We dance salsa at home. Salsa dance (video). Learning basic steps with Denis Tagintsev. Salsa – music for dancing

There are a number of legends around the words “rhythm in salsa” and “how to dance salsa to rhythm”. Without delving into theoretical disputes and buzzwords here, we will try to determine the minimum range of knowledge required for beginning LA salsa and Casino salsa dancers to figure out what the salsa rhythm is and how to dance salsa “correctly” (to the rhythm)?

Salsa. A little about music

Well, if we look for the definition of salsa on the Internet, then with a high degree of probability we will find content replicated on different sites, copied from each other. Something like this. But what does “salsa is 4/4 size” mean? What is "tact"? What is this “complex combination of tumbao and son clave rhythms”?!

If you have several music school classes under your belt, you can safely move on to the next section. If not, then first a few definitions (in principle, you can do without them, because some things are already intuitively clear, but it’s still better to dot the T’s)

Duration

Music is written on paper with signs - notes. A note has two main characteristics - tone and duration. The duration of a note (or pause) is not compared to any absolute durations; it can only be represented in relation to the durations of other notes. The unit of measurement for duration is the so-called "whole note" And all other durations are multiples of an integer. Those. each subsequent duration is obtained by dividing by two: 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, etc. The most popular musical beat is 1/4 (quarter). In this regard, the whole note is designated 4/4.

The duration of a whole note is determined by the tempo. Conventionally, we can say that a whole note at a moderate tempo lasts as long as it takes to pronounce it: one-two-three-four.

The ratio of the durations of sounds (notes, claps, knocks, etc.) and pauses in their sequence is called rhythm.

Size and tact

Size (meter) is a pattern of uniform alternation of strong (louder) and weak shares in time. All beats, from the downbeat to the next downbeat, are combined into a group called a beat. Those. the very first beat of the measure is strong (loudest, accented). It is the limit of the tact. The number of beats in a bar is called meter. The time signature 4/4 (four quarters) is the most common in music.

In 4/4 time, the most metrically strong is the 1st quarter, the next most metrically strong is the 3rd quarter. In relation to them, the 2nd and 4th quarters are considered weak. But in three-beat time (3/4), the strongest beat is the first, and the second and third are weak. It’s easy to imagine three-quarter time after playing any waltz in your mind: PAM-pum, pum – PAM-pum, pum...

Time signature (meter) of salsa music - 4/4

So, we come to the answer to the question of what does the phrase “salsa is in 4/4 size” mean. This means that a measure in salsa consists of four beats, the first of which is accented, and the size of each beat is 1/4 of a whole note. This is what two bars in a row look like (why there are eight counts we’ll look at a little later):

It should be remembered that the 4/4 time signature means that the strong (“loud”, “percussive”) beat in salsa appears with a period every four beats:

It should be noted that the meter of salsa is complex, and every second measure begins with a conditionally strong beat (slightly less strong than in the first measure) - hence the words that mean nothing to a normal person: “phrasing with a period of two measures.” Understanding salsa size specifics has a direct impact on how quickly you get started dance salsa correctly, to the rhythm. By the way, if you have read this far, it means you are a really passionate person and really want to learn how to dance salsa. We, on the site, value and respect such enthusiasts - by using the code word “salsa-rhythm”, you can get a discount on salsa classes at our school.

Salsa is like a dance. Basic step

And so, the basic steps of salsa (yes, we've finally gotten to this point!). In practice, due to the complex meter, dancers divide salsa music into 8 beats. Those. combine two measures into one elementary figure - the basic step. For every 4 beats, the music takes 3 steps. Stepping means transferring weight! This is a very important idea, please remember it!

As a rule, the dance begins on the downbeat. In the salsa-LA style, the partner steps forward on the downbeat with his left leg, as if “squeezing out” the partner’s left leg, and the partner, accordingly, steps back with her right leg.

Basic steps of salsa - video

When performing the main step, dancers change direction twice. This change of direction is referred to as a “break step” (please do not confuse it with the “open-break” figure in salsa!). If a dancer breakssteps on "1" and "5", he is said to be "dancing on time". If a dancer breakssteps on "2" and "6", then he is "dancing on two".

There are different ways to count the basic step in salsa dancing:

one two three four; five-six-seven-eight (the most complete version)
one-two-three-and; five-six-seven-and (four and eight are too long words)
once…. five... (we count only the strong beats, we imply the rest, it’s convenient to count LA)
one-two-three-uh; one-two-three-uh; (this is how Cubans like to count, without taking into account complex meter)
fast-fast-slow; fast-fast-slow (“fast” represents one beat, and “slow” represents two beats.)

