Great job on graduating Salsa Nightclub Level 1!

Below is our full syllabus covering every move you learned.

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Congratulations on Completing all of Salsa Level 1

Thank you for joining our family and having fun with us weekly in class!!!

Below is a list of all the moves you have learned with us with a simple breakdown of each move.

To get the full breakdown, please refer to the individual class-by-class breakdown.

Everything we break down for you below is done from the partnerwork perspective. 🙂

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Basics of Salsa

Salsa is danced on beats 1-2-3, 5-6-7 (or 1-2-3-pause-5-6-7-pause). Remember to finish the entire set of 8 beats before starting a new set.

Leaders will always start with the left foot (LF) on beat 1 and move forward. Followers will always start with the right foot (RF) on beat 1 and move back.

Right Turn for Follower - Open-Hand Hold

The Leader does a J-Prep on 123, stepping back on 567, turning the Follower to the right over their head.

Right Turn for Leader - Open-Hand Hold

The Leader does a basic on 123, raises LH in a waiter-hold above their own head on 567. Stepping forward the Leader does a turn under their own hand on 123, finishing the basic on 567. *Follower does basic steps the whole time.*

Open Breaks - Open-Hand Hold

Basic steps on 123 pause 56, on 7 the Leader’s LH tosses the Follower’s RH out and follows through by pushing the Follower’s LH between the bodies to open up. On 1 Leader steps LF behind the RF’s heel (the Follower mirrors with their RF behind LF) and both begin to do open breaks. Exit will be on 7 at the end of any set, with the Leader pressing their LH forward against the Follower’s RH to step forward into the 1.

Cross Body Lead - Closed-Hand Hold

The Leader opens up on 123, sending the partner straight in front of them on 567. The Follower does half a basic on 123, and walks across on 567 with a small quarter turn to the left.

Catwalk - Open One-Handed Hold

The Leaders’ LH is holding the Follower’s RH, with the Leader’s RH behind the back, the Followers LH on the hip. The Leader opens up on 123 (Follower does half a basic) and pulls the Follower across with the LH on 5,6 and on 7 turns Follower outside (clockwise).

Reverse Turn - Open-Hand Hold

The Leader and the Follower do half a basic on 123 and the Leader brings both hands to the Follower’s shoulder height. The Leader steps back and pulls the Follower to the left on 5, then tosses RH on 6 and follows through on 7 to send the partner back to the right (left for the Follower) for a half turn.

Stepping forward on 123 the Leader finishes the second half of the reverse turn as the Follower steps back, finishing the turn. Both finish on 567 with basic steps.

You turn - I turn Combo - Open-Hand Hold

The leader does a J-Prep on 123, turning partner on 567 and keeping the hand up, flips palm up (waiter hold) on 8. The leader does their turn on 123, on 4 switches back to fingertip handhold, and turns partner on 567.

You turn - I turn - Behind the Back Combo - Open-Hand Hold

The Leader does a J-Prep on 123, turning partner on 567 and lowering the LH down on 8. The Leader does their turn on 123 and does a hand switch from the LH to the RH and raises their hand to a fingertip hold on 4. The Leader does a turn for the Follower on 567 and on 8, should end in a right-to-right handhold with the Follower.

Do a basic step next on 123, 567 and count with the steps. On 1, the Leader’s LH grabs the Follower’s LH under the right-to-right handhold and combs on 3 over the Follower and grabs the Follower’s shoulder. Leader tosses on 5 over the Leader's shoulder.

You should end up in a closed-hand hold.

Cross Body Lead Turn - Closed-Hand Hold

The Leader opens up on 123, the Follower does half a basic on 123. The Leader pushes the Follower on 5, turning the partner inside (counterclockwise) on 678. Leader scoops the Follower with the RH and steps forward as the Follower does a final half turn, then stepping back into a basic on 123, 567.

The Follower does 3 half turns to the left in total.

