Thank you!
Thanks for watching Beverly! Really happy it could help -robin
All important and great tips, spot on!
Right on, super glad they could help!
Hello Mr. Dance Dojo. Details on your video are highly appreciated. Thank You for sharing it with all of US!
My pleasure! Thanks a lot for watching - Robin
Really good tips Thank you
Really appreciate that Judith - glad they could help! - Robin
Great breakdown all excellent points thanks
Cheers Joel thanks for watching -Robin
nice video great information for beginner dancers thanks a lot
Hope it can help a little, thanks Christina! -Robin
Thank you for the valuable, helpful TIPS. Clear instructions.
Glad they helped Marylou!
Thanks so much! This video really helped 😁
Awesome Zach, happy it could help! -robin
I'm trying to learn salsa. Saw quite a few videos. This shows everything nobody else was teaching and I needed help with. Excellent teacher and content. I use the same philosophy when teaching martial arts. Thank you so much brother! I am saving this and will be referring others to this channel.
awesome, so glad it helped! really appreciate that 🙏 -robin
What you said! 🙂
Oi @ Robin Campbell. Solid tips amigo! I really liked the ‘turn out your feet’ and ‘pass through the middle’ tips. I’ve been dancing for a long time and i never even thought about those 2 very helpful tips! Thank you sir and keep this channel rocking man. Best salsa dancing channel hands down. 👍💪🙌
awesome David, happy it helped man! and thanks so much, that means a lot! 🙌 -robin
Wonderful tips!
Glad it was helpful!
I’m extra new. All the tips were very helpful. Thanks!!!
Awesome glad they helped Carrie!
Great learning video, easy to follow with great tips.
thanks really glad you enjoyed it! -robin
I just started learning offline in India and thought of checking if my instructor taught me well, so I got to know few good points especially with reason. Thank you! You just got a new subscriber.
So glad the video helped! Thanks for watching -robin
Excellent and very helpful tips
Thanks Yeasmin! Glad you found them helpful 😀🙏🏼 -Robin
I think the most radical tip for me, is the one regarding dancing on two lines instead of one... makes so much sense...
It's not something I've been consciously told or thought about but it makes so much sense when he explains it
Glad it makes sense Nathalie and Kush! There's lots of info out there, and it's not always easy to understand why people suggest things, so wanted to clear that up. Thanks for watching! -Robin
Very very helpful! Thank you
Glad it's helpful Yelena! -robin
Robin !! My men
Thanks for the video 💪🏼👍🏼
My pleasure Huáscar! Which tip helped the most? -Robin
Excelentes consejos!! Todos fueron súper útiles y me ayudarán a coordinarme mejor con mi pareja de baile. Muchas gracias Robin
Que genial! Me alegra mucho que los ayudaron 🙏 -robin
Great round up of the important basic stuff
Hey thanks! Long time, hope you're doing well :) -Robin
Wonderful, thank you very much !
Thank you Serge! -robin
Thank you this is a huge deep into the details. Yes only way to build a strong foundation !
glad it could help!
@@thedancedojo signed up! better than in person...easy to follow n very detailed
The top we found most helpful was the leads shoulders movement and well as the feet pointed slightly out! The H moment was the way you stacked your wordsMeaning the arm is a connection to your partner we knew that but sometimes when you hear things differently you have that aha moment that confirms What you were thinking thanks a lot thanks a lot. We have been searching for UA-cam tutorials that actually explain the why why not or what’s better and break it everything down and yours I think is the winner keep up the good work thanks🙂
Awesome thanks for sharing Julissa and glad you found the channel! It's always nice to have thos aha moments and get more clarity. And thanks for such a compliment :) -Robin
Great 👍🏾 tips 🕺🏽
Thanks Charlita! Hope they helped a little. -robin
You are a great teacher, thanks for all the videos. If I had to choose, I'd go with #5 - chill out :)
Thanks a lot Gabor! haha ya 5 is always an interesting one. we've all been there!-robin
Thankyou!!
you're welcome! -robin
I’m from GDL Mexico thank you your video it’s been very helpful, I’m practicing !!! 👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏽
Glad you're enjoying!! thanks a lot. -robin
Ive been doing the find one series with spectacular results as a musician, no one had ever told me what to listen to before, and still trying the dance move part at the end so I liked the quick quick slow rhythm, because it was slowed down and of course there was a wonderfull explanation
Couldn't be happier Roberta. Stoked it's helping! -Robin
First tip. Thank you👍👍👍
you're welcome Gabriel! -robin
Great, my friend! Thanks!
