Creative Turn Patterns for Intermediate Salseros
So, you've mastered the cross-body lead. You can execute it blindfolded, with your hands tied behind your back, and maybe even in your sleep. It’s the bread and butter of your social dancing, but lately, it’s started to feel a little bit... like bread and butter. Tasty, reliable, but not exactly exciting.
It’s time to level up. The true magic of salsa happens when we move beyond the foundational steps and start painting on the dance floor with more colorful, musical, and creative patterns. This is where you transform from a competent dancer into a truly captivating partner.
Ready to expand your repertoire and leave your next partner grinning from ear to ear? Let's dive into these stylish combinations designed to flow with the music and add that "wow" factor to your social dancing.
The Philosophy of Creative Patterns
Before we break down the moves, remember this: patterns are not a rigid sequence to be memorized and forced. They are a vocabulary. The goal is to learn the words and phrases so you can eventually compose your own poetry on the dance floor. Always prioritize connection with your partner and musicality over executing a fancy move.
Pattern 1: The Enchanted Wrap & Turn
Why it Works:
This pattern plays with tension and release, creating a beautiful wave-like motion that looks intricate but is built on simple principles. It's perfect for slower, more romantic sections of a song.
The Breakdown:
- From a cross-body lead position, lead your follower into a standard inside turn (dile que no).
- As they complete the turn and are facing you, use your left hand (for leader's right hand) to catch their right hand at the peak of the turn.
- Instead of releasing, gently guide their hand over their head, leading them to wrap themselves (this creates the "Enchanted Wrap").
- Maintain a gentle tension in the wrap and use your body lead to guide them backwards for two steps.
- On the 5-6-7, use a slight lift of the connected hands to signal the release and lead them into a travelling outside turn, unwrapping them elegantly.
Pattern 2: The Basket Weave
Why it Works:
This pattern is a visual stunner that creates a lovely intertwined look. It plays with arm placement and is extremely musical, especially during percussion breaks or the montuno section.
The Breakdown:
- Start with a basic step and prepare your follower on counts 1-2-3.
- Lead your follower forward on 5, stepping slightly back yourself to make space.
- As they step forward on 5, raise your left arm to create a "window." Guide your follower to turn slightly under your left arm on 6-7.
- As they complete the slight turn, your arms will now be in a crossed position (your right over left). This is the "weave."
- Without breaking the flow, use this crossed position to lead them into a double right turn under the "arch" created by your own arms.
- Release the weave as they complete the second turn, exiting into an open break or a titanic.
Pattern 3: The Musical Sombrero
Why it Works:
This isn't just a pattern; it's a moment. It's fantastic for hitting the climax of the music or accenting a specific punchy note in the brass or piano. It creates a beautiful, large, and stylish shape.
The Breakdown:
- From an open break position, lead your follower into a free spin (a single right turn).
- As they spin towards you on counts 2-3, raise both of your arms high and wide, creating a large arch (the "sombrero").
- Catch their momentum as they finish the spin. Instead of catching their hands, gently place your right hand on their left shoulder blade and your left hand on their right hip (or vice versa, depending on the handhold).
- Use this frame to guide them into a slow, controlled, and circular walk (or shimmy) underneath the "sombrero" arch for counts 5-6-7.
- Release the frame on the 1 of the next measure to lead them out into a cross-body lead or another turn pattern.
Putting It All Together: Flow is Everything
Learning these patterns in isolation is just the first step. The art of the intermediate salsero is in the seamless transition. Don't just do Pattern A, then stop, then do Pattern B. Think about how one move can flow into the next.
- Use the ending of one pattern as the preparation for the next. The exit from the "Enchanted Wrap" is a perfect setup for a "Basket Weave."
- Vary your patterns with the music. Use simpler moves for verses and build up to these more creative patterns for the chorus or instrumental solos.
- Always return to the basics. A perfectly executed cross-body lead with great timing and connection is more impressive than a sloppy, complicated pattern. Use these new moves as punctuation, not the entire sentence.
Your Dance Floor Awaits
Remember, the goal isn't to show off, but to share a beautiful, creative, and musical experience with your partner. Practice these patterns diligently in class or with a practice partner until they feel comfortable. Then, take them to the social floor and forget about them. Let the music guide you, connect with your partner, and allow these new phrases to become a natural part of your dancing vocabulary.
Now go ahead, listen to the music, and create something beautiful together.
