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Change Your LocationTop Tips from the Best of San Diego Salsa
Written by Randy Kish
This article was made possible by contributions of San Diego's top salsa instructors.
The San Diego Salsa scene has several talented dance instructors. We don’t see them out socially as much as we’d like as their services are high demand. While in town, they work tirelessly in studio with their teams and private students - exhausted by day end making social dancing a chore. They can often be found on airplanes, hotels and rental cars while they travel to teach or perform around the world. As such, we often forget that this group represents some of our best social dancers. Each instructor is gifted with special talents; from technique, footwork, patterns and styling. The tips below were all provided by San Diego’s top dance instructors, organized for leads and follows, but read them all! Give these a try to improve your technique, timing and style. A bonus tip for everyone is at the end!
Adapt your style of dance to your partner
Gaby Equiz, Director of Alma Latina Dance Company
Dancing onstage is technical, and as much as you want to feel the music and energy when performing, you still want to have your own style. When I dance socially, I do it for my personal enjoyment. In one night, I like to dance with a variety of people. With new songs every five minutes this quickly adds up and can easily total more than ten different dance partners in one night. That experience is very enriching. When I dance I strive to connect with my partner - I look at their eyes and watch their body movement and try to connect with the same energy they are giving me. So if they are very sharp like most Los Angeles dancers, I answer with sharp poses and movements that are complement what they are doing. But if I find somebody who is more about smooth dancing, I go with the flow with isolations and such. It’s like a conversation as opposed to two monologues going on at the same time. Remember to always keeping eye contact and keep that conversation going. It’s a lot of fun!
Respecting the lead first, your styling second
Serena Cuevas, Director of Deseo Dance Company
Basically, pay attention to your man, your lead, and “listen” to what he is asking you to do with his actions. Listening in dance means to quiet your mind and stop thinking. Don’t assume what is coming. Respond to the feeling, then give into your own feeling later, but you have to focus on him first. If you feel something that is similar to a move or choreo, stop yourself from anticipating the pattern and don’t style it the same as you would on stage. Styling for performance is not styling for social dancing. We teach styling for social dancing independently from our choreography as a part of our training syllabus.
Stay on time and in tune with your lead
Jennifer Stein, Director of Majesty In Motion
Whether you are On-1 or On-2, it’s vital to stay true to timing. Being on-time and ready on the right foot will make the dance smooth. Your timing provides the foundation for both styling and follow. For styling, it's important that you know which counts are suited for styling and to keep the style from interfering with the lead. For example, your arms can style up or down at specific times, but don’t do it sporadically. Try to style by isolating your body and while not moving your connection to your partner. This will keep you well grounded and balanced, which helps the lead stay on count. One styling technique is to swivel your hips without moving your arm that you’re holding. This will create a solid connection with your partner, which is key to following. Pay attention the lead and never assume what is next, just relax and follow the lead without assuming there is a turn. Follow his body movement and keep your eyes on him you don't miss hands. Also, maintain eye contact even when you are doing shines. One method is to think as if you are performing for him. This results in an awareness of when your partner is ready to reestablish contact and you’ll never miss a connection. Also, listen to the music and enjoy it, try to slow down your movement and speed up your movement based on the speed of the song. Listening closely will also help you be ready to do your shines. Every one of our practices starts with shines that are part of our syllabus, and we encourage our girls to do this socially to different music, increasing their level of dance. Whatever you do, go out social dancing. It's the true test and place for you to improve.
Pay attention to his body alignment
Laura Mendoza, Director of Salsa Divas
Watching body alignment closely will tell you what the lead is intending to do. Good leads use their torso and shoulders along with their arms to direct you on the floor. Watching their movement will always allow you to know if you are moving forward, staying in place or moving back. I like to keep close contact with the lead, often skimming their body with my free hand. He may not be able to hold my hand at the time, but I leave my hand where the lead places it until the pattern is complete. When you keep your hands available to your leads, they know where your hand is, and you can still style with your body, simple and beautiful. It’s fun; you can use your lead as a styling prop and make your following technique look sexy. One of my favorite examples is to stroke my lead’s face after coming out of a slow spin. In the end, dance is about two people and this will help your connection.
