Salsa Technique for Leads

 

These two moves get mixed up all the time, especially by beginner follows, so let’s get clear on how to lead them and when it makes sense to skip a move all together.

I previously explained the difference between a turn and a hairbrush for the follows. Now, let’s break down the how the lead and follow feel for a turn vs. a hand toss.

Understanding the Difference: Turn vs. Hand Toss

The Turn (horizontal plane)

A turn involves guiding your partner’s arm horizontally, across their body, and around their axis. For example:

• Across the body (Ex: a right turn, lead’s right hand to follow’s left hand): make it clear that the follow’s arm is going across their body and around their head.
• To the outside: (Ex: a right turn, lead’s left hand to follow’s right hand): lead her right hand on a horizontal plane away from her body and around her head.

 

The Hand Toss (vertical plane)

A hand toss keeps the movement within a neutral up-and-down territory, avoiding crossing the follow’s center line or axis on a horizontal plane. Here’s how to do it:

• Downward toss: the intention is down, not to the side. For instance, if you want to switch hands, toss the hand down – the follow will continue the movement, raising their hand and you and ask for it again, wherever you want it.
• Toss to hammer Lock: This one can often be confused as a turn. The trick is to connect with the follow’s wrist, do a little circle, toss downward and slightly back, so her arm ends up behind her back. If the intention of the toss is too horizontal and not enough downward the follow may interpret it as a turn.

 

Practical Demonstrations (see video)

Let’s look at some examples to illustrate these differences:

1. Turn: during a basic step, lead the arm to the outside to signal a turn.
2. Hand Toss: connect with the wrist, circle, and toss down and back.
3. Combining Turn and Toss: lead a right turn, toss the hand, then show a target to block and send the follow back the other way, to the left.

 

Tips for Dancing with Beginners

When dancing with beginner follows, they may not be familiar with hand tosses. Here’s how to adapt:

• Avoid hand tosses: If the follow turns quickly instead of completing the hand toss, switch to simpler moves. You can’t lead something they don’t know how to do.
• Use hairbrushes: Instead of a hand toss, try a hairbrush, where you lift the follows hand on a vertical plane up and over her head. Let go and allow her to finish the move, brushing her hair. If the follow doesn’t know what to do, you can avoid these too.
• Adjust Your Leading: Be ready to modify your moves based on the follow’s experience and responses. That’s the trick to being a good lead. Don’t make the follow feel like they don’t know what they’re doing. Adjust and have fun!

 

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between a turn and a hand toss allows you to lead more effectively and adjust to your partner’s skill level. Remember, clarity is key in leading these moves.

For more detailed guidance on incorporating these concepts into your social dancing, check out our online salsa program – you can try it free for a week here.

It’s a game-changer.

 

Understanding how to use space will significantly enhance your salsa dancing abilities and quality of your connection.

Let’s dive into why distance matters and how you can master it.

The Importance of Distance in Salsa

Distance is a fundamental principle in salsa that applies to everything. It’s common to see dancers maintaining too much space between them, which can lead to bad habits, especially when attempting more complex moves. If you’re used to dancing with a lot of space between you, it will be challenging to adjust when you need to be closer for intricate arm work or faster routines.

Optimal Distance: Elbow or Forearm Length

Aim to keep an elbow or forearm distance between you and your partner. This ensures that your elbows stay in front of your body, maintaining a comfortable and functional space. While there are times when you’ll need to create more space (like during open breaks), always return to this optimal distance.

Exercise: Maintaining Distance

Here’s a simple exercise to help you practice:

1. Stand facing your partner and grab each other’s forearms
2. Dance some basic steps in any direction
3. Maintain this optimal distance

This exercise helps you feel your partner’s frame and movements, enhancing your connection and fluidity.

Creating Elastic Sensations

When dancing, there will be moments where you create an elastic sensation. For instance, in a cross-body lead with an open break, you’ll generate tension by stepping away from each other but then you’ll come back closer together. This tension and release enhance your dance without needing excessive space.

Exercise to Practice Elastic Connection

1. Stand face to face, holding each other’s hands in the middle
2. Lean backwards, away from each other, at the same time until your hand connection stops you
3. Pull when you reach the limit, lean forward towards each other, and rotate your palms like a high-five at chest height to stop your faces from hitting each other.
4. Repeat back and forth, in and out.

The amount of tension you need to give is equal to whatever your partner gives you. And this exercise shows you that you don’t need to think about it. It’s intuitive. You do what’s necessary in the moment.

 

Tips for Crowded Dance Floors

On crowded dance floors, keeping movements tight and controlled is essential. Avoid long, straight-armed open breaks. Instead, maintain a slight bend in your arms and take small steps back, just enough to create tension without losing your partner.

Practical Examples (see video)

Let’s break down some moves:

1. Cross-Body Lead: The goal is to switch places, not to cover vast distances. Small, controlled steps ensure you stay connected.
2. Inside Turn to Titanic: Move with your partner to maintain closeness and control. If there’s too much space, communication and execution become difficult.

By keeping your partner close, you can perform intricate arm work and transitions more effortlessly, making your dancing look smooth and polished.

Summary

The key takeaway is to stay close to your partner. This proximity allows for better communication, easier execution of complex moves, and a more enjoyable dancing experience. Remember:

• Maintain an elbow or forearm distance.
• Practice exercises to keep this distance.
• Create elastic connections without over-extending.
• Adapt to crowded dance floors with tight, controlled steps.

If you enjoyed this tip and want to learn more about improving your salsa dancing, check out our online salsa program here – you can even try it free for a week here and learn as much as you like.