Hey my Nuevolution Dance Students. Today was also a great class discussing the basics of LA Style Salsa. Here is yet another article I found on the internet that gives you an explanations of all that I was discussing with you today in class. Please read as this is really important to you. I don't want you guys to simply "DO" the move but rather "BE" the move itself.
THE BASICS OF LA STYLE
L.A. style is danced on a slot and starts on the one beat ("on 1"), which is usually the down beat in a salsa song. In contrast, New York style salsa begins on the two beat ("on 2"). As with New York style, the back and forth Mambo basic, again in a linear motion, is still used in L.A. style. But by beginning on 1, L.A. style feels faster to dancers and the moves appear more powerful to audiences. In L.A. style, the leader breaks forward with their left foot on 1. The follower mirrors the leader's footwork and steps back with their right foot on 1.
As with ballroom dances, the two essential elements of L.A. style are the forward and backward basic steps and the cross-body lead. Similar to New York style and the Cuban Casino style (dile que no) , many of the moves are based from cross-body lead variations.
In a cross-body lead, the leader and the follower switch places on the slot. The leader steps forward on the on 1 and then steps to the right on the second and third beats while turning 90 degrees counter-clockwise (facing to the left). The follower then steps forward on the fifth and sixth beats and then turns to face her partner on the seventh and eight beats. To finish the move, the leader makes another turn 90 degrees counter-clockwise. After these eight counts of music, the leader and follower should have successfully exchanged positions and should be facing each other, heart to heart.
Musicality, the ability of a dancer to be harmonious with the music playing, is a major part in all forms of salsa dancing, including L.A. style. Solo choreography moves, known as "shines," are an important component of this type of salsa and can be used to explore musicality. Shines usually involve more complex, jazz inspired, speedy footwork and can occur when a pair of dancer wants to take a break from partner dancing during a song. Shines can be previously choreographed or spontaneous. Either way, shines are considered a form of freestyle dancing.
Styling is another term related to musicality in L.A. style salsa. Styling refers to the way dancers pepper their dances with flourishes of personality communicated by flairs in their movement. Each person will develop their own personal style of dance but a person interested in developing their styling can absolutely do so with instruction from a professional. In L.A. style salsa, styling is a huge component.
In order to learn L.A. style salsa the fundamentals -- the cross body lead and basic linear steps -- are essential. With proper training and practice, the extras, such as shine choreography and styling, can take a person's L.A. style dancing to the next level.
THE BASICS OF LA STYLE
L.A. style is danced on a slot and starts on the one beat ("on 1"), which is usually the down beat in a salsa song. In contrast, New York style salsa begins on the two beat ("on 2"). As with New York style, the back and forth Mambo basic, again in a linear motion, is still used in L.A. style. But by beginning on 1, L.A. style feels faster to dancers and the moves appear more powerful to audiences. In L.A. style, the leader breaks forward with their left foot on 1. The follower mirrors the leader's footwork and steps back with their right foot on 1.
As with ballroom dances, the two essential elements of L.A. style are the forward and backward basic steps and the cross-body lead. Similar to New York style and the Cuban Casino style (dile que no) , many of the moves are based from cross-body lead variations.
In a cross-body lead, the leader and the follower switch places on the slot. The leader steps forward on the on 1 and then steps to the right on the second and third beats while turning 90 degrees counter-clockwise (facing to the left). The follower then steps forward on the fifth and sixth beats and then turns to face her partner on the seventh and eight beats. To finish the move, the leader makes another turn 90 degrees counter-clockwise. After these eight counts of music, the leader and follower should have successfully exchanged positions and should be facing each other, heart to heart.
Musicality, the ability of a dancer to be harmonious with the music playing, is a major part in all forms of salsa dancing, including L.A. style. Solo choreography moves, known as "shines," are an important component of this type of salsa and can be used to explore musicality. Shines usually involve more complex, jazz inspired, speedy footwork and can occur when a pair of dancer wants to take a break from partner dancing during a song. Shines can be previously choreographed or spontaneous. Either way, shines are considered a form of freestyle dancing.
Styling is another term related to musicality in L.A. style salsa. Styling refers to the way dancers pepper their dances with flourishes of personality communicated by flairs in their movement. Each person will develop their own personal style of dance but a person interested in developing their styling can absolutely do so with instruction from a professional. In L.A. style salsa, styling is a huge component.
In order to learn L.A. style salsa the fundamentals -- the cross body lead and basic linear steps -- are essential. With proper training and practice, the extras, such as shine choreography and styling, can take a person's L.A. style dancing to the next level.
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