Ladies, expect WHATEVER from these leads; wait for the guy, and and let HIM lead YOU. You never know what to expect. His moves are precise and fast. He plays and uses the music as his lead, not necessarily the methodic underlying rhythms and counts. He’ll hesitate, then speed you sharply into a turn, hesitating again for a brief second, just long enough to pick up the next phrase or hit of the song EXACTLY where it’s supposed to be. To the Enio & Terryl – trained dancer, the basic rhythm is outlined, but the music is what is important.

It’s not often one has the opportunity to take a beginner class from two world-class Masters. I was rather shocked that they were asked to teach beginners at the West Coast Salsa Congress last May. It was for this reason I stayed. I was compelled to see exactly how they taught a beginner class, and was very impressed with their thoroughness, clarity, and simplicity. I watched in amazement as they spoke of keeping your dancing tight, and in a circle, rather than the broader slot approach (which is what I used to teach all the time – until I took their class). They taught beginners the foundations of pivots (a highly technical move normally taught to advanced students) and taught what is called a Rotating Cross Body Lead, “keeping it close in a tight situation”. They explained that the popularity of Salsa has grown so much, that it is has become increasingly difficult to find ample space at clubs to execute typical (slot-based) cross-body leads.

They had a tag-team approach to teaching that was both comical and fascinating at the same time. You can tell they love working together; they make a fabulous team. During their beginner workshop, they shy’d away from the typically-taught “basics and timing”. Instead, they taught physics, the mechanics of body movement, momentum and motion, speed, and control. This fascinated me. I’d never seen a beginners workshop like this before. Physics. The mechanics of body movement and momentum. Taught to Beginners. It all made perfect sense to me. It all clicked in an amazing way. After I saw, and experienced their class, I believe this type of training should be recommened training for all beginners up front, so they don’t develop bad habits, and can progress more rapidly. Beginners as well as advanced Salseros need to be trained this way. The reasons “why” a movement is executed, understanding the momentum concept, how pivots can help a lead, what type of speed should be applied, and where the follower’s body is placed are all vital to a solid, professional lead.

Editor in Chief of Salsa Web