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Winchester & Preston Candover Salsa Class Notes |
SALSA BASIC (MAMBO) STEPS AND TIMING DIAGRAMS
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Welcome to our Winchester and Preston Candover, Basingstoke Salsa Class Notes!This page is devided into two sections: the following links will jump down the page to the notes. Alternatively you can just scroll down this page. Click here to go to Beginners Course 2009 Class Notes Click here to go to Improvers/Intermediate Course 2009 Class Notes Jump to Routine Videos section Salsa Class Notes Structure: Instead of listing things sequentially, as they are covered week by week, we are going to lay out the notes in a logical progression according to the subject matter covered.
Salsa Class Notes: Beginners Course 2009One way to help you remember Salsa steps and techniques, review and practice what we did in class is to point you to a few handpicked video clips available on the Internet. A note of warning: There are many styles of Salsa and it's best you follow the ones that we pick for you to avoid confusion. Please take note of any points we add as a comment on what is demonstrated. The Salsa Step Count: 8 beats per musical "phrase", step on beats 1,2,3, pause on 4, step on beats 5,6,7, pause on 8. Salsa Basic Steps learned in group dancing, with no partner:
1. The Salsa Forward Basic Other Steps (Shines) learned in group dancing, with no partner: 1. Salsa Stepping On the Spot. This is just as it sounds, step 1,2,3 and 5,6,7 without moving in any direction, but following the usual Salsa pattern with the pause on 4 and 8. It can be done with a slow turning around, right or left, taking the full 8 counts or more to do one 360deg turn. Salsa Partner Dancing:The Salsa Close hold: 4 Points of contact: Follower's shoulderblade, elbow, Leader's shoulder and Follower's right hand on Leader's left hand. The Salsa Full Basic (Mambo) The Salsa Side Step The Salsa Back Step The Salsa Side Step Open For a good example of the Salsa Full Basic Step (Mambo Step) have a look at this YouTube.com video. Please note handhold is slightly different and Followers please do not relax the weight of your left arm on the Leaders as suggested in the video, but go with the footwork to help you review, practice at home: The Salsa Basic (Mambo) Step The Salsa Crossbody Lead - Leading and following. Takes the follower from one side of the Leader to the other side. Here's a fine demonstration on Leading and Following the Crossbody Lead. The tips given are virtually the same we gave you in class, so enjoy your review and practice! The Leader's Right Turn: On 1,2,3 counts, changing hand hold behind Leader's back. Counts 5,6,7 are for a back basic after the turn. The Follower's Right Turn: Leading and following. Leader signals and preps the Follower on 1,2,3 counts and leads Follower's turn on 5,6,7 counts. For a good example of the Salsa Right Turn, demonstrated first from the Follower's point of view and then the Leader's, take a look at this one. The tip on using the shoulders is good but really it is very minimal in the single turn. I would suggest you don't worry about winding up in the opposite direction for the time being, and concentrate on the steps: The Salsa Right Turn Here is an video clip on performing the Leader's Right Turn in Salsa Partner Dancing The Leader's Left Turn: Counts 1, 2, 3 are the same as in the Crossbody Lead, then step to the back with the right leg crossing over the left on count 5, pivot half turn left on the ball of both feet (now facing the front again) on count 6, finish bringing your right foot near the left foot in the start position on 7. I could only find this example on Youtube, which is in real dancing time and not brokend down count by count. But it may help with the above description so here it is: The Left Turn for Leaders The Follower's Left Turn: This is an example of what can sometimes be called a "broken turn", because it is not initiated and completed within counts 1 to 8, but goes on to finish on the following count 1, essentially taking 9 beats from the start of the lead to its finish. On counts 1, 2, 3 the Follower is lead into a back break and on count five steps forward on the left foot, crossing over to the right slighty and pressing her left hand against the Leader's right hand. The Leader pushes her hand back to the left and the Follower rocks back on the right foot on 6, and steps to the back with her left on 7. Counts 8 and 1 are used in a half spin to the left on her left foot and landing in a back basic step on her right on count 1. The Follower immediately continues with the basic mambo, count 2 being on the spot with the left and 3 stepping in the centre position with the right, and so on. Here is a good video clip on the left turn, which we hope will assist you in mastering this not-so-easy of basic turns: The Left Turn for Followers As always it's not exactly as we've taught you, for instance it is lead here with a two hand hold and from a mambo and not an open break. But the footwork is the same and is well