HOW TO DESCRIBE SALSA DANCE
Gang, describing Salsa dance it’s one of the hardest and easiest things for me to do. How do you describe Salsa dance to someone who’s possibly never experienced it but is looking to do something fun? I’ll do my best to transmit at least three aspects of this beautiful dance based on my perception.
1) The practical side of Salsa.
Salsa dance It’s known for having one leader and one follower where the leader steps forward on a count of one, and they’re dancing in a slot of forward and back and side to side. Salsa dance is known for turn patterns and tricks with a prevalence of movements where the leader encourages the follower to cross the dance floor with turn patterns.
Salsa is characterized by fancy and intricate arm styling. The basic rhythm of Salsa LA style, the one we teach at our school, is quick and slow. Think of the song “We Will Rock You” by Queen; believe it or not, that foot banging that they do it’s the rhythm of Salsa.
2) Salsa is energy.
When you watch a couple dancing Salsa you can feel the energy exchange flowing all around the venue. Imagine yourself having that rush of energy, attainable maybe by having an espresso shot. What would you do with that energy inside you? You would probably want to release it on a dance floor.
So, dancing Salsa is like driving fast on a highway with your dance partner next to you as a passenger. You both are blasting on an open road of excitement and adventure. Salsa dance involves a high-energy, fast sequence of moves. Like on a highway, you don’t think about what you just passed by. Instead, you think about what’s ahead of you. It’s a great way to turn off your brain, especially for people who overthink too much because the turns and patterns happen fast. If you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss your exit on a highway, which has happened to me quite a bit.
3) Salsa dance is romantic.
What could be more romantic than two people flowing into each other’s arms, diving into the moment and connecting together while listening to beautiful passionate music.
I can assure you that at least for four minutes you will escape any drama outside of that dance. It’s an incredibly romantic adventure.
As a leader, when you hold someone’s hand and give them a turn followed by a dip, you can feel the trust and connection your follower offers you. Then as you do a turn, you’re looking at each other’s eyes and that close interaction creates excitement.
I’ve danced Salsa with so many people, leaders and followers including my mon and I have to point out that the romantic feeling does not necessarily involve sexual chemistry. Not at all. But when you dance Salsa, chances are you will feel romance in the air as you get lost in the lyrics.
Just for fun, listen to any Latin song, you can visit our website and check our playlist and you will notice that most Salsa songs involve someone who wants to be with someone, or a couple missing each other, wanting each other, feeling each other’s heart while sharing a dance. It’s beautiful. It’s so beautiful.
I can’t wait to welcome you to our big family, have you come in week to week, have fun, connect with new friends and let loose to amazing Latin songs. Click here to check our current schedule.
If you have any questions you would like me to answer here are some ways you can contact me: message me on Instagram (torontodanceSalsa), on Twitter (#torontodanceSalsa), on Facebook (Toronto Dance Salsa) or email me at [email protected].
