How to Dance Salsa

Co-authored by Leela Fazzuoli & Daniele Cavallo

Last Updated: March 4, 2024 Fact Checked

Salsa is a lively, sensual dance that you can perform at parties or dance clubs, and it's easy to learn! Start by learning basic salsa moves like "On1" timing, a right turn, and a cross body lead. Then, practice dancing salsa with a partner. You can also take a salsa class to improve your dance moves and take them to the next level.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Doing "On1" Timing

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Your feet should be flat on the floor.
2
Step your left foot forward in front of you. This is count 1.
- Salsa dancing has 1-8 counts. Always follow along to salsa music by doing 8 steps at a time.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Jean Franco Vergaray
  Professional Dance Instructor
  
  Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}
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Do not raise your right foot. Simply transfer your weight back to your right foot.^{[2]
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Jean Franco Vergaray
Professional Dance Instructor

Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}
4
Return your left foot back to the neutral position for count 3. Stay still for count 4.
- Counts 4 and 8 are considered a pause so you will never do a step on these counts.
Stay light on your feet as you step backward.
Do not lift or raise your left foot as you do this.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Jean Franco Vergaray
Professional Dance Instructor

Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}
7
Bring your right foot back to the neutral position for count 7. Stay still for count 8.
- You should always start with the Basic Step because that is the foundation for a solid Salsa dance.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Leela Fazzuoli & Daniele Cavallo
  Professional Latin Dance Instructors
  
  Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.}

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Learning a Right Turn

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Step forward with your left foot for count 1.^{[5]
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Your toes should face away from your left foot.^{[6]
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3
Use momentum to turn in a clockwise direction for count 3. Raise your left foot and bring it back to the neutral position.^{[7]
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- After the turn, stay still for count 4.
Step back lightly with your foot.^{[8]
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Do not raise your left foot when you lean forward. Keep your feet planted on the ground.^{[9]
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Stay still for count 8.

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Doing a Cross Body Lead

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Step your left foot forward on count 1.^{[10]
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Place it down lightly.^{[11]
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3
Place your left foot next to your right foot for count 3. Your body should be open to the side and your right and left foot should both be facing the side of the room, parallel to each other.^{[12]
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- Hold for count 4.
Lean your weight on your right foot. Do not raise or lift your foot.^{[13]
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It should be perpendicular to your left foot.
6
Place your left foot next to your right foot for count 7. Hold for count 8.
- Do these steps a few times before you attempt a cross body lead with a partner. Having the steps down will make it easier for you to lead your partner.
- Gentlemen should learn the footwork of the Cross Body Lead and Cumbia step.^{[14]
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  Expert Source
  
  Leela Fazzuoli & Daniele Cavallo
  Professional Latin Dance Instructors
  
  Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.}

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Doing Salsa with a Partner

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1
Hold your partner in a closed position. In salsa, there is a lead (usually the man) and a follow (usually a woman). If you are leading, take your left hand and hold your partner's right hand in a loose grip with your thumb on their hand. Place your right hand on your partner's upper back. Keep a fair amount of space between you and your partner, holding them loosely.^{[15]
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- Do not grip your partner too tightly or stiffen up your arms or legs as you hold them. Stay relaxed and loose.
- As the lead, you will start all salsa steps moving forward. As the follow, your partner will begin all steps moving backward.
2
Do the “On1” step with a partner. Begin in the closed position with your partner. Step your left foot forward and lean to the left for count 1. Your partner will move their right foot backward, leaning with you to the left. Then, put weight into your right foot for count 2. Your partner will put weight on their left foot. Step your left foot backward for count 3. Your partner will step their right foot forward. Stay in neutral position for count 4.^{[16]
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- Repeat these steps again for count 5, 6, 7, and 8.
- Make sure you gently guide your partner as you move forward and backward by pushing into their hand and pulling on their back. Your partner should then push gently against you to give some resistance so the movements are balanced and smooth.
3
Practice the right turn with a partner. Start in the closed position with your left hand gripping your partner's right hand and your right hand gripping your partner's left hand. Lift the thumb of your left hand up. Then, draw a “J” shape or a half circle in the air with your left hand. At the top of the circle, open your hand and place two fingers against your partner's palm. Your partner will then spin to the right and then return to the closed position.^{[17]
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- Apply pressure with your fingers to your partner's palm as they spin so they stay balanced.
- Leaders and followers should have a good understanding of timing. It is paramount in any dance, especially when social dancing.^{[18]
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  Expert Source
  