you're welcome! thanks for watching :) -robin
Wow it's really helpful Ur advice
Glad to hear that! thanks
Great video
Thanks Dóra! -robin
Thinking dance, love it
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching! -Robin
Great explanation... I believe staying on the toes and feet out stance
Glad you liked the tips Dave! Thanks for watching. - robin
Absolutely wonderful
So happy you enjoyed it Doria. Thanks 🙏 -robin
I totally agree with your "why" word.
Appreciate it, thanks for watching! -Robin
Why? As soon as I heard that I know it was going to be a good video. You nailed it. It is probably the child in me but I always want to know why something is like that. If an 'expert' (often so called) can not explain it it is clear (s)he has no clue what (s)he is talking about. Even without doing all the counting and just explaining the pitfalls I finally get the basic step. Believe me I have watched over 4 hours of basic videos so far and was none the wiser. None of them looked or felt right. Great video. Excellent, Thank you.
Thanks so much Geert! means a lot. Glad we agree WHY is super important :) -robin
So happy I found that channel
Happy you found us too! -robin
Excellent
Thank you, glad you liked it!
how to go smother through the steps forward and back was helpful, andl liked that and the others too!
Right on, glad it helped Eva!
Posture and formation has been the best tips 💡🕺🏽
sweet, glad it helped! thanks for sharing. -robin
Love this 💖 3 aha moments! 1.I need to chill with my body movements 😂 2.Not stopping in the middle with my feet, and 3. Spreading my feet out! //beginner with a capital B 😁👍
Love it Brittany, thanks for sharing! -Robin
thanks you all was beneficial to me you are awesome
🙏 really glad it could help Debbie, thanks! -Robin
I learned a salsa at the line dancing class at our 55+ apartments. The teacher is good with this group, partly by letting us just have fun while moving. From you I especially liked learning to step through the middle. I was sorry to hear you say to quit swinging those hips so much. I really like that. But I will try to slow that down. You said that part comes later. I wish I could see what that looks like when done correctly.
Hey Tara! glad you're having fun. If you're curious to learn the body movement technique I'd recommend doing the free trial of our salsa course for a week and dive into the Skills and Technique area where the Body Movement modules can be found - all the gold is in there! thedancedojo.com/product/free-trial -robin
gracias mucho señor
you're welcome!
The posture tip is so important! It is very difficult to follow a leader who hunches. especially in bachata, they tend to bend me in uncomfortable positions that would otherwise be fine if they just had the right posture themselves. In Salsa it's not as uncomfortable for me but the signals are still much weaker with a hunched posture.
couldn't agree more! such a common thing to do as a newbie but also an easy fix. -Robin
Great tip on posture
Glad it could help! thanks for watching. -robin
Thank you for this video! Could you do a video in the near future on shoulder movement in relation to weight change in the basic? I haven’t been able to find much on this and I’m trying to not be discombobulated looking doing my basic but also not keep my upper body disengaged 😅
Hey you're welcome! best thing to do would be to do the 1 week free trial (no credit card needed) of our salsa course and check out the body movement lessons there. it will have everything you've ever wanted and more! thedancedojo.com
Dance Dojo ok thank you!
We focus on rib cage relationship to weight change, not shoulders. The reason being if you focus on your shoulders you might accidentally raise or shrug them instead of keeping them relaxed. The salsa look is from moving the ribcage. :)
Thank you I already knew how to salsa I just needed brushing up because I haven't in a while and my gf is going to a wedding and everyone has to salsa 😅 so here I am
Glad it could help! -robin
my boyfriend is colombian and a great dancer and im the most horrible dancer ever 😂 i always wanted to learn to dance but i was told that i couldnt and i really now want to be able to dance with him. so this video was great. the posture of the feet and how to step fastly, the overstep and knowledging that wveryone has their own style of dancing, all great and helpfull tips ! 😍
you're welcome. you can definitely learn!