explained. Enjoy! Intro to Cha-cha-cha group dancing: We did a group dance as a way to introduce Cha-cha-cha - which is often regarded as a "sister dance" of Salsa and is thus regularly danced at Salsa parties and other events. Although Cha-cha-cha is a different dance and would need its own set of notes, for now please take note of a few points when learning to dance it. Cha-cha-cha is danced on the 2nd beat and not on the 1st beat like Crossbody Salsa or LA Style Salsa. Although there is also "Salsa On2" or NY Salsa which is likewise danced on the 2nd beat, the Crossbody Salsa Style we have been teaching you is danced on the 1st beat. By dancing "on the 2nd beat" we mean that's where you step to change direction in the dancing. This is also called "breaking on 2". It is easier to find the 1st beat in the music than the 2nd beat, at least until you get used to recognise it. So we start our group Cha-cha-cha by first finding the 1st beat of the song, just like we do when dancing Salsa. So we step with our left foot in place counting it as "1" just to get started and the right foot steps next on the "2". The "3" is likewise a "full length beat" but then you get the cha-cha-cha or syncopated beats which you can count as "4-and-5". Another way to "count the beats" in your head to get used to the timing is to count "2-3, cha-cha-cha" and again "2-3, cha-cha-cha" for the second half of the 8 dancing beats. In case you wonder what happens to the 1st beat after you begin with a step in place: it is actually the last of the "cha-cha-cha's". So you could count the beats this way: "2-3, 4-and-1; 2-3, 4-and-1". Alternatively if you want to give all 8 beats their individual call as you do in Salsa, you could count the beats this way: "2-3, 4-and-5; 6-7, 8-and-1" If all of this is rather too technical just don't worry about it for now, it all falls into place in time! Intro to Cuban Salsa and Rueda: The last few weeks we encouraged all of you in the Beginners Class to join the Improvers Class as we started introducing Cuban Style Salsa to the group. We felt that introducing another style would enrich your experience of learning to dance Salsa, simply because the moves and techniques are not more "difficult" but just different! Although we still practice mainly Crossbody Salsa On1, or LA Salsa, it is quite common for Salsa dancers in London and across the Uk to mix-and-match between the two styles when their partner is more familiar with the one or the other. At the end of the day it's all about having Fun and enjoying social dancing! We hope you'll continue to enjoy this addition in future classes and courses! Please see the Improvers Course notes below for notes on Cuban Salsa.
Salsa Class Notes: Improvers Courses 2009New Salsa techniques learned: 1. The Cuban Walk-Through: This might be described as broadly similar to a Crossbody move for the Follower, but turning to the right instead of left at the end after stepping across the Leader's position. Leader begins by placing his right hand on the Follower's left shoulder. This is to lead but also stop the Follower from turning too soon or doing a full spin. Then the Leader performs steps 1 to 5 as if leading a crossbody move for the Follower. However on the 6th count he leads the Follower into a half right turn from the shoulder, to face him as he completes his quarter turn left to face her again. For the follower, again counts 1 to 5 are as usual in a Crossbody move, on 6 she steps straight ahead on her right foot and pivots a half right turn, placing her left foot down next to her right on 7. Step back on 1 as usual in a basic mambo step. I have only found one example of the The Cuban Walkthrough on the Internet, with one main difference: no hand on the Follower's shoulder. The steps are the same however, so if you bear this difference in mind this can be a useful visual reminder. Another version of the Cuban Walkthrough is with holding both of the followers hands in an open hold, then leading the follower's left arm over her head to rest on her right shoulder. This happens on the 1, 2, 3 counts as the leader moves in a Crossbody Lead fashion and stands to one side. The follower is then "nudged" with the leader's right forearm (which is behind her shoulders) and led across the "pathway" in front of the leader and to his left. As the follower steps on the 6th count, the leader leads the Cuban Walkthrough half turn and the follower turns right on 6, 7. 