Buzz
Mexican music is full of energy and excitement, making it irresistible for dancing. One way to get into the groove is by matching basic salsa steps to the lively rhythm, a popular choice in bars and clubs across Mexico. For a more traditional touch, consider trying out the Mexican hat dance, known for its simplicity and once hailed as Mexico's national folk dance. If you're dancing with a partner, explore the lively 'Santa Rita' or Mexican polka for a fun and dynamic experience.
Steps
Mastering Basic Salsa Moves
Step to the Beat: Sync your steps with the music by taking three forward steps for every three beats. Start with the foundational basic step, keeping your feet together as you move forward with your right foot, then left, and right again.
- Add some hip swing to your steps for added style and rhythm.
Shift your weight on the 3rd step and change directions. When you put your foot down on the 3rd beat, slightly bend your right knee. Next, swing your left leg forward and hold it half-extended for 1 beat.
Push off from your right foot and swing your left leg backward. Straighten your right leg as you extend your left leg behind you. This shift in momentum will add smoothness to your movements.
Take 3 steps backward over 3 beats and shift your weight again. Add hip swings for rhythm. On the final step, bend your left leg slightly and move your right leg forward to change the dance's direction.
Hold your arms up at a 45 or 90-degree angle and move them rhythmically. Bend your elbows comfortably and lift your arms in front. Coordinate your arm movements with your leg steps for consistent rhythm.
Learn the Traditional Mexican Hat Dance
Begin with your hands positioned behind your back and your left heel forward. Place your arms behind with elbows bent at 90 degrees. Bend your right knee while extending your left leg forward, keeping it straight and resting on the heel.
Quickly bring your left foot in and extend your right heel. On the second beat, retract your left heel to meet the right. Swiftly shift your weight to the left heel while projecting your right heel forward, slightly to the side, and resting on it.
Repeat this sequence with your left heel on the third beat. Immediately after resting your right heel, prepare to lift it again and extend your left leg. Execute this within a single beat, aiming for fluid movements for a polished dance appearance.
Clap twice following the initial 3 movements. Pause momentarily with your left leg extended, bringing your hands together in front of you for two quick claps.
Increase your pace as the music tempo rises. Stay synchronized with the music's beat, accelerating your movements as the tempo escalates.
Add flair by crossing your arms and 'waving'. Cross your arms with the right hand on the left elbow. Lift your left arm while extending your left heel, then switch to the right heel while lowering the left arm and lifting the right arm to 'wave.'
Exploring the Mexican Polka Dance
Stand beside your partner, maintaining shoulder-to-shoulder contact. Place one hand on your partner's shoulder or back, extend your other arm to the side, and hold hands with your partner. Rotate so both face your extended arm.
Perform 4 polka steps forward, alternating legs. Start by lifting your lead foot and lightly hopping on the other foot. Swiftly touch down your lead foot, bring the other foot up behind, and kick back out to complete the step. Repeat on both sides.
Cross your outside leg in an arc to meet the other foot. Extend the leg closest to your partner and swing it in a semi-circle pattern to meet the other foot, ensuring a smooth glide across the ground.
Swing your opposite foot around in a similar arc. Transfer your weight to the foot on the outside, then lift and bring the other foot around in an arc with the inner arch facing outward.
Circle your foot back and stomp rhythmically 4 times. Shift your weight to the opposite foot, circle your lead leg swiftly back to the standing position, and stomp it on the ground four times in sync with the music.
Gallop sideways twice, return to start, and double stomp. Extend your leg nearest to your partner, turn to face them, gallop back to the start twice, shift weight to extended leg, and double stomp the other foot.
Enhance the dance with circular movements. Once you've mastered the basics, add circular movements by angling your lead foot outward during each polka step, rotating your position slightly.
Pro Tips
- Master salsa dancing on your own first before trying it with a partner.
- Emphasize hip movement to bring depth to your dance.