Hey Robin! Joeline here and yes I am still around. :-) Body posture is getting my main attention right now. About a year a ago, I noticed my body posture was not good. Just a few months a go I realized I should tackle it, because of the benefits. I turned to my local gym and explained my issue. They gave me excercises and now I actively train my upper back in order to improve body posture. I see many people with the same problem without knowing it. The benefits are numourous. First, my primary reason I do it is that a straight back creates stability, both in body movement and yes, TURNS! In normal life it means you will have less back issues. Secondary, it makes you look good and more confident. As for looking more attractive and get asked for a dance, never thought of that one since I am the one who usually asks the lady for a dance. ;-) All in all, my aim are the primary reasons.
That's so great man. Posture can't be overrated. How you stand translates to how you look and move. If your basics are off, the rest will be too! -Robin
Love it
thanks!! -robin
Ah ha! I was swiveling my hips too much! Thanks!!
We all have our habits. Film yourself to help identify them faster! It helps a ton in progressing faster. -robin
Pass through the middle 🙌
🙌 glad it could help!
as a woman,I am so happy you mentioned the 5th one! Do you have a video about the different salsa styles? As i travel in different parts of the world I often get a bit confused as I see in some places dancers either start on a different tempo or with a different foot/different direction. I would love to level up and be prepared for all of them.
glad you enjoyed Priya! check out this article thedancedojo.com/salsa-styles/ -robin
This dude is good
Thanks man!
Thanks for this video, there some really good tips.
Can you suggest any good exercises or tips to improve/correct posture?
Hey omnray, I think it's more about improving your awareness of your posture as opposed to doing an exercise. By simply fliming yourself dancing and knowing what you look like, can instantly change what you do. If you see your self slouching you're going to fix it. If you don't know you're doing it, you'll keep doing it know what I mean? That said, take watch of this video Patrick and Scarlet did: ua-cam.com/video/Gi-UjRMgqgw/v-deo.html The idea is simple, stand tall and have your head, shoulders and hips all in a vertical line. Practice it when you sit, when you stand, when you walk and try to become more conscious of how your posture is at all times. -Robin
it's the biggest problem now for me. in fact I more then aware of my bad posture, I can hold it till I think about this, but few seconds after starting dance and start thinking about everything else and posture become bad again in no time.
I am guilty with exciting hip shaking. Thank you so much
haha we all get a little excited sometimes. Happy it could help! -robin
I like your approach and this is just a FYI note.
I’ve been teaching dancing for over 50 years. In the beginning like everyone else in Arthur Murray’s, I was a pattern teacher, because that was the norm. About 20 years ago I realized there are actually only 6 Major Movements and 4 Elements that make up the construct and influence 95% of the dance patterns that one would do in the two categories of Smooth and Rhythm dances used in nightclub social dancing.
The movements being Walks, Chasses, Hip Roll, Breaks, Syncopated Chasses and Rocks.
The Elements being Frame, Momentum Control, Turning, and Musical Style.
This 6/4 Combo has some interesting influences on one’s speed in relationship to how fast someone learns to dance.
Here are some fundamental consistencies.
The primary difference between Smooth and Rhythm dances besides Frame and movement around the floor is almost all Rhythm dances have Hip Roll and Smooth dances don’t.
Turning in almost all of the Rhythm dances are the same, but different from Smooth dances which are also the same within the category.
Momentum Control is probably the most influential Element in either dance category, but follows a very simple rule. Every movement has a beginning and an end. Momentum lives between those two points.
What I’ve just stated is a concept to be accepted or rejected. Nothing is black or white.
When I teach Breaks, for me it’s a leverage movement using gravity rather than force to execute the change of direction.
For example by placing the foot in front on a forward Break without momentum or weight, then rolling my hips, then placing the foot behind me then rolling my hips, I’m letting gravity do all the work of changing direction. This only works if I’ve stopped my momentum from the prior walking Movement, hence all movements have a beginning and end.
In most cases the pattern method of teaching was a very successful business model created by Arthur Murray 100 years ago. Unfortunately it has a tendency to make people just Salsa, Swing, Waltz, Tango, West Coast Swing, Bachata dancers, instead of just dancers.
A Break is the same in every rhythm dance. Learn it properly for one, it should the same for all.
Making dancing more simple would be nice.