Cross Body Lead Turn with the shoulder - Closed-Hand Hold

The Leader opens up on 123 (LH letting go of Follower’s RH). Follower does half a basic on 123. With the Leader's left palm facing down, the Leader pushes the Follower forward on 5, grabbing the Follower's right shoulder with the LH and begin turning the Follower inside (counterclockwise) on 6,7,8. Leader scoops the Follower with the RH and steps forward as the Follower does a final half turn, stepping back into a basic on 123, ]567.

The Follower does 3 half turns to the left in total.

Detailed Breakdown

Congrats on finishing your 1st class: Intro to Salsa Class!

Remember that it’s not about getting a move perfectly but having a good time and joining your new #Family on the dance floor.

While doing the dishes, waiting for the subway, talking to your coworkers… remember to practice your basic steps! 😉

It’s all about practice and muscle memory in-between classes.

So far we have learned: Forward/Back Basic, Side-to-Side Basic, Right Turn, Open Breaks, Leaders Right Turn and Crossbody Lead

Below is the basic overview of the steps we’ve learned so far to help you practice with confidence.

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Basics

Salsa is danced on beats 1-2-3, 5-6-7 (or 1-2-3-pause-5-6-7-pause). Remember to finish the entire set of 8 beats before starting a new set.

Leaders will always start with the left foot (LF) on beat 1 and move forward. Followers will always start with the right foot (RF) on beat 1 and move back.

The typical movement of your feet are as follows (for most of the sets):

Beat 1: Leader moves LF. Follower moves RF.

Beat 2: Leader RF steps in place (i.e., don't move RF from the original position). Follower LF steps in place.

Beat 3: Leader moves LF beside RF. Follower moves RF beside LF (i.e., collect your feet).

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5: Leader moves RF. Follower moves LF.

Beat 6: Leader LF steps in place (i.e., don't move RF from the original position). Follower RF steps in place.

Beat 7: Leader moves RF beside LF. Follower moves LF beside RF (i.e., collect your feet).

Beat 8: Pause (no foot movement).

Reminder: Try counting as you dance until you can move your feet at the right timing.

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Right Turn (Facing Mirror/Solo)

When FACING THE MIRROR everyone turns on Leaders’ timing on beat 1.

Beat 1: LF moves forward with a tap.

Beat 2: Twist/pivot on the RF (keeping 90% of weight on twisting RF and turning on the ball of the foot) and leaving the LF behind.

Beat 3: Complete the right turn by tucking in the LF.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5, 6, 7: Step back into half basic.

Beat 8: Pause (no foot movement).

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J-Prep - Followers’ Right Turn in Partnerwork

NOTE: In partnerwork, Leader starts on beat 1 and turns on 2 and the Follower starts on beat 5 and turns on 6 but everyone starts with the left foot.

Leader: Open-hand hold

Beat 1: Leader swings left hand down and to the left as LF steps forward. Follower RF back.

Beat 2: Leader brings left hand back inside and up as RF steps in place. Follower LF steps in place.

Beat 3: Fingertip to fingertip connection with tension/resistance just above the Follower’s head. Leader and Follower collect your feet.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5: Leader holds left hand in position as RF steps back. Follower LF takes small step forward.

Beat 6: Leader turns left hand clockwise to turn Follower as LF steps in place. Follower turns to the right by twisting/pivoting on RF, leaving LF behind.

Beat 7: Leader completes circle around Follower’s head as RF joins LF. Follower finishes right turn by bringing LF in with RF.

Beat 8: Pause (no foot movement).

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Leaders’ Turn

Leader: Open-hand hold

Beat 1,2,3: Basic steps, nothing happens.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5: Leader RF steps back. Follower LF steps forward.

Beat 6: Leader lifts left palm to the ceiling as LF steps in place. Follower keep fingertips connected as RF steps in place.

Beat 7: Leader lifts left palm (waiter hold) above own head as RF steps back together with LF. Follower holds grip with 1lb of pressure as LF steps back together with RF.

Beat 8: Pause (no foot movement)

Beat 1: Leader LF steps forward (small step). Follower RF steps back (small step) and keeps hand connected.

Beat 2: Leader twists to your right under your palm, turning on your RF. Follower LF steps in place.