Which one is most suitable for teaching in each specific salsa school is decided by specific teachers. IMHO all these methods are “correct” in one way or another.

Four rhythms in salsa

Generally speaking, dancing to the rhythm of salsa is not a trivial task. :) This is not merengue or pop music in 2/4 time to which hustle dances! The main problem is that the various instruments that salsa is played on set SEVERAL rhythmic patterns at the same time! So which one should you dance to?

It is often said that in order to dance salsa to the rhythm, you need to hear the rhythm of the clave and dance in the clave. To be honest, if I were just starting to dance salsa now, I would most likely just bite the head off anyone who advised me to learn to dance in the clave. Simply because, alas, I am not a genius.

Well, of course, if your sense of rhythm is great enough to build a rhythm of steps based on a rhythm with the clave that does not coincide with it, then that’s exactly what you need to do! Listen to the clave, design on its basis the rhythm in which you will walk and do not forget about the lead, your partner, follow the style. And you will be just great! I guarantee it.

Is this realistic for a beginner? Fortunately, there is a more realistic way than dancing while listening to the clave. Well, let's talk about rhythms in salsa and try to answer the question of which rhythm is easiest to dance in.

Clave, rhythm N1 in salsa

Musicians claim that all other rhythms in salsa are determined by the clave rhythm, but if you are a beginner dancer, then my advice to you is not to bother yourself too much with this. You can read a lot about the clave on the Internet and I won’t retell it here. The only thing you need to know right now is that the clave is both a rhythm and a musical instrument made from two wooden sticks that are struck together. Salsa uses two fundamentally different clave rhythms: 3-2 and 2-3. We will skip here the analysis of what is called Son Clave, noting only that Son Clave can be either 3-2 or 2-3.

The 2-3 rhythm is more common in salsa music. Speaking below about other salsa rhythms, we will mean salsa with a clave rhythm of 2-3. There is no point in describing the rhythm, you just need to listen to the examples. It should be noted that although the clave rhythm “lives” in any salsa, defining other rhythms, in a particular composition it is not necessarily played explicitly on the clave or any other instrument. And lastly, the first hit in the 3-2 clave coincides with the count of “one” in the dance. This can be very useful to know if the clave 3-2 is clearly audible, for example at the very beginning of the melody, while the main instruments have not yet started playing.

Cowbell, rhythm N2

The rhythm created by the instrument of the same name, whose sound is similar to the clicking sound of a bell, coincides with beats 1, 3, 5, 7. If you are a beginner dancer, learn to distinguish it from other salsa rhythms, because 1, 3, 5, 7 are the most accentuated beats in Salsa LA and Casino and completely coincide with the steps.

Montuno, rhythm N3. A rhythm that will help you dance salsa.

Rhythm montuno This is a rhythm that is often played on the piano. This is perhaps the most valuable rhythm for salsa dancers for “one time”. Rhythm montuno repeated every 8 beats, its emphasis corresponding to the first beat of the first measure. This way the dancer can easily distinguish between the count of “one” and “five” and understand whether to step forward or backward.

Tumbao, rhythm N4

Tumbao This is the rhythm played on the conga drums. The tumbao rhythm intensifies on the second and sixth beats, which corresponds to the breakstep of dancers on 2. In fact, despite the fact that there are techniques for finding the “two” count in tumbao and clway, but if you just start dancing on 2, then everything It’s easier to find “times” in music and just count one beat - it will be very difficult to make a mistake!

Let us illustrate this with the following video example:

Using a special program on this site you can visualize the rhythm of salsa
and listen to how different instruments sound together and separately in salsa:

Before you start learning salsa, you need to understand that this dance is not for the shy. Salsa itself is based on communication between a man and a woman; it is a flirting dance, a seduction dance. So if you want to loosen up, this dance style is for you.

Salsa cannot be called a complex dance, because it does not have a strictly fixed sequence of movements and steps. In other words, just learn the basics and you are ready. Each dancer combines salsa movements to their own taste and improvises. Therefore, starting to learn this dance is not at all difficult.

Latin Dance Queen

is a way of life, a spirit of freedom and confidence. Her movements cannot be learned mechanically - they must be passed through oneself, felt in one’s gut. When you come to a salsa lesson, you don’t come to repeat steps, steps and turns, you come to communicate! This is the spirit of salsa, its main purpose, its unique atmosphere, its specialty, if you like.