Thanks for sharing Christopher. What is the difference between a smooth and rhythm dance? I'm not familiar with the ballroom terms. -Robin
Smooth is the ballroom side - waltz, tango, foxtrot, viennese waltz, quickstep. Rhythm is Latin- cha cha, samba, rumba, jive (swing), mambo, paso Doble in int'l style. You're welcome!
Hi ! Thank you so much for the video. I Have a question. Why always we star ti dance whit left foot.
it's just a convention when dancing solo. with a partner the lead will start with the left and the follow with the right. -robin
My dogg was a better Salsa dancer than I. The only tool he used were squirrels in a tree. Me? The Entertainment Staff in MX Resorts eventually gave up on me. Merengue too! Lol. Hopefully this video will break "body-memory" embedded from decades of ballet and Jazz training.
Hahah, although this video may help progressive classes are always the way to go if you really want to get good and understand it well! Check out the free trial on our website if it interests you thedancedojo.com/product/free-trial/ -Robin
Tip 4 is a style issue. For Cuban style, you have to close on 3 and 7 as bringing the feet together allows one to accentuate hip movement. Feet sliding by is better suited to cross body style.
Yes, I'm talking specifically about the linear salsa basic here.
👍
Thanks Cristina!
This is a great video for students AND teachers! As a new teacher, would you teach these tips before you teach the basic steps?
Hey thanks Nicole. I would just explain these ideas as I teach the steps (context is always key). Explaining the WHY alwaya helps them understand more deeply too. -Robin
Pass through on basic.
Glad it helped!!
Great tips but I'm curious how my dance instructor will feel about these changes.
Which ones do you think they'll have an issue with?
Do you have a studio in NJ?
We're 100% online at thedancedojo.com if you're interested in detailed courses. Our salsa instructors live in vancouver canada if you ever pass through, and im living in medellín colombia. -robin
@@thedancedojo oh wow. I'm from Barranquilla Colombia. Nice looking to travel there in December. Send me the location I may stop by for a class! Meanwhile yes I will look into the course!
@@hildautria3851 aaa cool! I love your country, colombia is great. Check out @dancevancouver or @patrickandscarlet on IG or their website dancevancouver.ca - let me know how the free trial of the online course goes :) - robin
Everything is great 👍...but while explaining due writing bag comes its covers ur feet movements...which can't be seen...so for bigginers it's tough to see ur feet movements
Hey Yingkiong, if you tap the gear icon or the CC button you can turn off the subtitles or captions. Sometimes it appears automatically! -Robin
What are the shoes that he's wearing?
those are called socks! haha -robin
@@thedancedojo , oh, ok. I have a lady friend who actually has shoes that look like that. She said they're called dancesport shoes, but I can't find them anywhere.
When i watch any video or attend any Latin nightclub/ dancehall. They're doing salsa... but it looks nothing like salsa basics. And im sure is mostly because of the speed, but still it frightens me 😅
Have a look at ”When should I start social dancing?" ua-cam.com/video/pC69BwFcfBU/v-deo.html and "How to Progress Faster”
ua-cam.com/video/OM9RYopTHSo/v-deo.html And you don't need all those moves to have fun or to be a good dancing partner. Have fun with the move you know.
Don't let the videos scare you. All those dancers have been where you are now. Instead let them inspire you. You got a world of fun out there to explore and learn about.
If you join a social dance with your class mates you can start to ask them if they would like to start off by a bit of exercising of what you learned last lesson or if they just want to have fun.
It's like anything. There's basics, and then there's what you do after the basics. Don't be worried. Just start from 0 like everyone else, like Alfa said. It's a really cool skill to have, way to meet new people and personal growth path. -Robin
Latin american style is different. Depending on the person, the timing is the same, but there us a lot of cumbia influence. And Cuban basic is different as well. Forward motion and pivots.
Pass through…
Nice, glad it helped Tim!
You forgot the sunk knees basic that some beginners do, lurching forward and backwards 😀
I'm sure there's more tips to add! I can't picture exactly what you mean though.
@@thedancedojo a bouncing movement like a bop etc
@@Supashoppa69 aah gotcha
Not to worry about body movement for beginners.
Nope! not too much anyway. it'll come in time. -robin
Pointing the toes outward seems to make a big difference.
Glad it's helping, and thanks for watching! -Robin
Hi, How do I get rid of the words, please, because I can't see your feet?
click the CC button on the player. or the gear icon and turn off subtitles.