Posted on 2 February 2024

Salsa Zeerust | #1 Free Online Tutorial

Salsa Zeerust – Free Salsa Dancing tutorials to get you started! Always wanted to give Salsa dance a try? But too shy to get started? Don’t worry, we created a serie of dance tutorial and dance fitness tutorials to try from the comfort of your home! And the best part is that our dancing tutorials are free!

In this blog post, we will also give some tips to elevate your dance technique and style, discuss about the benefits of salsa dancing lessons.We will also expand on salsa origins, culture, music and Salsa history as well as how to dress for salsa dancing and what salsa shoes , dance shoes and dancing shoes to consider!

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What is Salsa?

Salsa is a lively, versatile latin style that has evolved over time, and as a result there are several different styles of salsa dance that exist today. Some of the most popular styles of dancing include:

Salsa Cubaine: This style, also known as Casino, is characterised by its fluid, circular movements and the emphasis on using the space and travelling. This comes from the influence of Son Cubano. It is considered the original style of salsa and it’s the one from which most other styles derived from.
Cali Salsa: Also known as Salsa Caleña, this style is defined by its tight, precise footwork and its emphasis on footwork patterns, shines, and shines-to-partner connection.
L.A. style salsa: This style, which originated in Los Angeles, is associated by its use of the cross-body lead, which allows for a wider range of movement and more elaborate partnerwork. In L.A. Salsa as well as NY salsa, the emphasis is on the followers executing multiples spins at high velocity!
NY Salsa: This style, which originated in New York, is characterised by its emphasis on sharp, precise movements, tight footwork, and complex partnerwork. It also has a strong influence from jazz and hip-hop dance styles.
Rueda de Casino: Originated in Cuba, salsa dancers dance in a circle led by a leader that call the dance steps for the dancers to follow.It is basically dancing casino or cuban salsa but with many other couples!

Salsa Origins

Salsa is a style of dance that has its origins in the African diaspora, specifically in Cuba. The African rhythms, melodies, and dances were brought to the Caribbean islands by enslaved Africans. There is a strong African influence in the rhythms and movements of salsa, specifically the use of the hips, polyrhythms, and syncopation. Salsa music and dance also reflects the blending of cultures that occurred in the Caribbean, particularly in Cuba, where African, European, and indigenous cultures came together to create something new and unique.

Cuban culture has a big influence on salsa culture. The dance style, the music, and the way the salsa is performed are all rooted in Cuban culture and tradition. The African influence on salsa was also significant, both in terms of the rhythms and the way the dancers move their bodies. Today, salsa can be seen as a celebration of the African diaspora and the blend of cultures that occurred in the Caribbean, and it has evolved to become a global dance style.

Salsa Cali – Colombian Salsa Dance tutorial – Salsa Zeerust

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Rueda De Casino: Calls and Names of dance moves

Rueda de Casino (also called Rueda) is a group dance variation of salsa in which several couples dance in a circle, led by a caller who gives the moves for the dancers to follow. The leader of the Rueda, referred to as “El Líder” or “El Director,” is responsible for calling out the moves and maintaining the rhythm and flow of the dance. The dancers respond to the moves called by the leader, changing partners and executing synchronised figures with their new dance partners.

The basic structure of a Rueda de Casino dance is a circle of couples dancing salsa in synchrony, with the leader calling out the moves in Spanish. The dancers usually start with basic salsa steps and gradually add more complex moves as the dance progresses. The dance is characterized by constant movement and rapid partner switching, with dancers frequently changing partners throughout the dance. The leader calls out the dance moves, and the dancers respond by executing the moves with their current partner.

Salsa Dance & Rueda De Casino

Rueda de Casino is usually danced to salsa music, with a strong emphasis on syncopation, polyrhythms, and the use of various rhythmic patterns. In a Rueda, the dancers must be able to follow the leader and react quickly to the calls in order to execute the moves correctly.

The Rueda de Casino can be danced in different ways, depending on the group and the context. SomeRuedas are very traditional, with a focus on maintaining the integrity of the dance and preserving its history and culture, while others are more improvisational, allowing for more individual expression and innovation. Some Rueda events are held exclusively for Rueda dancers, while others are held in salsa clubs and at salsa festivals, where Rueda is just one of many dance styles offered.