  Leela Fazzuoli & Daniele Cavallo
  Professional Latin Dance Instructors
  
  Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.}

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Taking Your Salsa to the Next Level

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1
Dance along to salsa music. Practice your basic steps to the beat of salsa music. Look for salsa music online or at your local music store. Listen to the music and count out your steps to the beat so you are dancing in time to the music.
- Salsa music has an upbeat tempo that accompanies salsa dancing well. Choose music that has a slower tempo first so you can practice and get better. Over time, you can try dancing to salsa music that has a faster tempo.
Salsa is a very visual dance so you may find it helpful to watch seasoned performers do their thing. Look for salsa dancing videos online. Watch how the dancers hold their partner and move together in time to the music.
3
Enroll in a salsa class. Improve your salsa dancing by taking a class at your local dance studio or community center. You may also be able to find salsa classes at your local Latin community center.
- Look for a class taught by a seasoned salsa dancer and instructor. Sign up for a class tailored for beginner salsa dancers.
4
Go to a salsa dance club. There may also be salsa dance clubs in your area where you can go and watch seasoned salsa dancers perform. Study their movements and work with different dance partners to improve your dancing.
- Check online for salsa dance clubs near you. Many night clubs will have salsa dance nights devoted to salsa dancing.
5
Enter a salsa dancing competition. To really challenge yourself, consider entering a salsa dancing competition with a partner. Find a local competition or enter a national competition. Work with a partner to create a salsa dance routine to perform for the judges and the crowd at the competition.
- If you decide to enter into competitions, you may want to invest in dance shoes made for salsa. You can find salsa dance shoes online or at your local dance supply store.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can you make a body roll look smoother?

Leela Fazzuoli & Daniele Cavallo
Professional Latin Dance Instructors
Daniele Cavallo and Leela Fazzuoli are Professional Latin Dance Instructors and the Co-Founders of Cavallo Dance AZ, a dance studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. With more than 20 years of experience each, they specialize in Latin dances, dance performances, and competition dance. They have expertise in Salsa and Bachata, Argentine Tango, Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive.

Leela Fazzuoli & Daniele Cavallo

Professional Latin Dance Instructors

Expert Answer

A body roll, or body wave, is simply stringing together a sequence of isolations and making them smooth. Before working on the body wave, you should work on specific isolations for that area. You can do the wave with any part of your body.

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Question

How can you get better at shaking your hips while dancing?

Leela Fazzuoli & Daniele Cavallo
Professional Latin Dance Instructors
Daniele Cavallo and Leela Fazzuoli are Professional Latin Dance Instructors and the Co-Founders of Cavallo Dance AZ, a dance studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. With more than 20 years of experience each, they specialize in Latin dances, dance performances, and competition dance. They have expertise in Salsa and Bachata, Argentine Tango, Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive.

Leela Fazzuoli & Daniele Cavallo

Professional Latin Dance Instructors

Expert Answer

Think that the movement of the hips is like the pendulum action of a clock. Every Latin dance has this movement. When practicing any step, make sure to feel the hip shift to the foot you are standing on. You will start to feel the hips moving naturally.

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Question

What should you do before a dance show?

Leela Fazzuoli & Daniele Cavallo
Professional Latin Dance Instructors
Daniele Cavallo and Leela Fazzuoli are Professional Latin Dance Instructors and the Co-Founders of Cavallo Dance AZ, a dance studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. With more than 20 years of experience each, they specialize in Latin dances, dance performances, and competition dance. They have expertise in Salsa and Bachata, Argentine Tango, Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive.

Leela Fazzuoli & Daniele Cavallo

Professional Latin Dance Instructors

Expert Answer

If you are preparing for a performance or competition, try to sleep well on the night before your event. Take enough water and some salty snacks along to help you stay hydrated. Also, take extra shoes and costumes with you. Last but not least, bring confidence in yourself and your dancing.

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