Salsa dancing is more than just a fun way to spend an evening; it's a vibrant, expressive art form that can bring joy, confidence, and a sense of community to anyone who takes the time to master it. If you've already mastered the basics and are ready to take your salsa skills to the next level, you're in the right place. In this blog, we'll explore some intermediate salsa moves and drills that will help you elevate your dancing and impress on the dance floor.
1. The Cross-Body Lead with a Dile Que No
The Cross-Body Lead (CBL) is a staple in salsa dancing, but adding a Dile Que No (DQN) to it takes it to the next level. This move involves leading your partner across your body and then using a subtle hand gesture to signal them to turn away from you. The DQN adds a playful, flirtatious element to the dance, making it more dynamic and engaging.
Drill: Practice the CBL with a DQN in front of a mirror. Focus on the timing and the hand gesture. Make sure your partner understands the signal and can execute the turn smoothly.
2. The Cucaracha
The Cucaracha is a fun, rhythmic move that involves sliding your foot back and forth while keeping your weight on the other foot. It's a great way to add some flair to your salsa routine and show off your footwork. The key to mastering the Cucaracha is maintaining a steady rhythm and keeping your hips loose.
Drill: Start by practicing the Cucaracha on its own. Once you've got the rhythm down, incorporate it into your salsa steps. Try leading with the Cucaracha and see how it feels.
3. The Enchufla
The Enchufla is a classic salsa move that involves spinning your partner around you. It's a bit more advanced than the basic turns, but once you master it, it adds a lot of visual interest to your dancing. The Enchufla can be done in both open and closed positions, giving you plenty of options for variation.
Drill: Practice the Enchufla with a partner. Focus on the timing and the hand placement. Make sure your partner feels secure and can execute the spin smoothly.
4. The Sombrero
The Sombrero is a playful, stylish move that involves leading your partner to spin under your arm. It's a great way to add some flair to your dancing and show off your partner's skills. The key to the Sombrero is leading with confidence and making sure your partner feels secure.
Drill: Practice the Sombrero with a partner. Focus on the timing and the arm movement. Make sure your partner understands the lead and can execute the spin smoothly.
5. The Suicide Turn
The Suicide Turn is a challenging move that involves spinning away from your partner and then spinning back to them. It's a great way to add some complexity to your dancing and show off your spinning skills. The key to the Suicide Turn is maintaining a steady rhythm and keeping your balance.
Drill: Practice the Suicide Turn on your own first. Focus on the timing and the balance. Once you've got it down, try incorporating it into your salsa routine with a partner.
6. The Atras
The Atras is a move that involves stepping back and then stepping forward again. It's a great way to add some variety to your salsa steps and keep your dancing interesting. The key to the Atras is maintaining a steady rhythm and keeping your hips loose.
Drill: Practice the Atras on its own. Once you've got the rhythm down, incorporate it into your salsa steps. Try leading with the Atras and see how it feels.
7. The Salsa Shines
Salsa Shines are solo moves that you can perform while your partner is leading. They're a great way to add some personality to your dancing and show off your footwork. The key to Salsa Shines is maintaining a steady rhythm and keeping your hips loose.
Drill: Practice Salsa Shines on your own. Focus on the rhythm and the footwork. Once you've got it down, try incorporating it into your salsa routine with a partner.
Conclusion
Mastering these intermediate salsa moves and drills will take your dancing to the next level. Remember, practice is key. Spend time working on each move individually and then incorporate them into your salsa routine. With dedication and practice, you'll be impressing on the dance floor in no time.
Happy dancing!
