Cuban salsa is a style of salsa dancing that originated in Cuba in the 1950s. It is characterized by its intricate footwork, fluid movements, and infectious rhythm. Cuban salsa is popular all over the world, with many people enjoying its unique style and energetic music. In this blog post, we will take a look at the most popular Cuban salsa dance moves.
The Basic Step
The basic step is the foundation of Cuban salsa. It involves three steps forward and then three steps back. The first step is taken with the left foot, followed by the right foot, and then the left foot again. The same is done for the backward movement. The basic step is simple, yet it can be executed in many different ways.
The Cross-Body Lead
The cross-body lead is a popular Cuban salsa dance move that involves the leader taking the follower from one side of the dance floor to the other. The move starts with the basic step, and then the leader leads the follower to the left or right side of the dance floor by turning their body and leading the follower through their arm.
The Cuban Turn
The Cuban turn is a flashy and fun move that is sure to impress. It involves the leader spinning the follower around while the follower does a series of turns. The move starts with the basic step, and then the leader leads the follower into a turn by using their arm to guide them.
The Hammerlock
The hammerlock is a complex move that involves the leader taking the follower's arm and twisting it behind their back. The move is executed by leading the follower into a turn and then using the leader's arm to lock the follower's arm behind their back. The hammerlock can be difficult to execute, but it is a popular move in Cuban salsa.
The Enchufa
The enchufa is a fun and easy move that involves the leader leading the follower into a turn and then bringing them back into a basic step. The move starts with the basic step, and then the leader leads the follower into a turn by using their arm. The follower is then brought back into the basic step by the leader.
The Dile Que No
The Dile Que No is a simple move that involves the leader leading the follower into a basic step and then doing a series of turns. The move starts with the basic step, and then the leader leads the follower into a turn by using their arm. The follower is then brought back into the basic step by the leader.
The Sombrero
The sombrero is a popular Cuban salsa move that involves the leader leading the follower into a turn and then lifting their arm over their head. The move is executed by leading the follower into a turn and then lifting the leader's arm over their head. The move is flashy and fun, and it is sure to impress.
The Rueda de Casino
The Rueda de Casino is a Cuban salsa dance move that involves a group of people dancing in a circle. The move is executed by the leader calling out different moves, and the group follows along. The Rueda de Casino is a popular move in Cuba, and it is a great way to dance with a group of people.
The Vacilala
The Vacilala is a fun and easy move that involves the leader leading the follower into a turn and then bringing them back into a basic step. The move starts with the basic step, and then the leader leads the follower into a turn by using their arm. The follower is then brought back into the basic step by the leader.
The Exhibela
The Exhibela is a flashy move that involves the leader leading the follower into a turn and then lifting their arm over their head. The move is executed by leading the follower into a turn and then lifting the leader's arm over their head. The leader then spins the follower under their arm, and the move ends with the follower doing a turn and returning to the basic step.
The Setenta
The Setenta is a complex and impressive move that involves the leader leading the follower into a series of turns. The move starts with the basic step, and then the leader leads the follower into a turn by using their arm. The follower is then led into a second turn, and the leader twists their arm behind their back to create a hammerlock. The follower is then released from the hammerlock and led into a third turn before returning to the basic step.
The Dedo
The Dedo is a simple move that involves the leader leading the follower into a turn and then using their hand to create a finger snap sound. The move starts with the basic step, and then the leader leads the follower into a turn by using their arm. The leader then snaps their fingers while the follower does a turn, and the move ends with the follower returning to the basic step.
The Adios
The Adios is a fun and flashy move that involves the leader leading the follower into a turn and then lifting their arm over their head. The move starts with the basic step, and then the leader leads the follower into a turn by using their arm. The leader then lifts the follower's arm over their head and spins them under their arm. The move ends with the follower doing a turn and returning to the basic step.
The Tornillo
The Tornillo is a complex move that involves the leader leading the follower into a turn and then twisting their arm behind their back to create a hammerlock. The move starts with the basic step, and then the leader leads the follower into a turn by using their arm. The leader then twists their arm behind their back to create a hammerlock before releasing it and leading the follower into another turn. The move ends with the follower returning to the basic step.
The Candado
The Candado is a fun and simple move that involves the leader leading the follower into a turn and then using their arm to create a lock. The move starts with the basic step, and then the leader leads the follower into a turn by using their arm. The leader then creates a lock by placing their arm over the follower's arm and holding their hand. The move ends with the follower returning to the basic step.
Conclusion
Cuban salsa is a lively and entertaining dance style that has captured the hearts of people all over the world. The most popular Cuban salsa dance moves are not only fun to learn and perform but also serve as the foundation for more complex moves. If you want to learn Cuban salsa, there's no better place to do it than in Cuba itself, where you can immerse yourself in the culture and take salsa lessons in Cuba from experienced instructors. With practice and dedication, you can master these popular Cuban salsa dance moves and impress everyone on the dance floor. So, pack your bags, head to Cuba, and get ready to dance the night away with your newfound skills!