Beat 3: Leader finishes turn by bringing LF together with RF. Follower RF steps back together with LF.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement) - Leader brings hand down back to open-hand hold.

Beat 5,6,7 Basic steps, nothing happens.

Beat 8: Pause (no foot movement).

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Open Breaks

This move is where both Leaders and Followers are mirroring each other and opening in the same direction.

Tips:

- Stay on the balls of your feet (no heels)
- Small steps
- Keep to the rhythm of Quick-Quick-Slow

Once Leader tosses hand on 7, follow-through by pushing with the other hand to keep the momentum going.

Leader: Open-hand hold

Beat 1,2,3 Basic steps for Leader and Follower, nothing happens.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5: Basic step for both.

Beat 6: Basic step for both.

Beat 7: Leader tosses the Follower’s RH with LH (like a frisbee) behind partner at waist level. Follower starts to follow the hand motion to break open as both bring feet together.

Beat 8: Pause (no foot movement) - Bodies start to twist open a bit.

Beat 1: Leader takes RH and follows through to thread hand, pushing the Follower open as Leader’s LF steps behind heel of RF. Follower’s RF steps behind heel of LF. Both Leader and Follower break open by twisting body slightly to the side.

Beat 2: Leader RF steps in place. Follower LF steps in place.

Beat 3: Leader and Follower bring feet together. Leader grabs Follower’s RH with LH.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5,6,7: Repeat the movements for Beat 1,2,3 with the other foot and hand.

Beat 8: Pause (no foot movement).

NOTE: Open Breaks are done in full counts (123, 567) anywhere from 1-3 sets.

For the Exit:

Beat 1: Leader takes RH and follows through to thread hand, pushing the Follower open as Leaders’ LF steps behind heel of RF. Followers RF steps behind heel of LF.

Beat 2: Leader RF steps in place. Follower LF steps in place.

Beat 3: Leader and Follower bring feet together. Leader grabs Followers RH with LH.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5: Leader takes LH and follows through to thread hand, pushing the Follower open as leaders’ RF steps behind heel of LF. Followers LF steps behind heel of RF.

Beat 6: Leader RF steps in place. Follower LF steps in place.

Beat 7: Leader presses LH into the palm of the Follower’s RH to give signal to exit as both dancers bring feet together.

Beat 8: Pause (no foot movement) - Leader keep putting pressure against the Follower’s palm.

Beat 1: Leader LF steps forward into basic as Follower RF steps back into basic.

Continue with basic steps.

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Closed-Hand Hold

Leader:

Beat 1,2,3,4: As Leader does forward basic and Follower does back basic, Leader places Follower’s LH on Leader’s right shoulder.

Beat 5,6,7,8: As Leaders does back basic and Follower does forward basic, Leader scoops up Follower’s left shoulder using right hand, raising the elbow like a shelf for the Follower to rest their arm.

Tips:

Leader: Grab the shoulder blade, not the rib cage.
Follower: Make sure tricep rests on Leader’s arm (this is where the connection is), not necessary to reach up with the hand for the Leader’s shoulder.

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Cross Body Lead

Leader: Closed-Hand Hold

Beat 1: Leader LF steps forward. Follower RF steps back.

Beat 2: Leader RF steps slightly to the right (out of the way). Follower LF steps in place.

Beat 3: Leader LF steps back so feet are slightly apart to step out of the way, as body turns to open a path for Follower to cross. Follower brings RF together with LF.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5: Leader pushes Follower’s shoulder blade with the RH as RF steps in place. Follower LF steps forward.

Beat 6: Leader pushes the Follower further across to the left with RH and slightly turns the Follower in with LH as the LF steps in place. Follower RF steps forward.

Beat 7: Leader pulls partner in with the RH on the back as you turn to step in front of the follower, bringing RF together with the LF. Follower does a quarter turn to the left and brings LF together with RF.

Beat 8: Pause (no foot movement)…I don’t know…celebrate? 🥳 Because you did it!

Tips:

Leader: Don’t push partner too far. Make sure not to pull with the LH but push with the RH. Make sure you get out of the Follower’s way.
Follower: Take small steps (especially on 5). Don’t lean in but lean back into the Leader’s palm. Look (spot!) forward as you step forward.