Keep your basic steps in everything you do
Tasha Tia, Performer
Timing is key in keeping a ladies basic step. Make sure that you always have in mind which counts stepped on the right foot and which are on the left, makes following complicated patterns, especially in social dancing far easier. Once you know your counts it’s much easier to get to where you need to go. So, for On-2 dancing, the right foot is always your one and your six - the two important steps to remember as it’s either an indicator for the next move or it's your prep for spins. The left foot is always the two or the five count. If a lady is not ready for a 5-6 prep for a spin (meaning on the wrong foot) then she must scramble to get on the right foot by the one (the indicator for the next move) which in essence could throw the couple off time or the lady off balance for a spin. The same holds true for On-1 dancing, where the right foot is on the one and the six, and the left foot is on the two and the five counts, with spin prep being on one-two. Overall, making sure your basic steps are used on the correct timing helps a follow in any pattern because it not only helps keep the flow in musicality terms but it also helps keep a woman on balance. Even though timing and steps are important, don’t forget to feel the music and dance for no one but yourself.
Connect with your partner’s interpretation of the music
Sergio Jasso, Director of Alma Latina
As leaders we need to keep in mind that not all the ladies we dance with are at the same skill level. Even when they are pro or advanced level they all have different styles; some of them are very fast and very good spinners and some of them may not be so fast but use more body movement on their dancing. Everybody interprets the music in their dancing differently, which makes it fun and interesting. So, it's very important to start dancing slow while you get to know your partner's level and test her skills. A nice and fun way to do that is also by paying a lot of attention to the music you are dancing to and play with it. Remember, your connection is not only between you and your partner but also with the song, and eye contact is super important. For followers, in addition to eye contact with your partner, it's important to be disciplined with your styling. Styling is a great thing to do while you are dancing. Just as leads need to connect to your interpretation of the music, ladies have the challenge of each lead having different styles and moves. By doing a lot of styling in your dancing you are at risk of not properly react to your partner's next move. I personally appreciate it when a lady is totally paying attention to me and the music, so we can both understand each other and make that moment a lot more enjoyable.
Be a “chameleon” and adapt to your partner
Angel Rivera, A Time To Dance / Mamboleo
First, it's critical to get your foundation squared away and never think you’re too advanced for the basics. This includes timing, technique and most importantly - make the lady feel like a million dollars! Try to be a chameleon on the dance floor. Start off relaxed, smooth and calm. In the first few eight counts, assess your partner’s capabilities and never make her do more than she can handle. Don't break off into your own fancy footwork world when all she’s doing is a basic step and thinking “When is he going to finish showing off?” Dancing is like a conversation. First you ask, and then she responds. If you are dragging and pushing her around the dance floor, it's an argument and not enjoyable. So, focus on your lead foundation, listen to the music, see what your partner can handle, and become a Chameleon! You will make her feel comfortable and make each dance better with each partner.
Remember to dance to the music
David Stein, Director of Majesty In Motion
It's great to have a number of patterns, but it’s not about the moves you can do. The dance was made to go with the music, and the music was made to go with the dance. Pay attention to the song and take advantage of the music. There are so many underlying hit's and beats which allow you to break into shines and freestyle dancing. You can train your ear to anticipate these sections by educating yourself about the music and understanding the different instruments being played. With just a little bit of research, you can find all kinds of resources available – some in the studio, but many outside of the clubs and classes. Get as much exposure as you can, start by listening to the Eddie Torres Counting CD, attend seminars offered by Michael Bello at the Congress events, and watch documentaries “The Roots of Salsa”, “Our Latin Thing (Fania)” or “When Mambo was King”. Know the history, the language as the culture tells the people what to do”.
Take advantage of transition
Michael John Saltus, Positive Energy Dance Company
The more advanced we get as dancers, the longer and more complex patterns we are able to lead. It's important that after you do a longer pattern or big move it's important to have a good transition. As a rule of thumb, consider a move or patter two eight counts or more to complete in this category. Many dancers make the mistake of rushing to their next big move or force a basic step after such moves. Instead, try to provide a slower, smooth transition before doing something else. This allows the follow to stay on balance relaxed and on-time. For example, if you do two eight counts of back to back inside and outside turns into a hammerlock, take a slow soft hand toss behind her back followed by a body roll, then undo the hands with a slow single turn. One of my favorite things to do, when I know the music well, is to hold and play a small side step with body isolations - making it more sensual. Doing so gives your follow a chance to breath and also allows you recover - keeping on time and well grounded. Remember, no matter who you dance with, know the level of the dancer, maybe push their limits a bit to make them have fun and challenged, by keeping the transitions there, you will have time to keep her on balance and she'll enjoy a smooth dance.
