Lesson 1

When you're completely new to salsa, it can be hard to figure out how to start. The following moves are the very essentials one should know before building a larger repertoire. They cover the basic steps (paso básico and guapea) as well as some easy moves to get started and dance through your first songs on a social event.

The basis

Paso básico

First of all, you need to know the basic step. This is something you might not necessarily get across in casino but you'll definitely need it for L.A. style. You can dance this step in an open position (slightly apart, holding hands) or in a closed position as shown in the video.

Paso básico

Guapea

The next step you need is the so-called guapea. It is used in circular (casino) as well as linear (e.g. L.A.) salsa styles. Check out the video for the casino version.

Guapea

Easy moves to get started

Enchufla (Doble)

The enchufla usually starts from a guapea. It can be danced in many variations and also serves as part of other moves. For starters, you can learn the single version. From there, you can go on to the enchufla doble.

Enchufla
Enchufla doble

Dile que no

This move is used to get back to guapea after performing an enchufla (or other moves).

Dile que no

Exhíbela (2 con 1)

Exhíbela starts from the open or closed position or can be added after an enchufla. If you want to bring it to the next level, you can try the exhíbela dos con una.

Exhíbela
Exhíbela (2 con 1)

And now?

The moves listed above should provide for a good basis to start with. Memorize them and combine them as you please. Whenever you are ready, you can move on to Lesson 2 or check out other basic steps of the Salsa Cantante.

Enjoy and see you for the next lesson!