Arts >> Dance >> Salsa Dance

How to Dance Salsa and Bachata With a Guide

Salsa and bachata are two forms of Latin dance that are popular around the world. Both are partner dances, done in clubs, at parties, and in competitions. Salsa originated in Cuba as a fusion between French and African dance. Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic during the 1960's as a musical style and the dance formed to compliment it. Salsa These dances are quite different from each other, but are often done in the same venues because of their Latin roots. The basic steps for each are simple to learn from an instructional guide. However, if you want to learn advanced techniques, it's best to pay an instructor for lessons.

Things You'll Need

  • Salsa music
  • Bachata music
  • Large, open space in which to practice
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Instructions

  1. Salsa

    • 1

      Practice clapping the rhythm of the music. Salsa is an eight count, but the four and eight are still. When clapping, it will sound like this: clap (1), clap (2), clap (3), still (4), clap (5), clap (6), clap (7), still (8). Repeat until you are comfortable with the rhythm.

    • 2

      Select a large, open space and begin by practicing the steps individually. If you are leading, start with the left foot forward. Start with the right foot back if you are following. For the leader: Step left front, right step in place, left back together, hold, right back, left step in place, right back together, hold. Each move corresponds with one of the numbered counts, but the follower's moves are just the opposite of the leader's. Repeat until the song ends.

    • 3

      Practice with a partner. Face each other. The leader's right hand goes on the follower's waist, and the leader's left hand is held out to the side with the palm up. The follower's left hand is on the leader's shoulder, and the right hand is in the leader's palm.

    • 4

      Add hip movements. The hips move in a figure-eight pattern. When the right foot steps, the right hip is up. When the left foot steps, the left hip is up. Practice this for a bit, and then turn on the music to dance.

    Bachata

    • 5

      Turn on bachata music. Practice clapping with the beat. The bachata beat is an eight count; say "pop" on the four and the eight beat. The clapping rhythm is clap (1), clap (2), clap (3), pop (4), clap (5), clap (6), clap (7), pop (8).

    • 6

      Practice the steps individually. Bachata is a lot like salsa, but the moves are from side to side instead of forward and back. If you are the leader, start on the left foot. Start on the right foot if you are the follower. When there's a "pop," lift the foot up and touch the toe to the floor. The sequence of steps is: right step to the side, left step in place, right step to the side, left pop, left step to the side, right step in place, left step to the side, right pop. The follower's steps are just the opposite. Repeat until you're comfortable moving on your own.

    • 7

      Add hip movement, with the hips moving to the side that the foot steps. If the right foot steps, the hips move to right. The same applies to the pop.

    • 8

      Stand facing your partner as in Step 3 of the Salsa section. Practice with your partner.

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Salsa Dance

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