Connect with your partner
Pepe Alvarez, Master Puppet Dance Company
When you start your dance with a girl, it's important to establish eye contact right away and smile. Keeping that visual connection during your dance will make your partner feel important and comfortable. Of course, you do have to keep your eyes on the floor space, and other things for her safety, but make an effort to catch her with your eyes and make sure she keeps smiling. While it's important to be attentive, don’t cross the line and make her uneasy. Also, remember to be a gentleman; it's proper etiquette to take the girl by the hand and lead her both to and from the dance floor.
Position properly to increase you speed
Mambo Castillo, Son y Pasos Dance Company
Speed is essential for both lead and follow, especially with intricate patterns. Speed will make your patterns on time and also safe. A lead needs to understand the key to becoming faster is positioning. Besides all the basics, patterns and the crazy stuff that men train in every single day, there is one important thing that is missing in skills training – positioning. To increase speed, a lead must position for every move while staying out of his partner’s track. A good technique is to make sure you are moving around the lady and not her around you. In martial arts Aikido, students are taught to use the force or strength of their opponent against themselves. In Salsa, this technique can be applied by using the momentum of your follow to get around her. First lead the move, and then follow her movement around her to setup the next move. Don’t hesitate your pattern; keep it flowing, on time and very clear to your follow. My speed as a lead has increased using this approach. Also, remember that she is the “Picture” and you are the “Frame”. Make sure you dance to the level of your follow and to make her look good, after all guys, we are dancing for the ladies.
Jemadean, Director Salsa Pasion
Similar to an engaging conversation, social partner dancing is a sharing experience which is enhanced with interaction between both people. Remember that partner dancing is not about “Me” but it is about “Us”. This is sometimes forgotten, as so many of us are focused on what we are trying to achieve in dance. You can create the habit of being engaged with all of your dance partners by appreciating that each one has chosen to spend their time with you, and by remembering that there is value in each partner, regardless of their skill level. Each partner brings a new conversation, and when both partners are actively engaged in the conversation, this creates a wonderful and fun back and forth of expression. It may be witty banter, a fun challenging of each other, flirtation, or silliness. Whatever it is, I am always excited to discover what each new partner brings to the table. For each partner, look them in the eye, appreciate and value them and this short moment in time you have together--enter their world, and invite them into yours.
Secrets for Salseras
Ladies first! The following tips are from San Diego’s Finest Salseras:Adapt your style of dance to your partner
Gaby Equiz, Director of Alma Latina Dance Company
Dancing onstage is technical, and as much as you want to feel the music and energy when performing, you still want to have your own style. When I dance socially, I do it for my personal enjoyment. In one night, I like to dance with a variety of people. With new songs every five minutes this quickly adds up and can easily total more than ten different dance partners in one night. That experience is very enriching. When I dance I strive to connect with my partner - I look at their eyes and watch their body movement and try to connect with the same energy they are giving me. So if they are very sharp like most Los Angeles dancers, I answer with sharp poses and movements that are complement what they are doing. But if I find somebody who is more about smooth dancing, I go with the flow with isolations and such. It’s like a conversation as opposed to two monologues going on at the same time. Remember to always keeping eye contact and keep that conversation going. It’s a lot of fun!
Respecting the lead first, your styling second
Serena Cuevas, Director of Deseo Dance Company
Basically, pay attention to your man, your lead, and “listen” to what he is asking you to do with his actions. Listening in dance means to quiet your mind and stop thinking. Don’t assume what is coming. Respond to the feeling, then give into your own feeling later, but you have to focus on him first. If you feel something that is similar to a move or choreo, stop yourself from anticipating the pattern and don’t style it the same as you would on stage. Styling for performance is not styling for social dancing. We teach styling for social dancing independently from our choreography as a part of our training syllabus.