2. Salsa Spinning (instead of slow turns): Slow right turns are performed by stepping on 3 counts: 1, 2, 3 for Leaders and 5, 6, 7 for Followers. Spinning means doing a complete 360deg turn on one count, usually the 5 for Followers. Leaders can spin on the 3rd count but they have generally more options as they are in control of when the spin takes place. In the usual partner dance situation, the Leader signals or "prepares" the follower to spin on the counts 1, 2, 3 but executes a complete circle or "halo" over the Follower's head on count 5. The Follower spins on 5, lands on 6 facing her partner, on the left foot. Then the Follower counts 6 and 7 stepping in place on the right and left feet respectively. The Follower is then ready to step back on the 1 as usual, for the next step. Salsa Spinning preparation for Followers: On counts 1, 2, 3 the Follower identifies the Leader's signal for preparation to do a spin. For these counts the user prepares the feet for the spin (more details later) and raises her left arm in preparation to "punch" across, left to right, between her body and the Leader's - creating momentum for the turn. On the 5th count the spin takes place and follower lands back in starting position after spinning 360deg. Then the Follower steps in place as descirbed above. The question may well be asked: how does a Follower know it's going to be a spin and not a slow turn? The lead up to count 3 is practically identical. There are at least two answers to this question: 1. Treat every lead as if it's going to be a spin, then adapt to a slow turn if this is detected as the lead from count 5 onwards (generally much slower in this case) In real practice, most Followers abandon slow turns and just spin regardless, as this eventually evolves into double or triple spins, there's no real way to change a slow turn preparation into a spin preparation: it's too late! Just as can be said for many other skills, spinning requires time and practice to develop, so be patient with yourself and others and keep a positive attitude! You are a spinner! Think like a spinner and you'll be one! Salsa Hand Shines/Flicks: This is where the Leader will "flick" his partner's hand with the wrist in an upwards motion. It's a bit of dancing fun, and usually brings a smile or a laugh when the leader throws it into the social dance here and there! The Follower plays a big part in making this happen, as she needs to "float" the arm slowly and deliberately upwards in a circle and down again in the leader's waiting hand. Imagine you're moving the arm in jelly or dancing under water to get the idea of the slowness and deliberate movement" It's difficult to describe the technique here, but you've seen it in class and I'll look for an appropriate video clip for you to review the technique. Expect to learn many more ways to use hand flicks in future! Salsa Crossbody Lead with Leader's Right Hook turn: This is where the Leader leads his partner in a Crossbody Lead, but instead of turning to the left on counts 6, 7 as usual he turns right instead, on count 7. It is performed by hooking the right foot behind his left foot and waiting till the Follower has crossed and turned on counts 5, 6. Then when the Follower is safely across, the Leader pivots on both feet to the right and faces the Follower. There is a hand exchange behind the Leader's back on counts 6, 7. The key to this move is for the Leader to hook the right foot behind the left on count 5 in readiness, then wait through count 6 while the Follower moves across and turn on 7 so that the Follower does not mis-interpret the move for some other kind of lead. For the Follower this is just a normal Crossbody. This is a fairly common Crossbody variation so getting it to be comfortably familiar is well worth it in terms of Leader repertoire! Introduction to Cuban Style Salsa: Although we are predominantly a Crossbody Salsa Style school, we are now introducing some Cuban Style Salsa so that you can expand your dancing technique with some relatively easy, although different dancing techniques. You can then introduce these in your freestyle social dancing, and later we're going to take it to Rueda (or, Wheel) group dancing, which is great fun! Cuban Style Salsa is usually danced on 4 counts instead of eight, so all turns and spins are prepared just on count 1 and executed on counts 2, 3. The four is the pause as usual, although a tap with the foot which is next to step can be introduced on count 4 instead of the pause. However since we're used to count 8 beats in Crossbody Salsa, we'll continue with that count structure so we can find our steps again when reverting to Crossbody Style. Just be aware that the counts 1 to 4 exactly mirror counts 5 to 8 in Cuban Style Salsa. As with all Salsa Styles, there are various "flavours" and our Cuban Style is the more "general" flavour danced in London and elsewhere in the UK, versus more "native" styles such as Casino Style Cuban (which some consider to be the "real" Cuban Style! Again opinions differ and at the end of the day our aim is to enable you all to dance socially, so it shouldn't matter too much exactly which style is the "genuine" or "original" one! So, here we go with the Cuban Style Salsa techniques! Paseala En Frente:This is very similar to leading the Follower into a Side Step Open, except that the follower turns more "outwards", practically as far as she can in the back step, then does exactly the same in the other direction. The Leader on the other hand does a Side Step with the left foot, followed by a much shorter Side Step with the right foot. Also, the Leader changes his right hand hold, bringing it down to the Follower's waist in this move, to make it comfortable. Remember to resume the regular hold on