01
Basic Step (On1/On2)
The foundation of everything — the six-step basic pattern where weight transfers forward and back in a rock-step rhythm. Master this before attempting any styling or turn patterns.
▲ Steady·Score +17
Dance
Best Salsa Dance Moves Every Beginner Should Learn
Salsa is the world's most social dance — born in New York's Latin communities and powered by Cuban rhythms, it brings people together on dance floors everywhere. These are the essential moves that form the foundation of great salsa dancing.
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02
Hammerlock
A connected position where the follower's arm is taken behind their back — used as a transition and styling position in more advanced salsa combinations and sequences.
▲ Steady·Score +16
03
Right Turn
The most essential turn in salsa — the leader creates a frame and the follower completes a clockwise rotation, requiring clear lead, good frame, and the follower spotting their turn.
▲ Steady·Score +16
04
Shines (Footwork Solo)
Solo footwork sections where partners disconnect and improvise independently — shines showcase individual style, musical interpretation, and the West African footwork roots of salsa.
▲ Steady·Score +14
05
Dile que No
The defining figure of Cuban and Rueda salsa — a cross-body lead that changes partners in group dancing and forms the backbone of the Rueda de Casino circle format.
▲ Steady·Score +11
06
Enchufla
One of Cuban salsa's most important patterns — the leader breaks connection, both dancers turn simultaneously, and reconnect facing each other in a new position.
▲ Steady·Score +10
07
Copa
A signature Cuban salsa pattern where the leader steps around the follower in a flowing arc — a sensual, connected figure popular in Rueda de Casino and Cuban-style dancing.
▲ Steady·Score +10
08
Body Roll
A styling element that adds sensuality and expression to salsa — a smooth wave-like movement through the torso timed to musical accents, especially effective in slower passages.
▲ Steady·Score +8
09
Inside Turn
The follower turns towards the leader's body — requiring precise timing, clear lead pressure, and the follower maintaining her own axis during the rotation.
▲ Steady·Score +7
10
Left Turn (Cross Body Lead)
The fundamental travelling pattern of LA-style salsa — the leader steps aside to let the follower cross in front, changing places while maintaining musical timing and connection.
▲ Steady·Score +6
11
Cumbia Step
A fluid, lower-body swaying movement borrowed from cumbia — adding this stylistic element gives salsa its distinctive hip motion and Afro-Latin character.
▲ Steady·Score +4
12
Multiple Spins
The technique of completing two, three, or more consecutive turns without losing balance or timing — the hallmark of an advanced salsa dancer who has mastered spotting and axis control.
▲ Steady·Score +4
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