Stay on time and in tune with your lead
Jennifer Stein, Director of Majesty In Motion
Whether you are On-1 or On-2, it’s vital to stay true to timing. Being on-time and ready on the right foot will make the dance smooth. Your timing provides the foundation for both styling and follow. For styling, it's important that you know which counts are suited for styling and to keep the style from interfering with the lead. For example, your arms can style up or down at specific times, but don’t do it sporadically. Try to style by isolating your body and while not moving your connection to your partner. This will keep you well grounded and balanced, which helps the lead stay on count. One styling technique is to swivel your hips without moving your arm that you’re holding. This will create a solid connection with your partner, which is key to following. Pay attention the lead and never assume what is next, just relax and follow the lead without assuming there is a turn. Follow his body movement and keep your eyes on him you don't miss hands. Also, maintain eye contact even when you are doing shines. One method is to think as if you are performing for him. This results in an awareness of when your partner is ready to reestablish contact and you’ll never miss a connection. Also, listen to the music and enjoy it, try to slow down your movement and speed up your movement based on the speed of the song. Listening closely will also help you be ready to do your shines. Every one of our practices starts with shines that are part of our syllabus, and we encourage our girls to do this socially to different music, increasing their level of dance. Whatever you do, go out social dancing. It's the true test and place for you to improve.
Pay attention to his body alignment
Laura Mendoza, Director of Salsa Divas
Watching body alignment closely will tell you what the lead is intending to do. Good leads use their torso and shoulders along with their arms to direct you on the floor. Watching their movement will always allow you to know if you are moving forward, staying in place or moving back. I like to keep close contact with the lead, often skimming their body with my free hand. He may not be able to hold my hand at the time, but I leave my hand where the lead places it until the pattern is complete. When you keep your hands available to your leads, they know where your hand is, and you can still style with your body, simple and beautiful. It’s fun; you can use your lead as a styling prop and make your following technique look sexy. One of my favorite examples is to stroke my lead’s face after coming out of a slow spin. In the end, dance is about two people and this will help your connection.
Keep your basic steps in everything you do
Tasha Tia, Performer
Timing is key in keeping a ladies basic step. Make sure that you always have in mind which counts stepped on the right foot and which are on the left, makes following complicated patterns, especially in social dancing far easier. Once you know your counts it’s much easier to get to where you need to go. So, for On-2 dancing, the right foot is always your one and your six - the two important steps to remember as it’s either an indicator for the next move or it's your prep for spins. The left foot is always the two or the five count. If a lady is not ready for a 5-6 prep for a spin (meaning on the wrong foot) then she must scramble to get on the right foot by the one (the indicator for the next move) which in essence could throw the couple off time or the lady off balance for a spin. The same holds true for On-1 dancing, where the right foot is on the one and the six, and the left foot is on the two and the five counts, with spin prep being on one-two. Overall, making sure your basic steps are used on the correct timing helps a follow in any pattern because it not only helps keep the flow in musicality terms but it also helps keep a woman on balance. Even though timing and steps are important, don’t forget to feel the music and dance for no one but yourself.
Secrets for Salseros
Gents, now it's your turn! The following advice comes from San Diego’s most popular social leads.Connect with your partner’s interpretation of the music
Sergio Jasso, Director of Alma Latina
As leaders we need to keep in mind that not all the ladies we dance with are at the same skill level. Even when they are pro or advanced level they all have different styles; some of them are very fast and very good spinners and some of them may not be so fast but use more body movement on their dancing. Everybody interprets the music in their dancing differently, which makes it fun and interesting. So, it's very important to start dancing slow while you get to know your partner's level and test her skills. A nice and fun way to do that is also by paying a lot of attention to the music you are dancing to and play with it. Remember, your connection is not only between you and your partner but also with the song, and eye contact is super important. For followers, in addition to eye contact with your partner, it's important to be disciplined with your styling. Styling is a great thing to do while you are dancing. Just as leads need to connect to your interpretation of the music, ladies have the challenge of each lead having different styles and moves. By doing a lot of styling in your dancing you are at risk of not properly react to your partner's next move. I personally appreciate it when a lady is totally paying attention to me and the music, so we can both understand each other and make that moment a lot more enjoyable.
Be a “chameleon” and adapt to your partner
Angel Rivera, A Time To Dance / Mamboleo
First, it's critical to get your foundation squared away and never think you’re too advanced for the basics. This includes timing, technique and most importantly - make the lady feel like a million dollars! Try to be a chameleon on the dance floor. Start off relaxed, smooth and calm. In the first few eight counts, assess your partner’s capabilities and never make her do more than she can handle. Don't break off into your own fancy footwork world when all she’s doing is a basic step and thinking “When is he going to finish showing off?” Dancing is like a conversation. First you ask, and then she responds. If you are dragging and pushing her around the dance floor, it's an argument and not enjoyable. So, focus on your lead foundation, listen to the music, see what your partner can handle, and become a Chameleon! You will make her feel comfortable and make each dance better with each partner.