What you need to know before starting training

The most important thing is not to be indifferent. You should be “on fire” with this dance, strive to convey your emotions to your partner through the movements of your body, arms and legs. With each new partner you will move differently - you will see. Having fun on the dance floor and expressing your feelings openly is the secret to success in learning salsa.

Salsa styles:

casino;
Salsa Los Angeles;
New Fork salsa;
Colombian salsa.

It is also important to know this point: salsa is a couples dance, and therefore it is necessary to subtly feel the mood of your partner, interact with him, without being embarrassed by your body, or lack of experience, or manifestations of feelings.

Who is suitable for incendiary salsa?

Salsa is a dance of freedom. It is suitable for everyone who wants new emotions and acquaintances. It doesn’t matter how old you are, the main thing is relaxation and a sense of rhythm. The rest is a matter of technique.

How to learn salsa?

Very simple. In order to become a star of the dance floor in the spirit of salsa, you need to know very little:

1. As in any other Latin American dance, in salsa the accent step is the 4th. All movements in this dance will follow a 4-foot rhythm.
2. The step is performed as follows: first the heel, then the ball of the foot and only then the entire leg is on the floor. The main thing is to do all this on the count of “4”.
3. Another secret - the foot, regardless of the step number (1,2,3,4), should be placed with the toe outward - this will give you elegance and confidence. Plus, your movements will be harmonious, and you won’t crush your partner’s legs.
4. The man will lead, the woman should subtly sense what movement will be next.
5. Move your hips!
6. Clothing is an important part. It will be most convenient for girls to learn the basics of salsa in a wide skirt, for men in not too tight trousers and a shirt. It is better to choose shoes for both partners with low heels.

That's all the basic tricks, knowing which you will be irresistible. Let salsa swirl you in a whirlwind of positive emotions and grace. Forward!

Recently, the fashion for a healthy and sporty lifestyle, including the fashion for dancing, has been gaining momentum. The leader among the latter are the rhythms that came from Latin America: merengue, salsa, bachata. These are the so-called social dances, originally from the streets and accessible to anyone, you just need to put in a little effort to learn a few basic movements. In addition to training various muscle groups, developing flexibility, grace and endurance, dancers receive the joy of communication and an incomparable feeling of the flight of the soul. There is no age for salsa. Anyone can learn to dance it. You can take salsa lessons at numerous dance schools, or you can learn to dance salsa at home on your own, since many salsa video lessons for beginners have now been released. Watch the salsa dance video for beginners below.

Salsa takes its roots in Cuba from such styles as cha-cha-cha, rumba, timba and son. In its modern form, this style developed around the 1970s. Its immediate predecessor was the mambo, familiar to many from the movie Dirty Dancing. However, it is not at all necessary to perform all acrobatic figures and fly into the arms of your partner in high support. The basic salsa movements are quite simple and easy to remember; we dance salsa using the video.

Types and styles

Salsa is divided into the following types and styles:

Circular (it includes Cuban Casino, Venezuelan fast and Colombian with acrobatic elements and complex footwork). The Cuban Casino is the simplest and most convenient to use. Partners form a circle within which they make movements and turns. Moreover, at a disco where there is not much free space, this option is more convenient.
The Venezuelan version is distinguished by its impulsive movement, begins on any beat and has a dynamic tempo. The most spectacular is Salsa Cali (caleña), named after the Colombian city of Cali, which hosts annual festivals and is considered the world capital of this dance. The Colombian style is characterized by complex acrobatic tricks, fast foot movements and mass production, when many dancers move as a single mechanism.
Linear - Los Angeles (LA) and New York (NY) styles. In linear styles, partners do not form a circle. They stand in an open position and the girl moves along a line from one partner’s hand to the other, while the man turns his body 180 degrees, the so-called cross-body-lead. The tempo in linear salsa is very fast, energetic, with sharp stops, making the dance reminiscent of ballroom Latin. The difference between the LA and NY styles is that in LA the movement begins on the strong first beat, as in Casino, and in NY it starts on the weak second.

However, one should not be shy in front of such diversity, since salsa is a social dance that came from the streets, and it is based on a dialogue between a man and a woman. The partner leads his lady, showing in the best possible way, and the lady obeys the movements of the partner. The most skilled and professional dancers use a minimum set of basic elements, because the main thing in dance is the soul. Watch the salsa video lesson below.

Where to go to study?