Congrats on finishing your 2nd Salsa Class!

What’s going on…all this momentum you’re building in class? 🙂

In our 2nd Salsa Class, we learned: Cat Walk, Reverse Turn (Left Turn) and You Turn I turn

Below is the basic overview of the steps we’ve learned so far to help you practice with confidence.

NOTE: Unless stated, there will be fewer comments on the steps and more on the handholds. Assume that if no comment is said about the steps, it’s a standard basic step for both Leader and Follower.

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Catwalk

NOTE: Leader’s steps are the exact same as with the Cross Body Lead.

Leader: Open-Hand Hold (Right hand placed behind the back like a waiter)

Follower: Open-Hand Hold (Left hand on the hip with some SASS! 💃)

Beat 1: Leader LF steps forward. Follower RF steps back.

Beat 2: Leader RF steps slightly to the right (out of the way). Follower LF steps in place.

Beat 3: Leader LF steps back so feet are slightly apart to step out of the way, as body turns to open a path for Follower to cross. Follower brings RF together with LF.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5: Leader’s LH pulls Follower’s RH at Follower’s waist level as RF steps in place. Follower LF steps forward.

Beat 6: Leader raises LH up (creating 90 degrees with the Follower’s RH (think J-Prep)) as LF steps in place. Follower RF steps forward.

Beat 7: Leader’s LH does a clockwise half turn around the partner’s forehead for a half turn as you turn to step in front of the follower, bringing RF together with the LF.

Follower does a half turn to the right and faces the leader, bringing LF together with RF.

Beat 8: Pause (no foot movement)…I don’t know…give a high five? 🥳 Because you did it!

Tips:

Leader: Don’t pull partner too far on the first pull. Make sure to do the 90 degrees on 6. Don’t raise the hand too high…you’re not dancing with Michael Jordan!

Follower: Take small steps (especially on 5). Pull back with your fingertips against the Leader to let the Leader carry you (think tug of war where you are tugging back the whole time). When turning, look over the right shoulder to make the twist easier.

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Reverse Turn (Facing Mirror/ Solo)

When FACING THE MIRROR everyone dances on Leaders’ timing on beat 1 and the left foot (LF) goes forward.

NOTE: On Follower’s timing, the movement is the same but the LF goes forward on beat 5.

Beat 1: LF steps across 20 degrees to the right over the right foot.

Beat 2: RF steps back.

Beat 3: Do a half turn to the left by picking up LF and planting it down in front of RF.

Beat 4: You’re slowly continuing the turn to the left.

Beat 5: Complete the second half turn by turning on the LF and stepping back with the RF. (Should be facing the mirror again.)

Beat 6: LF steps in place.

Beat 7: Bring RF in together with LF.

Beat 8: Smile and continue dancing basics after this pause.

Tips:

Take small steps.
Keep knees bent.
Do 2 half turns and land in a straight line for both turns.

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Reverse Turn in Partnerwork

Reminder: On Follower’s timing, the movement is the same but the LF goes forward on beat 5.

Leader: Open-Hand Hold

Beat 1: Basic steps for both.

Beat 2: Leader begins bringing both of Follower’s hands straight up.

Beat 3: Leader uses both hands to raise both of Follower’s hands to Follower’s shoulder height.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5: Leader pulls both of Follower’s hands to the left as the RF steps back. Follower steps across 20 degrees with both hands to the right and body twisting slightly to the right.

Beat 6: Leader uses RH to flick Follower’s LH back to their left as the LH starts to send the partner back over the head. Follower RF steps and begins to follow the toss and push.

Beat 7: Leader’s LH turns Follower counterclockwise (inside) as the RF passes the LF (to keep up with the Follower). Follower does a half turn to the left.

At this point, both Leader and Follower should be facing the same way in a straight line.

Beat 8: Slow down but a small twist is continuing (think Quick-Quick-Slow, not Quick-Quick-Stop).

Beat 1: Leader finishes turn with LH over partner’s head as the LF steps forward. Follower completes second half turn as RF steps back into basic step.

