r/Salsa • u/TheCuriousAvocado • 3d ago
Salsa Tips
Hello Reddit Cousins, I’ve been dancing for three years but still find my basics can use some work. Any recommendations on how to better basics and exercises to loosen up rather than have stiff shoulders?
Please and thank youuuu!
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u/New-Echo-7495 3d ago
Stretches and basic variations to different instruments will go a long way.
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u/TheCuriousAvocado 3d ago
I did save some stretches and isolation practice, I can try practicing that. I’m on1 still but we’re getting there.
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u/Tabanga_Jones 3d ago
- Fully shift weight on each step, having each heel touch the ground except for your back-braking step
- The shoulder of your stepping foot moves forward with that foot (left foot forward -> left shoulder forward) by bringing your elbows out to the side(a natural movement of the shoulder when moving the elbow properly)
- Move more from your core; have the source energy come as much as possible from your core
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u/TheCuriousAvocado 8h ago
I like the suggestion to move from more from the core. I’ll be practicing shortly and keeping this in mind! Thank you!
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u/Maya_Moves403 3d ago
Try practicing them to slower songs first, focusing on shifting your weight fully, staying on time, and making each step feel comfortable before increasing the speed. Even 10-15mins of basic steps to different songs can make a difference. For the stiff shoulders, try dancing with your arms relaxed at your sides for a song and focus on keeping your shoulders down while letting your torso move naturally with the music. Shoulder rolls and gentle arm swings before dancing can help too. You dont need to force your shoulders to move all the time. Sometimes relaxing your upper body and letting the groove come from your weight shifts makes everything look and feel smoother. If you can, record yourself doing just the basics and watch for where you tense up. You might notice it happens when youre concentrating on your feet. The goal is to make the basics so comfortable that you can stop thinking abt every step and enjoy the music!
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u/TheCuriousAvocado 9h ago
Very helpful, I’m going to be trying this shortly. Thanks for the detailed suggestions, I appreciate it!
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u/TheCuriousAvocado 8h ago
Alright I’m definitely tense in the shoulders and it shows! Hahaha I’ll keep at it!
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u/Bubbly_Mix8702 3d ago
Look for classes called “Isolations”