There are many dance studios in Moscow where teachers from Argentina, Cuba, Colombia and Venezuela will teach you how to dance salsa and move to other Latin rhythms. Many teachers give lessons in Russian, but even if the score goes uno-dos-tres, learning a few words in Spanish is an additional bonus to the joy of communication.

Movements in salsa depend on its style and type, but the basic basic mambo step is quite simple: step forward and back one-two-three, pause while standing still, and step the other foot back and back one-two-three. Pause, we stand still again. The partner can make a turn one step forward. The main mistake beginners make is that they forget about the pause, since the count is one-two-three, but in reality it is a count of one-two-three-four.

Salsa video lessons are now available, so watch, learn and enjoy the vibrant rhythms!

Video lessons

Description

Salsa is a modern dance that originated from the United States as well as Latin America. It is performed both in pairs and in groups; its origins occurred in 1970.

Steps

Each type of salsa, when performed, has its own nuances, but the main movements are fast-fast, then a slow step, which goes to the four beats (rhythm, count) that sound in the music. The fourth count, each, is needed in order to slowly shift the weight, pause or do a kick with the foot (throwout), as well as tap dances. Some styles have a clear beginning. London and Los Angeles - begin to move on the count of one - a strong beat is performed. Puerto Rico, New York, Cuban Dream and Palladium - count of two.

Other types of salsa (Colombian, Venezuelan, Cuban) begin with any part of the music. Depending on the region, the strong beat is considered tiempo or contratiempo; some regions do not give preference to either beat.

Colombian and Venezuelan styles differ from others in that, due to the specificity of some elements, the rhythm may shift. The beginning of movements can occur either on the count of “one” or “two”; the change occurs during the movement. Usually the rhythm is changed by the figures. The Cuban style involves starting with any count, but the count does not change during the dance.

Any style of salsa is closely related to Latin American music, where the time is 4/4, and the active beat begins on “one”. Due to the fact that in many styles there is a check to the parquet during a strong musical beat, spectators often confuse the active beat and count it on the count of “two”.

An active step never begins on the count of “three” - this is a contradiction to musical rules and laws, the exception is syncopation, i.e. “dance” a rhythm that was broken due to complex movements to the next active beat. The dance never begins with the count of “four”.

Styles

Salsa can be divided into main types and 5 subtypes, of which the main ones are:

“Circular” - Venezuelan or Dominican, Cuban or Casino, Colombian;
Linear or Cross-body style - salsa New York (on 2), London, Los Angeles, Puerto Rico and Palladium;
Rueda de Casino (rueda de casino) - can be considered as a separate species due to its enormous popularity.

Salsa Casino

This style is based on the music of Cuba, varieties of son dance - guaracha and montuno. The step begins with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd beat, all the time you need to maintain rhythm. The figure is a circle with a point midway between the implementing partners. You can find linear components - Rumba and Dream. Dancers from many countries use a tempo that involves a light and short hit of the heel or toe on the floor, this happens on the 4th or 8th count. The features are considered to be a complex rhythm pattern, which is a combination of clave and tumbao rhythms, and a fast tempo.

Casino is a Cuban casino whose development began in the mid-twentieth century. This happened in 1956, when individual couples began to separate from the rueda, which was performed at a distance from all couples. Cuban salsa is a special plasticity that remains from Rumba and Son.

Tiempo is most often performed on the first beat, but some provinces perform salsa on a weak beat (count “two”) - contratiempo. Salsa Casino is a more extravagant version of Cuban salsa - Salsa Cubana - a dance for the street with fewer complex figures.

Venezuelan or Dominican salsa

The step starts on any beat, but during execution the beat may change due to the elements. “Circular” pattern, the center of the circle is a point in the middle between the partners. The peculiarity of this style is “impulse” leading. The music is fast.

Colombian salsa

The step (movement) begins from any beat, but the pattern never changes; the elements can be circular or linear. A characteristic feature is a combination of footwork and acrobatics. This style uses fast music.

Salsa Los Angeles

This style is modern, its creation took place in Los Angeles in the last decade of the 20th century. The founders can be considered Joby Vaquez and Luis Vaquez - two brothers.

The basic step is performed during the strongest beat, on the count of “one”, the pattern is linear and, based on it, is the movement of the partner moving along the line or cross body lead. This salsa is characterized by a dynamic tempo, many fast combinations, and a small number of improvised solos. The design features a masculine and feminine style. Direction is clarity, as well as speed of execution, acrobatic elements that emphasize the skill of the performers.