the lady's left shoulderblade when returning to other moves. Video Clip of Paseala - this variation is with smaller steps for the Follower and a different step for the Leader, but helps get the idea! Dile Que No: This is roughly equivalent to the Crossbody Lead. The main difference is in emphasis on the 4th count, where the Follower hesitates in crossing over, and the Leader has to lead her a little more forcefully across. Dancers sometimes tap on the four count to bring about that "reluctance" in going across, which gives it its name: Dile Que No = Tell Him "No"! Dile Que No usually ends in an Open Hold, with the Leader's left hand holding the Follower's right hand. Dile Que Si: This is the Cuban Basic Step. The Follower's steps are very much the same as in the Mambo Basic Step. The Leader however has to change as follows: The stepping forward on count 5 is the main difference to get used to, as we tend to do another back step in Crossbody Salsa on that count. But it won't take long if you practice and you'll feel you can choose the appropriate step depending on the move you're executing! Enchufla: This is an Open Break followed by a swapping of positions, so the dancers end up exactly in one another's place. The Leader executes a short back step on count 1 and pushes the Follower into the same, followed by a longer step forward on count 2 (step close to your partner) and a half turn on count 3. The Leader's turn is to the right, the Follower's turn is to the left. Count 4 is the pause. You can then use counts 5 to 8 to do another Open Break coming together into Close Hold for another Mambo Basic. Later we'll introduce other variations of Enchufle, where you can use counts 5 to 8 to continue with the Enchufla technique. Sombrero: This move is popular in both Cuban and Crossbody Salsa styles. Leaders, begin by changing the Open Hold position into a right-hand-to-right-hand (handshake) hold, and left-to-left below. Then lead the Follower into a single Right Turn with both hands still holding on. Then comb the Follower's head with your right hand and your own with the left hand, using counts 1 to 3 of a Basic Mambo. Abandon both hand holds as soon as you clear the Follower's head with your right hand. On the 5-6-7 Leaders bring your right hand down to the middle of the Follower's shoulderblades and lead the Crossbody, into either open or close hold. For a short while the Follower's left arm is below the Leader's right arm, which is the wrong way round. But as soon as you've executed the Crossbody Lead, assume the correct hold. Video Clip: Sombrero Please note this demo ends with the Follower travelling a lot further than we did in class, but that's the Cuban flavour. We showed you this with a Dile Que No, or Cuban crossbody just taking the Follower straight to the other side of the Leader. SALSA IN PRESTON CANDOVER IMPROVER ROUTINES:PC Salsa Improver Routine 1 PC Salsa Improver Routine 2 PC Salsa Improver Routine 3 PC Salsa Improver Routine 4 PC Salsa Improver Routine 5 PC Salsa Improver Routine 6: Review (4 & 5) PC Salsa Improver Routine 7 PLEASE NOTE: SALSA Y SOL DEMO VIDEOS SECTION BEGINS HERE: Preston Candover Salsa Improver Routine 7 video PC Salsa Improver Routine 8 We started with a Crossbody Lead and a Follower's slow left turn, followed by a Leader's single left turn. Then we had a Crossbody Lead and the Follower's Double Right Spin. This was followed by the Leader's Double Left Spin and another concluding Crossbody Lead. Preston Candover Salsa Improver Routine 8 video PC Salsa Improver Routine 9 This was at the end of our Improvers Course and a review of most of the new techniques learned. After a Mambo Basic and Crossbody Lead (CBL) into Open Hold, we had Leaders leading the Followers into an Inside Pivot Turn. This was followed by a Mambo Basic and an Outside Pivot Turn for the Follower. In the next Mambo Basic, swap hand hold so that right hand holds right hand below, and left hand holds left hand above. Lead into the Titanic and back with a Single Follower's Right Turn. Comb, and CBL into Open Hold. Lead the Follower into a Follower's Double Right Spin, using the early lead on count 3. Follower completed the spins on either count 5 or 7, depending on ability. In time, this early lead will enable the Follower to perform a Triple Spin with ease. Another Comb and CBL completed the routine. SALSA IN WINCHESTER IMPROVER ROUTINES WITH DEMO VIDEOS: Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 2 Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 2 video Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 3 From the Leader's point of view: Crossbody Lead (CBL) into Open Hold and Handshake hold - right hand to right hand. At the end of the turn, Leader keeps the Handshake hold and asks for the Follower's left with his left. Lead the Pivot Turn into Titanic, then lead the Follower back into a 1 & half right turn to face you. Comb into close hold and CBL into two hand open hold. Leader turns left keeping hold of both hands. Note the staggered move of each hand in the turn. Lead with both hands a Follower's double right spin. Open break into Copa, and execute the Copa lead with a Hammerlock for the Follower. Then lead the follower into an Outside (right) pivot turn, letting go of the Follower's hand so she can complete the turn solo. Note for Followers: see Silvia's example of how to bring the arms together above your head as you complete the Pivot turn. Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 3 video Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 4 We had quite a few Beginners braving this routine, hence we started with some rather basic turns and progressed to more challenging moves. Leader takes the Follower into a Crossbody Lead (CBL) and into Open Hold. Lead a Follower's Right Turn, and Leader turns once to the right, continuing with another Follower's Right Turn. Comb the Follower and prepare for the next move with a Basic Mambo. Lead the follower into a Half Titanic - Leader's hand on the shoulder, to stop the Follower from doing a complete Pivot Turn. Lead the Follower back from the Half Titanic with a stepped Right Turn to face the Leader. Comb and CBL. After a Basic Mambo the Leader leads a Follower's Double Right Spin. We have done this with a preparation on the first 2 counts - and the turn begins early on the 3rd count. Notice the second spin can end as early as count 5 for fast learners, but 7 is also ok for this level. Eventually the early lead can pave the way for triple spins. The routine ends with the Leader's Double Left Spin. Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 4 video
Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 5 Start with a Crossbody Lead (CBL) and then place Follower's hands together in Leader's right hand. Lead a Follower's Single Right Turn - Follower has both hands together through the turn. Raise and drop the Follower's hands over your head - Follower has a choice to either let them fall around you or do some styling. CBL - then lead Follower in a Cuban Walkthrough, using your hand on her left shoulder to guide, to ensure Follower does not go into a spin. Leader's Right Turn into Hammerlock, then lead a hand flick. Receive Follower's hand in your left hand at the end of the hand-flick and lead a CBL. Leader changes hand-hold: Left-to-left on top, right-to-right below. Lead into Titanic. Lead Follower out of Titanic with a Follower's Right Turn. Then Comb and CBL to finish. Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 5 Video
Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 6 Basic Mambo is in between each of the moves for ease of learning. You can drop these when you are familiar with the moves and the leads. Crossbody Lead (CBL) with a tap on 4th count for both Leader and Follower. Leader executes an unusual turn to the left, stepping forward with the right leg on the 1st count, at the same time leading a Follower's Right Turn. This could be called a Simultaneous Turn for both. Comb first the Follower then the Leader while executing a Mambo Basic. Lead the Follower into an Inside Pivot Turn (anti-clockwise), and immediately continue with Leader's Single Right Turn and Follower's Double Right Spin. Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 6 Video
Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 7 As for the previous routine, basic mambos are placed in between leads, just to afford the opportunity of becoming at ease with the moves. Just drop the basic mambos out once you are ready to do so. Crossbody Lead (CBL) into Open Hold, then lead the follower in a Left Turn. Leader then perfoms a Left Turn under his left arm. Take note of the position change for your hand before turning. Palm should point up and Follower should hold on to the Leader's hand. Leader goes into a Right Turn into Leader's Hammerlock position. The Leader's right forearm touches the Follower's right forearm on 3, then leads a hand-flick on 5,6,7. Follower drops the hand into the Leader's palm on the next 1st count. Inside Pivot turn for the Follower, continued with a Leader's Right Turn and a Follower's Double Right Spin. Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 7 video
Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 8 After a Mambo Basic and Crossbody Open, lead the Follower into a Single Left Turn. Leader continues with a Double Right Turn. This is performed with a Leader's Single Right Turn, followed immediately with a Leader's Right Hook Turn, placing the right foot behind the left on the 4th/5th count, and pivoting right on both feet. Leader takes Follower's free hand and leads Follower into a 2-Handed Single Right Turn, continuing with 2 hand flicks, on the 1st and 5th counts. Double Comb and lead follower into a Crossbody Lead. Change hand hold to lead a Follower's Touch-and-Go Double Spin. Again lead into a Double Comb and Crossbody Lead. Finish with a Vertical Dip. Winchester Salsa Improver Routine 8 video. MORE SALSA Y SOL CLASS VIDEO LINKS in chronological order, latest first: Salsa y Sol Imp/Int Class in Winchester and PC - UK - 14+15 Dec 2009 Salsa y Sol Improver/Intermediate Class Mon/Tue 07/08 Dec 2009
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