The first time many people see salsa dancing performed, they are watching a ballroom dance contest. This is unfortunate because it leads people to believe salsa is a difficult dance. Dance partners twirl, spin and perform intricate lifts as they move across the stage together. People at home believe they do not have the ability to perform salsa dancing. While dance contests are part of salsa dancing, it is only one form. The best thing about salsa dancing is that learning complicated steps is not necessary.
Salsa dancing is a Latino dance that mainly involves moving the lower body while keeping the upper body stationary. There are four beats for the routine that is repeated twice. Best of all, salsa dance steps are not really steps. They can be performed simply as weight shifts from foot to foot. The dancers are still performing a credible dance without moving from the same place. This means that many people have the ability to salsa, even if they don't know it.
The important movement in salsa dancing is the hip movement. Each time the music beats, a salsa dancer moves their hips from side to side. If they wish to move their feet as well, there is nothing wrong with that. The movement of the feet, again, is from side to side. Spins and twirls can be incorporated, but these are for experienced dancers. Beginners can take their time learning those advanced moves.
Dancing to the rhythms of salsa does require the ability to follow the beat of the music. This is easy in salsa dancing because the drums always emphasize the second and fourth beats. This will help the novice stay on track and know where they are with the music. For those that want a new way to express their inner self, salsa dancing is the perfect move.