Salsa New York

Eddie Torres created this style when he was in New York and called it Modern Mambo, based on the Cuban dream. At the moment of the weak beat of the music, the basic step begins, counting “two”. Fans of the style believe that this dance was created specifically to show off your partner. There are many movements during which the partner moves past her partner.

The pattern is linear, the tempo is fast and dynamic, but the partner’s guidance is delicate and soft, the figures are performed in short impulses.

This is characterized by solo compositions, the presence of pauses and delicate accents in the music. Acrobatic elements are little used.

Salsa Puerto Rico

This is the national style of salsa in Puerto Rico, differs from Modern Mambo in that the partners begin moving backwards on the count of two, not forward. Therefore, there are specific features of execution and management.

Rueda de Casino

The pattern is circular, two or more pairs participate. The figures are performed according to the command (cantador) - the singer or leader. This style is reminiscent of driving a round dance, there is a frequent change of partner. Rueda is characterized by figures that are based on knots, which always have neat and clear exits. The partner does not let go of his partner’s hands until the partner changes. The partners are passed around in a circle, and the partners improvise to the music.

For modern Cuba, a more typical performance is when performers from a circle line up in a line, forming several circles of rueda next to each other, or inside each other, and also dua - these are elements that are performed in rueda in two pairs when the figure comes to completion, the couples return to the circle. Acrobatic tricks are used. The modern figure involves frequent changes of partner and partners; during its execution, partners can change several times.

This salsa has 2 subtypes:

Rueda de Miami and Rueda de Cuba;
Line dancing technique originated in the United States.

Salsa competitions

“World Salsa Championships” - the world championship is held in Las Vegas (USA);
"Bailar Casino" - Santiago de Cuba, (Cuba);
"Estrellita" - Kyiv, (Ukraine);
“Sabor Cubano” - Salsa Casino competition in Kyiv (Ukraine);
“Dias Cubanos” Cuban salsa competition, Noordwijkerhout, (Netherlands);
“Copa” - Budapest, (Hungary);
“ARRIBA LA SALSA - Latin American dance competition, held in Kharkov, (Ukraine);
“Strawberry Cup” - Salsa LA Style competition in Kyiv, (Ukraine).

Festivals in Europe

VarnaSalsaFest;
Salsa on the Beach;
"Cuba Si"
"Festival Cubano";
Croatian Summer Salsa Festival;
"Salsamaevka";
Kiev Spring Fest;
Salsa on the Beach - festival at Rueda de Casino;
Salsa Festival Frankfurt.

Photos of performances and videos are also available on the website.

Salsa is a dance of love and freedom. This Latin American style originated in Cuba and combines interesting combinations, passion, unexpected moves and simply beauty. Now, thanks to the fact that salsa is so widespread, anyone can learn it. To do this, you only need free time and desire.

How to learn to dance salsa

Unlike other modern dances, the movements of which some consider simple convulsions, salsa movements are not so easy to learn. Well, in any case, only a select few can see and immediately repeat the elements. Since not every person has a sense of rhythm, freedom and plasticity since childhood. At first glance it may seem simple, but after a couple of lessons you will understand that not everything is as simple as it seems. But in the hands of experienced professionals or right at home, you can achieve what you want.

Of course, if you want to learn faster, it’s better to go to a dance school, but if you don’t want to spend money or just dream of learning everything on your own, then this instruction is for you, and at the end of the article, hr-portal will provide you with free video lessons.

Instructions

The basis of salsa is the step. All movements must be performed to the rhythm of four. That is, the emphasis is on the fourth step. They are easy to do. To step forward, place your foot on the toe, then on the ball of the foot, and then smoothly on the entire sole. You can replace the last stage with placing your foot on your heel. It is important to do this on the count of four. All this actually looks like walking to music. But dancing differs from walking in that everything is done harmoniously. Also follow the rule: when you make any movement, place your foot on the floor with your toe facing outward. Because if you move inside, the dance will not look elegant and you may give your partner your legs.
If you dance salsa in a couple, then remember, the man should lead, and the woman should only decorate. The partner should simply follow the gentleman. After all, this is a dance of passion and flirtation. Therefore, hone your movements, but remain as if in zero gravity.
To dance salsa beautifully, you first need to learn how to move your hips in a sexy and at the same time elegant way. Because the whole dance is a movement of the body, and the main theme is set by the hips and legs.
You also need to choose the right shoes and clothes. A wide skirt is ideal for girls, and a shirt with trousers for men. Shoes should be chosen so that they have a stable and small heel. This is for both men and women.