Rueda De casino: A popular Dance worldwide

Rueda de Casino is a fun and exciting dance form that requires a high level of coordination and teamwork, and it’s becoming increasingly popular worldwide. It is a great way to experience the joys of salsa dancing while building friendships and practicing social skills. It’s a salsa dance that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

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Tips for improving your Salsa dance technique

Here are some tips for improving your salsa dance technique:

Practice often: The more you practise, the more muscle memory you’ll build, which will help you execute moves more smoothly and effortlessly.
Focus on your body movement: Salsa is a very body-centric dance. It’s important to pay attention to your posture, footwork, and hip movements.
Watch yourself in the mirror: By watching yourself salsa dancing, you’ll be able to see what you’re doing right and what you need to work on.
Take Salsa lessons: Taking classes will give you the opportunity to learn proper technique and styling, as well as new moves and patterns.
Watch online tutorials or videos: You’ll find a lot of salsa tutorials online, as well as instructional videos you can use to learn and improve your technique.
Listen to salsa music: Understanding salsa rhythm is Crucial in your salsa journey. Try to listen to salsa music and practice moving to it.
Work on your timing and rhythm: In salsa, timing and rhythm are everything. Make sure you’re keeping a consistent beat and moving in time with the music.
Learn to lead and follow: Salsa is a partner dance, so it’s important to learn how to lead and follow effectively. Don’t be shy to ask your Salsa dance partner feedback!
Work on your footwork: A lot of salsa moves involve complex footwork, so practising your footwork separately can help you execute those moves more smoothly.
Breath: Lastly, it’s important to be relaxed and have fun while you’re dancing. Salsa is a dance of expression and joy, so try to let go and enjoy yourself while you’re learning.

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How to learn Salsa Solo?

You can practise and improve your salsa by dancing with a partner, or dancing salsa solo.

Here are some salsa shines and solo steps for you to practise your footwork!

This will help you improve your coordination, while being able to practise easy salsa steps with the music!

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Benefits of dancing Salsa at home

Here is a list of benefits of salsa dancing:

Improves cardiovascular health and increases endurance
Strengthen your body and muscles
Enhances coordination and balance
Increases flexibility and range of motion
Enhances self-confidence and self-expression
Improves social skills and encourages social interaction
Increases energy levels and reduces stress
Provides a fun and exciting form of exercise
Can help with weight management
Allows to learn new skills and mentally stimulating

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Benefits of Salsa dance classes near me

Are you now ready to join a dance school? Here is a list of the benefits of joining salsa dance school:

Learn proper technique and styling
Learn new moves and patterns
Have access to experienced instructors and peers
Learn the culture and history of salsa
Meet new people, Socialise and network
Have opportunities to participate in dance performances
Be part of a dance community
Get access to more resources such as videos, lesson plans and other materials
Be held accountable and thus make more steady progress
Receive feedback and have a more direct connection to improvement.

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Type of Shoes for Salsa dancing ? Salsa dancing shoes

Now let’s talk about dance shoes and dancing shoes!

Salsa dance shoes are an important element to consider whether you are just starting out or an advanced dancer! Here is a list of benefits of salsa Dance Shoes:

Flexibility: Salsa shoes have a flexible sole (usually Suede Sole) that give more range of movement and flexible dance shoes, making it easier to execute turns and other dance moves.
Support: Salsa Dancing Shoes have a sturdy heel that provides support for the dancer, which can help prevent injuries and fatigue.
Comfort: Salsa shoes are designed with the comfort of the dancer in mind, they have soft lining and padded soles that can make dancing for extended periods of time more comfortable.
Durability: Salsa shoes are made with quality materials and are built to last. They can withstand the rigors of constant movement on the dance floor and can last a long time with proper care.
Style: Salsa shoes come in a variety of colors and styles, and they can be worn both on and off the dance floor. They can add a touch of elegance and style to any outfit.
Protection: Salsa shoes can protect your feet from blisters, calluses and other common dance floor injuries. They are designed to fit snugly and securely, and provide a barrier between your feet and the floor.

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