Thursday, August 27, 2009

Salsa Basics - The Simple Right Turn

One of the more basic steps that is taught probably on the second lesson of Salsa is the Simple Right Turn.

The Simple Right Turn is executed in 1 bar. The fundamentals of the footwork is exactly the same for the leads and the follows. The only difference is the timing of the execution.

For the leads the turn is executed on counts 1, 2 and 3. For the follows the turn is executed on counts 5, 6, 7.

Here is a very nice youtube clip for the Simple Right Turn from 5minStudio:


Follow these tips while watching the clip:
- Spot as you turn. This means you want to snap your head around 360 degrees. This is done on count 3 for the leads and on count 7 for the follows.
- Keep shoulders in check. Do not over-rotate your shoulders. While doing the turn they should be on the same vertical plane field as the rest of your body.
- Use your core. Use your core to hold your body in piece so that it can move as one uniform piece while turning.
- Relax the unused leg. Do not use the Left leg to turn. Many try to force this leg to swing around. The trick is to bring it close to the ankle of the right leg and relax it.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Salsa Holds

There are 2 main types of holds in Salsa Dancing.

The first is the "open" hold. The open hold is pretty simple. The Leads place their hands in front of them with their palms facing upwards. The Follows will have their hands on the Leads hands with the palms facing downwards.

The angle of the elbow really depends on the height of Follow. The Follow should have an angle of at least 90 deg to 210 deg. It is up to the Lead to adjust his bend in the elbow to accommodate the follow.

The second type of hold is the "closed" hold. This is the traditional hold where the Lead has the left arm extended to the side and the right arm bent with the right hand behind the Follows back. It is easier to show you with a youtube clip than describe it in words :P. Leads, remember to keep a good frame.



Remember, it is a lot easier to do any type of pattern with the open hold. As you progress in learning more patterns, you will learn that an open hold allows easier movement and hand signals than the closed hold. Usually patterns will go from a closed hold to an open hold at the beginning of a pattern.