Cuban Salsa, also known as Salsa Cubana or Salsa Casino, is a vibrant and energetic dance style characterized by its circular movements and playful interactions between partners. If you’re just starting your journey into this exciting dance form, understanding the names of common dance steps is a crucial first step. This guide will introduce you to some fundamental Cuban Salsa steps, providing a foundation for your dance journey.
Basic Cuban Salsa Steps Names
Like any dance, Cuban Salsa has its foundational steps that are the building blocks for more complex moves. Here are some essential basic steps you’ll encounter:
- Basic Step (On the Spot): This is the most fundamental step in Cuban Salsa. It involves stepping in place, marking the rhythm without traveling. It’s often used for warming up, practicing timing, and as a base from which to launch into other moves.
- Basic Step (Turning): Building on the basic step on the spot, this variation introduces a simple turn, usually a right turn for the leader and a left turn for the follower. This step helps develop rotational skills and partner connection.
- Basic Step (Walking Forward – Arriba): “Arriba” means “up” or “forward” in Spanish. This step involves walking forward in a basic salsa rhythm. It’s used to create momentum and change direction on the dance floor.
- Basic Step (Walking Backward – Abajo): “Abajo” means “down” or “backward” in Spanish. This step is the opposite of “Arriba,” involving walking backward while maintaining the salsa rhythm. It’s used for moving back and creating space between partners.
- Basic Step (Stepping Back): This step is another variation of the basic, focusing on stepping back in place. It can be used for slight adjustments in position and preparing for certain moves.
Beginner-Improver Cuban Salsa Steps Names
Once you’re comfortable with the basic steps, you can start exploring slightly more complex figures. Here are some common steps you might learn at a beginner-improver level, often seen in introductory Cuban Salsa routines:
- Dile Que No: Meaning “say no to her,” this is a foundational move where the leader directs the follower to step to the side and back, often initiating a turn. It’s a very common and versatile step.
- Gaupea: This step involves a side-to-side movement, often with a slight bounce or “guapeo” – a Cuban slang term for swagger or show-off. It adds flavor and rhythm to the dance.
- Camina: Spanish for “walk,” in salsa, “Camina” refers to walking steps, often used in combination with other moves to travel or change positions.
- Hecho: Meaning “done” or “made,” “Hecho” often refers to a right turn for the follower, initiated by the leader. It’s a simple and common turning pattern.
- Deshecho/Enchufe: “Deshecho” means “undone” or “untied,” and “Enchufe” means “plug in.” In salsa, “Enchufe” is often used to describe a left turn for the follower, essentially “unplugging” from a previous position. “Deshecho” can sometimes refer to variations or undoing of an “Enchufe” like movement.
- Ronde (Hook Turn): This step involves a circular leg movement (“ronde”) by the follower during a turn, adding a stylistic element. It’s also known as a hook turn due to the hooking action of the foot.
- Sacala (Exhibela): “Sacala” means “take her out” or “bring her out,” and “Exhibela” means “exhibit her” or “show her off.” This step often involves the leader leading the follower out to their side, showcasing her movement. It can be done with one or two hands.
- Dile Que No (Two-Handed): A variation of the “Dile Que No” using two hands for connection, often adding emphasis or a different feel to the move.
- Hecho (Two-Handed): Similar to the two-handed “Dile Que No,” this variation of “Hecho” uses two hands, potentially leading into or out of other figures.
- Enchufe (Two-Handed): A two-handed version of “Enchufe,” offering a different connection and lead-follow dynamic.
- Dile Que Si: Meaning “say yes to her,” this step is often a variation or follow-up to “Dile Que No,” potentially involving a different direction or outcome.
- Setenta: “Setenta” means “seventy” in Spanish. This is a popular figure involving a combination of turns and hand movements, creating a dynamic and visually appealing sequence.
- Enchufe Con Engano: “Engano” means “deception” or “trick.” This “Enchufe” variation involves a deceptive movement or styling, adding a layer of complexity to the basic “Enchufe.”
- Panque Variations: “Panque” or “Panqué” (often misspelled and may refer to “Panqueque” – pancake) in salsa context, this is less about a specific named step and more about variations that involve a flattened or lower body position, or movements resembling a pancake-like shape. It’s often used in styling and more advanced sequences.
- Sombrero: Meaning “hat” in Spanish, “Sombrero” is a well-known and visually impressive figure where the leader turns the follower under their arm, creating a “hat” like shape with their arms.
- Dile Que No Por Atras: “Por Atras” means “from behind.” This variation of “Dile Que No” is executed with a different entry or direction, often involving movement behind the follower.
- Enchufe con Conejito: “Conejito” means “little rabbit.” This playful variation of “Enchufe” likely involves a small, quick movement or styling element reminiscent of a rabbit’s hop or quickness.
- Exhibela (Right Hand): A variation of “Exhibela” specifically using the right hand for the lead, changing the connection and potentially the styling.
- Enchufe Doble: “Doble” means “double.” “Enchufe Doble” involves performing the “Enchufe” action twice in a row, creating a more extended or dynamic movement.
Advanced Cuban Salsa Steps Names (Using Basic Moves)
Even advanced Cuban Salsa dancing often revolves around creatively combining and styling basic steps. Some examples of how basic moves are used in more sophisticated ways include:
- Dile Que No Vacilala: “Vacilala” comes from “Vacilar,” meaning “to hesitate,” “to tease,” or “to enjoy.” “Dile Que No Vacilala” suggests a “Dile Que No” with a playful, teasing, or more relaxed and stylish execution.
- Paseala (Walks): “Paseala” means “walk her” or “stroll her.” This emphasizes using walking steps (“Camina”) in a sequence, often with styling and partner connection.
- Dedo: “Dedo” means “finger.” In salsa, “Dedo” might refer to a specific hand styling or lead using a finger or finger-like motion, adding detail and finesse to the movement.
- Deshecho con Ronde (with adornments): This combines the “Deshecho” or “Enchufe” with the “Ronde” (leg hook turn), further embellished “with adornments” – meaning with added styling, arm movements, or body isolations to enhance the visual appeal and complexity.
Resources for Learning More
To see these steps in action and learn them properly, consider exploring resources like:
- Salsa a La Cubana Instruction DVD #1 Guide: http://salsaville.com/salc/salc_intr1_guide.htm
- Salsaville Cuban Salsa DVDs: http://www.salsaville.com/salsa_a_la_cubana.htm
These resources can provide visual demonstrations and further explanations of Cuban Salsa steps.
Conclusion
Learning the names of Cuban Salsa dance steps is a great way to start understanding the structure and vocabulary of this exciting dance. By familiarizing yourself with these basic and beginner-improver steps, you’ll be better equipped to learn routines, follow instructors, and communicate with other dancers. So, start practicing these steps and get ready to enjoy the world of Cuban Salsa!
