To dance salsa, you learn to hear an 8-count in the music, step on 1-2-3 and 5-6-7, and pause on 4 and 8. Once that basic step feels steady, you add a partner, a simple lead and follow, and your first turn.
Here is how to build it, one piece at a time.
1. Find the count
Salsa music is counted in groups of eight beats. You take three steps, then hold for one beat. Then three more steps and another hold.
Say it out loud: 1, 2, 3, (4), 5, 6, 7, (8). Clap on every beat before you move your feet. If you can clap the count, your feet will follow.
2. Learn the basic step
The most common starting point is the forward and back basic. Here it is for the lead. The follow does the mirror image, starting back with the right foot.
- 1: Step forward with your left foot.
- 2: Shift your weight back onto your right foot.
- 3: Bring your left foot back next to your right.
- 4: Pause.
- 5: Step back with your right foot.
- 6: Shift your weight forward onto your left foot.
- 7: Bring your right foot back next to your left.
- 8: Pause.
Do it slowly with no music first. Then try it to a slow song.
3. Keep your steps small
Beginners often take big steps. Big steps make you late for the next count. Keep each step about the length of your foot.
Make every weight shift clear. On each count, one foot should hold all your weight. That is what lets you turn later without wobbling.
4. Add a partner: lead and follow
In partner salsa, one person leads and one person follows. The lead suggests the move. The follow reads it and answers.
Start in a simple hand hold. Keep your arms relaxed but with a little tone, like a spring. That light tension is how the follow feels where the lead wants to go. You do not need to squeeze.
Practice your basic step together until you both land on 1 at the same time.
5. Try your first turn
A simple right turn for the follow is a good first move. The lead raises the hand hold on the count before the turn. The follow turns under it on 5-6-7, then finishes facing the lead again.
Keep the turn small and stay on your count. A slow, clean turn looks better than a fast, messy one.
On1 and On2
You will hear dancers talk about salsa On1 and On2. On1 means the main break step happens on count 1. On2 puts it on count 2. Most beginners start On1, then explore On2 later.
At My Roots, the Wednesday 9:00 PM class covers both: Salsa On1 & On2 (Level 2), taught by Tony and Melissa.
Dancing salsa for your first dance
A salsa first dance at your wedding can be simple and still look great. You do not need a long routine.
- Pick your song early. Choose one with a clear beat you can both count.
- Master the basic and one or two turns. Repeat them with confidence.
- Plan an ending. A final turn and a pose gives your guests a clear moment to cheer.
- Practice in your real shoes. Dress and shoes change how you move.
If you want a plan built around your song, private salsa lessons let you work one-on-one with an instructor.
When your step feels wrong
Every new dancer has a moment where a step feels like a failure. Tony, who teaches salsa at My Roots, likes to share a story about that.
When Michael Jackson did the moonwalk for the first time on Motown 25 in 1983, he walked off feeling horrible. In his mind, he had not done it right. The next day, Fred Astaire called his house to tell him he was incredible.
The point for you: the step you think you blew might look better than you feel it did. Keep going back to the floor. You can read more about Tony on his instructor page.
Where to practice in Las Vegas
Practicing at home builds your count. A class builds your partner skills, because you get to dance with many different people. At My Roots, you do not need a partner or any experience. Partners rotate in class.
Salsa Level 1 runs Monday and Thursday at 8:30 PM with Gustavo. You can see every level on our salsa classes page.
Once you have the basic, try a Salsa & Bachata Social Night on the 3rd Saturday of the month. It starts with a beginner class from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM, included with entry.
Your first group class is free. You can book your free salsa class here.