As an experienced salsa dancer, you may feel like you've mastered the basic steps and turns. But there's always room for growth and innovation in your dance routine. In this blog post, we'll explore some new moves and styles to take your salsa dancing to the next level.
1. Afro-Cuban Salsa
Afro-Cuban salsa is a style that incorporates traditional African dance movements and rhythms into the salsa dance. This style is characterized by its use of complex footwork, body isolations, and polyrhythms. To get started with Afro-Cuban salsa, try incorporating some of these elements into your dance routine:
- Cuban Motion: This is a hip motion that is used in many Latin dances, including Afro-Cuban salsa. It involves a figure-eight motion of the hips, which can be done standing or moving around the dance floor.
- Rumba Walk: The rumba walk is a basic step in many Latin dances, including Afro-Cuban salsa. It involves stepping forward with the left foot, then the right foot, and then bringing the left foot next to the right foot.
- African Pounds: African pounds are a type of step that involves rapidly stamping the feet on the ground in a specific rhythm. This can be a fun and energetic addition to your salsa routine.
2. LA Style Salsa
LA style salsa is a style that originated in Los Angeles and is characterized by its use of fluid, smooth movements and a more relaxed, laid-back feel. To incorporate LA style salsa into your dance routine, try these tips:
- Body Movement: LA style salsa places a greater emphasis on body movement and fluidity than some other styles. Try incorporating more upper body movement, such as shoulder rolls and chest movements, into your dance routine.
- Spotting: Spotting is a technique used in many Latin dances to maintain balance and control while turning. In LA style salsa, it's common to spot while turning to create a smooth, controlled turn.
- Shines: Shines are solo dance sequences that can be performed while waiting for a partner to return. Incorporating shines into your LA style salsa routine can add variety and show off your individual style.
3. Colombian Salsa
Colombian salsa is a style that originated in Colombia and is characterized by its use of complex footwork, quick turns, and a more energetic, upbeat feel. To incorporate Colombian salsa into your dance routine, try these tips:
- Paso Pivot: The paso pivot is a basic step in Colombian salsa that involves a quick, energetic step forward followed by a pivot turn. This step can be a fun and challenging addition to your dance routine.
- V-Step: The V-step is a step that involves stepping forward with one foot, then the other, and then bringing the first foot back to meet the second foot, creating a "V" shape. This step can be a great way to add variety and complexity to your Colombian salsa routine.
- Fast Turns: Colombian salsa is known for its fast, energetic turns. To incorporate fast turns into your routine, practice your balance and spot turns to maintain control and fluidity.
By exploring these new moves and styles, you can take your salsa dancing to the next level and keep your routine fresh and exciting. Remember to always practice safely and have fun!