Beat 2: Leader and Follower continue with basic steps in place.

Beat 3: Leader and Follower bring feet together.

Beat 4: Pause…early celebration because you just did your reverse turn!!!

Tips:

Leaders: Make sure take a larger step on 7 because the Follower travels. Keep the turn close to the Follower (don’t pull the hands towards you).
Follower: Take small steps on the twist and when stepping back on 7, turn your head over on 8 to spot (look for) partner on 1.

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You Turn - I Turn Combo

Combo: Right Turn for the Follower, Right Turn for the Leader (waiter hold), Right Turn again for the Follower.

Beat 1,2,3,4: Leader gives Follower a J-Prep.

Beat 5: Leader RF steps back to start the turn for the Follower over the head.

Beat 6: Leader LF steps in place as Follower does half turn to the right.

Beat 7: Leader brings feet together, completing the turn for the Follower keeping the LH up. Follower completes the turn and keeps fingertip to fingertip connection.

Beat 8: Leader twists left palm inside into waiter hold (palm to the ceiling) and raises LH above own head. Follower holds on with edge of the fingertips to keep connection.

Beat 1: Leader LF steps forward as Follower RF steps back.

Beat 2: Leader does half-turn under their palm to the right. Follower LF steps in place while leaving the hand over the Leader.

Beat 3: Leader completes turn under their palm as Follower brings feet together.

Beat 4: Leader’s LH stays up and transitions back to fingertip connection over Follower’s head.

Beat 5,6,7,8: Final right turn for the Follower.

Tips:

Take small steps.
Follow Quick-Quick-Slow rhythm.
Turns always happen after taking a step forward.

Congrats on finishing your 3rd Salsa Class!

Ok…don’t cry. Don’t cry, I said! It’s our last class and we are soooo proud of you. Thank you for joining us and we really hope we can see you again either in Salsa Level 1 for some extra cleanup or Salsa Level 2 to learn more intermediate combinations.

Either way, give yourself a BIG high five because you did it!

In our 3rd Salsa Class, we learned: You Turn - I Turn - Behind the Back Combo, Cross Body Lead Turn and Crossbody Lead with a Shoulder Turn

Below is the basic overview of the steps we’ve learned so far to help you practice with confidence.

NOTE: Unless stated, there will be less comments on the steps and more on the handholds. Assume that if no comment is said about the steps, it’s a standard basic step for both Leader and Follower.

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You Turn - I Turn - Behind the Back Combo + Combs

Leader: Open-Hand Hold

Beat 1,2,3,4: Leader gives Follower a J-Prep.

Beat 5: Leader RF steps back to start the turn for Follower over their head with LH.

Beat 6: Leader’s LH draws halo over Follower’s head as Follower does half turn to the right.

Beat 7: Leaders brings feet together, bringing the Follower around for a complete right turn. Follower completes the turn and keeps fingertip to fingertip connection.

Beat 8: Leader’s LH brings Follower’s RH down as low as it can go (for the hand change behind the back).

Beat 1: Leader LF steps forward as Follower RF steps back.

Beat 2: Leader does half-turn to the right while changing the handhold from Leader’s LH to Leader’s RH.

Beat 3: Leader completes turn, raising Follower’s RH with Leader’s RH at the Follower’s head height.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5,6,7: Both are in a right-to-right hand hold. Leader’s RH turns the Follower.

Beat 8: Leader grabs Follower’s LH with their LH underneath RH.

Beat 1: Leader basic step forward. Follower basic step back.

Beat 2: Both do basic step in place.

Beat 3: Leader’s RH flicks Follower’s RH over Follower’s head so the Leader can grab Follower’s left shoulder blade (first half of closed-hand hold). Follower rests left tricep on Leader’s right arm.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5: Leader takes LH and flicks Follower’s LH over their own shoulder into a closed-hand hold.

Beat 6: Both do basic step in place.

Beat 7: Feet come together as Leader and Follower are now in closed-hand hold.

Beat 8: Pause…and celebrate! You did it!

