What Steps Are Taught In Week One Salsa Class

What steps will you learn during your first week of salsa class?

Your week one salsa class begins with the fundamental basic step forward and backward. You learn how to count the music using the standard salsa rhythm of one, two, three, and five, six, seven. Your instructor demonstrates how to shift your weight properly from one foot to the other on each count. You practice stepping forward with your left foot and stepping backward with your right foot while keeping your upper body relaxed and balanced throughout.

Next, you learn the side step, which helps you move comfortably across the floor. Instead of stepping forward and backward, you step out to the left and right sides on the correct counts. This movement teaches you how to maintain your balance while changing directions smoothly. Practicing the side step gives you variety in your dance steps right away and helps you feel more natural when moving to the rhythm of salsa music.

After mastering forward and side movements, the instructor introduces the back step, often called the back basic or delay step. In this pattern, you step backward with each foot instead of forward. This step opens up your hips and helps you transition into other classical salsa turns and social combinations. You practice this step repeatedly until the muscle memory takes over and your feet move automatically without needing to look down.

Once individual footwork feels comfortable, you learn the basic right turn for leaders and followers. The instructor breaks down the turn into simple foot placement steps so you never feel dizzy or rushed. You discover how to pivot smoothly on the ball of your foot while keeping your core engaged. Learning this turn in week one gives you an exciting element to add into your basic practice routine right away.

In the second half of class, you learn basic partner connection and dance frame. You practice holding your arms in a comfortable position that allows clear communication with a partner. You do not need to bring a partner because all students rotate partners regularly during the lesson. Rotating partners helps you adapt to different lead and follow styles, which builds confidence faster and creates a welcoming, friendly social environment for everyone involved.

Finally, the instructor combines all these basic steps into a short, easy-to-remember routine. You practice moving from the basic step into a side step, followed by a back step and a basic right turn. Dancing this short combination to slow salsa music helps you put everything together seamlessly. By the end of week one, you can comfortably execute basic salsa footwork and dance with multiple partners.

You can practice these first-week steps at Dennis PaSamba Dance Company located at 4820 W. Irving Park Rd. in Chicago. Our studio sits in the Six Corners area of Irving Park and offers free parking for all students. Group classes are $95 for 4 weeks, making it easy to start your dance journey. Text or call 717-PaSamba (717-727-2622) to sign up for your first salsa class session today.

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