Latin Dance for Intermediates: Steps to Level Up Your Salsa & Bachata
You’ve mastered the basics—now it’s time to elevate your Latin dance game. Whether you’re spinning on the salsa floor or flowing through bachata’s sensual rhythms, these intermediate techniques will add flair, precision, and confidence to your movement.
Pro Tip: Intermediate dancing isn’t just about harder steps—it’s about musicality, connection, and refining what you already know.
Salsa: Sharpening Your Style
1. Cross-Body Lead Variations
The cross-body lead is salsa’s backbone. Level it up with:
- Titanic Turn: Leader signals a delayed inside turn for the follower during the cross-body.
- Wrap Finish: End the cross-body with the follower’s arm wrapped around their waist for a dramatic pause.
2. Syncopated Footwork
Break away from the basic "quick-quick-slow" with:
- Triple Steps: Replace the two quick steps with three lighter steps (e.g., 1-2-3, pause on 5-6-7).
- Shines: Practice solo footwork patterns like the "Mambo Step" or "Side Breaks" to build agility.
Musicality Hack: Listen for the cowbell in salsa music—it often marks the "1" and "5" counts, perfect for accenting turns.
Bachata: Embracing Sensual Flow
1. Body Rolls & Waves
Bachata’s signature moves require core control:
- Upward Roll: Start from the knees, rolling up through the hips, chest, and head.
- Side Wave: Isolate ribcage movements side-to-side while keeping hips stable.
2. Advanced Turns
Move beyond the basic single turn:
- Double Turn: Rotate twice on counts 4-5-6 (practice spotting to avoid dizziness).
- Hook Turn: Pause mid-turn with a bent knee ("hooked" leg) for stylistic flair.
Connection Tip: In bachata, maintain slight tension in the arms—too loose loses connection, too stiff feels robotic.
Drills to Practice Daily
- Salsa: 5 minutes of "paddle steps" (weight shifts) to improve balance.
- Bachata: Hip circles to a slow bachata remix, focusing on smooth transitions.
- Both: Shadow dance in front of a mirror to critique posture and arm styling.
Remember: Intermediate dancers stand out by making advanced steps look effortless, not rushed. Prioritize clean technique over speed, and soon you’ll own the dance floor with both skill and soul.