Tips for the Turns:

Take small steps.
Always step forward before you turn.
Leaders: bring the hand as low as it can go for an easy transition. When you are in a right-to-right handhold, turn partner after the 5 (not on 4).

Tips for the Combs:

Quick tosses.
Don’t linger over the Follower’s head.
Drop the Follower’s hand over the shoulder instead of bringing the hand over Leader’s head.

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Cross Body Lead Turn (with Scoop)

Combo: Cross body lead with a turn, into a scoop at the end.

Leader: Closed-Hand Hold

Beat 1,2,3,4: Leaders prep for Cross Body Lead by opening up the way for the Follower.

Beat 5: Leader’s RH pushes Follower’s shoulder as the LH raises Follower’s RH to 90 degrees. Follower LF steps forward.

Beat 6: Leader’s LH stirs Follower’s RH inside for a half turn. Follower does a half turn to the left planting the RF behind LF.

Beat 7: Leader continues the counterclockwise turn stepping behind the partner and taking the RH to scoop the partner's right shoulder. Follower does another half turn with LF now in front of RF.

On 7 both Leader and Follower should be facing the same direction.

Beat 8: Leader’s RH stirs Follower in for a final half turn while RH trails to the Follower’s left shoulder. Follower does final half turn and raises the left elbow out of the way (because of the scoop). Follower spot partner first, before raising elbow so you don’t give the Leader a nosebleed!

Beat 1: Leader LF steps forward bringing the LH down (now in closed-hand hold). Follower RF steps back with LH resting on top of Leader's right shoulder.

Beat 2: Both Leader and Follower do basic step.

Beat 3: Leader opens up for a Cross Body Lead.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5,6,7: Bring Follower back to starting position with a Cross Body Lead.

Beat 8: Hug or high five because you did it!

Tips:

Leader: Keep the stir small and close. Make sure to scoop on 7.
Follower: Take small steps throughout the turn. Turn AND travel from one side to the other in a straight line.

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Cross Body Lead Shoulder Turn (with Scoop)

Combo: This is a Cross Body Lead Turn except you lead it with the Follower’s shoulder.

Leader: Closed-Hand Hold

Beat 1: Both Leader and Follower do basic step.

Beat 2: Leader’s LH lets go of Follower’s RH.

Beat 3: Leader opens up (just like for the Cross Body Lead) and flags LH palm facing down at the Follower’s shoulder height (this is called a flag). Follower brings feet together.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5: Leader’s RH pushes Follower’s shoulder as the LH reaches for and grabs the Follower's right shoulder. Follower LF steps forward.

Beat 6: Leader’s LH stirs the Follower's shoulder inside for a half turn. Follower does a half turn to the left planting the RF behind LF.

Beat 7: Leader continues the counterclockwise turn while stepping behind the partner and swapping the LH for the RH to scoop the partner's right shoulder. Follower does another half turn with LF now in front of RF.

On 7 both Leader and Follower should be facing the same direction.

Beat 8: Leader’s RH stirs Follower in for the final half turn. Follower does final half turn and raises the left elbow out of the way (because of the scoop). Follower spot partner first, before raising elbow so you don’t give the Leader a nosebleed!

Beat 1: Leader LF steps forward while LH grabs Follower’s RH (to get into a closed-hand hold). Follower RF steps back with LH resting on top of Leader's right shoulder.

Beat 2: Both Leader and Follower do basic step.

Beat 3: Leader opens up for a Cross Body Lead.

Beat 4: Pause (no foot movement).

Beat 5,6,7: Leader brings Follower back to starting position with a Cross Body Lead.

Beat 8: Hug or high five because you did it!

Tips:

Leader: During the turn and scoop, switch from LH to RH back-to-back to make it smooth (think as if you’re turning a steering wheel). Don’t open your elbow too far and keep partner close for the turn.
Follower: Take small steps throughout the turn. Turn AND travel from one side to the other in a straight line.

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See you soon in Salsa Level 1 or Salsa Level 2!

Great job on graduating Salsa Nightclub Level 1!

Below is our full syllabus covering every move you learned.

Detailed Breakdown

Learn Your Moves

Make Your Moves

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