Salsa dancing is AKA slot dancing because couples don't move around a big area of the dance floor ; instead they stay in a more fixed or smaller area of the floor. The salsa has an 8 beat pattern that is made of 2 bars of 4 beats. The Salsa music is mostly sophisticated and fast with around 180 beats every minute. The salsa pattern is usually one of 3 steps and then a skipped step or a tap on the 4th beat. The basic step is as the following : On counts one, two, and three the leader steps forward, then you replace the weight to your previous support foot keeping it in effect and then step backward. On counts five, six, and seven you step backwards, then you replace the weight to your prior support foot keeping it prepared and then step forward again. The supporter does precisely the same steps but in the reverse order. The basic step is the base for plenty of the other salsa patterns. Some of the breaks to the basic step are:. Side Break You start from either foot and step sideways ; then you replace the weight to your prior support foot, keeping it prepared. Back Break - You start from either foot and step backwards ; then you replace the weight to your prior support foot, keeping it in place. Forward Break - You start from either foot and step forward ; then you replace the weight to your prior support foot, keeping it prepared. There are numerous different salsa styles that involve different timing of the steps or different patterns as you move across the dance floor. Mix style with perspective and personal add ons and you get quite the salsa show.

The Cuban style can be danced as a contratiempo or on-one.

With the Cuban Salsa, on counts one, two, and three a backward basic happens while on counts five, six, and seven a forward basic occurs. The supporter mirrors the leader's movements.

It's not uncommon practice with the Cuban to have the leader and supporter circle one another constantly.

The Dile que no or cross body lead is also crucial to the Cuban. This is the most complicated of moves and isn't designed for newbs. However, when you master it, it can be employed in the Rueda, Cuban Casino, and Wheel Dance. In South American nations the Columbian style is the most typical.

Here the leader and supporter do their moves standing in one place.

Most of the moves are based off the Cuban style with the major difference being shortage of space concerned. The LA style is a derivative of the Cuban style with the addition of the cross body lead. The leader steps forward on one, on two and three it is a step to the right while turning ninety degrees to face to the left. The supporter then steps forward on five and six, then on seven and eight turns while the leader is making the ninety degree turn. By the eight count the leader and supporter are in opposite positions. The LA is the flashiest form of Salsa dancing. That is some of the commonest styles. Learning the Salsa from an article could be a bit overpowering, but if you need to learn it check into either local dance classes or online dance lessons. You will be Salsa dancing like an expert in almost no time.