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Salsa tutorial4 minutes
Learn the Salsa Cubana basic step: step by step
By Mary De LucaUpdated
- Unlike linear styles, the Cuban basic step is danced in a circular motion with a backward movement on counts one and five.
- Steps are taken on beats one, two, three and five, six, seven, while a short pause is taken on beats four and eight.
- Dancers move around each other in the Salsa Cubana basic step, which gives the dance its typically lively and earthy dynamic.
- A relaxed posture with slightly bent knees is the most important prerequisite for natural hip movement while walking.
Do you want to feel the pure joy of life of Cuban Salsa for yourself? With this simple guide, you will master the basic step and immediately understand how the circular dynamics in Casino work.
What you need to get started
- Some space in the room for free movement
- Flat shoes with a slightly sliding sole
- Salsa music with a clearly audible basic beat
- Beginner-friendly attitude without pressure for perfection
The circular dynamics of the Cuban style
Unlike linear dance styles, which are danced as if on a track, Salsa Cubana, also known as Casino, moves in circular paths. The dancers circle around each other, which gives the dance a playful, earthy, and incredibly dynamic feel. The steps are fluid and closely connected to the floor, with the knees remaining slightly bent to allow the typical hip movement to arise quite naturally from the body.
When you look at the Salsa dance styles in comparison, it is immediately noticeable how flexible the Cuban style is. It thrives on the communication between the dance partners and the shared play with the music. To really feel this dynamic, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the basic rhythm. A solid understanding of the counts helps you to place the steps at the right moment. You can find more details on this in the guide on learning Salsa rhythm.
The Cuban basic step in six steps
Taking the starting position
Place your feet hip-width apart on the floor. Keep your knees slightly bent and shift your weight onto the balls of your feet so that you can react flexibly at any time.
Resetting the first step
Leaders take a step back with their left foot on count one, followers do the same in mirror image with their right foot. Put your full body weight onto the back foot.
Shift your weight in place
Shift your weight back onto the front foot on count two, without moving it from its spot. This secures your balance in the space.
Close your feet and pause
Bring the back foot forward next to the standing foot on count three and shift your weight onto it. On count four, take a short, conscious pause.
Starting the second half
Leaders now step back with their right foot on count five, while followers use their left foot. The principle of weight shifting remains exactly the same.
Return and stand stable
Shift your weight back onto the front foot on count six and close your feet on count seven. Pause on count eight to complete the cycle cleanly.
The most important do's and don'ts when practicing
Correct
- Slide your steps flat across the floor
- Keep your knees slightly bent at all times
- Shift your weight actively onto the active foot
- Keep your focus on your partner
Wrong
- Making big jumps or high steps
- Dancing with completely locked knees
- Leaving your weight indecisively in the middle
- Staring rigidly at the floor and your own feet
Your checklist for quick learning success
Before training
Preparation
While practicing
Procedure
After training
Control
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cuban basic step is danced in a circular motion, with partners moving around each other. In linear styles like LA Style, however, dancers move exclusively back and forth on an imaginary straight line.
Salsa Cubana is danced on the first beat. The first step is taken on the first beat of the measure, followed by steps on two and three, a pause on four, and the next steps on five, six, seven with a pause on eight.
Yes, you can practice the steps perfectly on your own at home in front of a mirror. This strengthens your balance and gives you the necessary confidence in the rhythm before you combine the step with a dance partner as a couple.
Salsa courses near you
Find the right course and learn Salsa Cubana steps from professional instructors.
Couple danceLimbach-Oberfrohna · Germany
PaartanzkreisFriday · 18:15 · Oct 23
Limbach-Oberfrohna
€38.50MonthlyCouple danceLimbach-Oberfrohna · Germany
Silberkurs für PaareSunday · 16:15 · Oct 25 - Nov 15
Limbach-Oberfrohna
€110Total price
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