Remember to dance to the music
David Stein, Director of Majesty In Motion
It's great to have a number of patterns, but it’s not about the moves you can do. The dance was made to go with the music, and the music was made to go with the dance. Pay attention to the song and take advantage of the music. There are so many underlying hit's and beats which allow you to break into shines and freestyle dancing. You can train your ear to anticipate these sections by educating yourself about the music and understanding the different instruments being played. With just a little bit of research, you can find all kinds of resources available – some in the studio, but many outside of the clubs and classes. Get as much exposure as you can, start by listening to the Eddie Torres Counting CD, attend seminars offered by Michael Bello at the Congress events, and watch documentaries “The Roots of Salsa”, “Our Latin Thing (Fania)” or “When Mambo was King”. Know the history, the language as the culture tells the people what to do”.
Take advantage of transition
Michael John Saltus, Positive Energy Dance Company
The more advanced we get as dancers, the longer and more complex patterns we are able to lead. It's important that after you do a longer pattern or big move it's important to have a good transition. As a rule of thumb, consider a move or patter two eight counts or more to complete in this category. Many dancers make the mistake of rushing to their next big move or force a basic step after such moves. Instead, try to provide a slower, smooth transition before doing something else. This allows the follow to stay on balance relaxed and on-time. For example, if you do two eight counts of back to back inside and outside turns into a hammerlock, take a slow soft hand toss behind her back followed by a body roll, then undo the hands with a slow single turn. One of my favorite things to do, when I know the music well, is to hold and play a small side step with body isolations - making it more sensual. Doing so gives your follow a chance to breath and also allows you recover - keeping on time and well grounded. Remember, no matter who you dance with, know the level of the dancer, maybe push their limits a bit to make them have fun and challenged, by keeping the transitions there, you will have time to keep her on balance and she'll enjoy a smooth dance.
Connect with your partner
Pepe Alvarez, Master Puppet Dance Company
When you start your dance with a girl, it's important to establish eye contact right away and smile. Keeping that visual connection during your dance will make your partner feel important and comfortable. Of course, you do have to keep your eyes on the floor space, and other things for her safety, but make an effort to catch her with your eyes and make sure she keeps smiling. While it's important to be attentive, don’t cross the line and make her uneasy. Also, remember to be a gentleman; it's proper etiquette to take the girl by the hand and lead her both to and from the dance floor.
Position properly to increase you speed
Mambo Castillo, Son y Pasos Dance Company
Speed is essential for both lead and follow, especially with intricate patterns. Speed will make your patterns on time and also safe. A lead needs to understand the key to becoming faster is positioning. Besides all the basics, patterns and the crazy stuff that men train in every single day, there is one important thing that is missing in skills training – positioning. To increase speed, a lead must position for every move while staying out of his partner’s track. A good technique is to make sure you are moving around the lady and not her around you. In martial arts Aikido, students are taught to use the force or strength of their opponent against themselves. In Salsa, this technique can be applied by using the momentum of your follow to get around her. First lead the move, and then follow her movement around her to setup the next move. Don’t hesitate your pattern; keep it flowing, on time and very clear to your follow. My speed as a lead has increased using this approach. Also, remember that she is the “Picture” and you are the “Frame”. Make sure you dance to the level of your follow and to make her look good, after all guys, we are dancing for the ladies.
Bonus Tip for All
Social dancing is an engaging conversation—Be engaged with your partnerJemadean, Director Salsa Pasion
Similar to an engaging conversation, social partner dancing is a sharing experience which is enhanced with interaction between both people. Remember that partner dancing is not about “Me” but it is about “Us”. This is sometimes forgotten, as so many of us are focused on what we are trying to achieve in dance. You can create the habit of being engaged with all of your dance partners by appreciating that each one has chosen to spend their time with you, and by remembering that there is value in each partner, regardless of their skill level. Each partner brings a new conversation, and when both partners are actively engaged in the conversation, this creates a wonderful and fun back and forth of expression. It may be witty banter, a fun challenging of each other, flirtation, or silliness. Whatever it is, I am always excited to discover what each new partner brings to the table. For each partner, look them in the eye, appreciate and value them and this short moment in time you have together--enter their world, and invite them into yours.
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