Advanced Salsa Newyork Steps

In 35th class we learnt Advanced Salsa Newyork steps:

1: Male partner starts by doing open break and making C loop with his left hand.
2: Open break step 2.
3: Open break step 3. His left hand holding her right hand reaches over top of their head levels.
5: He does a side basic with his right foot, while she starts doing a clockwise (right) 360 degrees turn. He leaves her left hand.
6: He shifts weight to his left foot. She continues doing right turn.
7: He pushes his right foot to get momentum to do a quick 180 degrees counter-clockwise (left) turn. During rotation, his left hand keeps on holding her right hand over his head. She completes her right turn. At end of his turn, he leaves her right hand. Both partners are now facing same direction. She lets her right hand come down and he holds it with his right hand (brought behind his back).

1: Side step 1. Both partners do side steps, with him holding her right hand with his right hand. He starts by doing it with his left foot, while she starts with her right foot.
2: Side step 2.
3: Side step 3.
5: Side step 5.
6: Side step 6.
7: Side step 7.

1: Basic step 1. He goes forward with his left foot, while she goes back with her right foot.
2: Basic step 2.
3: Basic step 3.
5: He brings his left hand in side of his right leg (where she can see it) and she holds it with his left hand. He then gives a pull using his left hand. He goes back with his right foot. She steps ahead with her left foot, such that she starts rotating 1.5 counter-clockwise (left) turns, from his right side (under their right arms).
6: Side step 6 for him. He leaves her left hand after pull and keeps on rotating her with his right hand.
7: Basic step 7 for him. She completes 1.5 left turns and then both partners switch hands, so that his left hand now holds her right hand and vice versa.

Salsa Arm Loop or Fish style

In 34th class, we learnt Salsa's Arm loop or Fish steps.

1: Cross body lead (CBL) step 1.
2: CBL step 2.
3: CBL step 3.
5: CBL step 5. In start of this step, male partner starts raising his left hand and gives lead to female partner for performing a left (counter-clockwise) turn.
6: CBL step 6. Instead of putting his left foot turned by 90 degrees, he puts it a bit straight in forward direction. He leaves her left hand and she does a counter-clockwise turn.
7: He bring his right foot ahead. Now he is looking at 90 degrees to her view line.

1: He makes a fish of her hands, by putting her left hand (palm) over right one. He starts doing right turn by putting his left foot ahead.
2: He continues doing right turn, by sliding over his left foot.
3: He completes right turn and starts facing her. His both hands hold the fish made by her.
5: Basic step 5, with holding the fish with both his hands.
6: Basic step 6.
7: Basic step 7.

The arm loop methods start. It has three variants, with arm loop being done in either step 1, 3, or 5. Easier one is arm loop on 5.
1: CBL step 1.
2: CBL step 2. He leaves the fish with his right hand (holding it with his left hand).
3: CBL step 3.
5. CBL step 5. He does a arm loop around his head. He raises her both arms (with fish still in formation) and inserts his head inside the loop. Her arms then come down.
6: CBL step 6. She breaks the fish and her left hand now comes on his right shoulder, whereas he starts holding her right hand with his left hand.
7: CBL step 7.

Salsa Hammerlock and Hammerlock with double turn

In 33rd class, we learnt Hammerlock and Hammerlock double turn.

Hammerlock steps:
After doing a complete basic step,
1: Male partner does step 1 of open break. He starts giving leads to female partner, with his left hand for a right turn (clockwise), forming an inverted C. She does her basic step 1.
2: He does step 2 of open break, giving inverted C leads. She does basic step 2.
3: He does step 3 of open break, giving inverted C leads. At end of this position, his left hand (holding her right hand) should raise above their heads. She puts her right foot turned 90 degrees to her right (clockwise), so that it will help her taking a right turn.
5: She starts rotating towards her right (clockwise), with weight on her right foot. She picks up her left foot, crosses over right foot and places it down, turning 180 degrees clockwise. He does a side step with his right foot. Both partners keep on holding their hands.
6: He does step 6 of side step. She completes her right turn, now with weight on her left foot.
7: He does step 7 of side steps. She shifts weight on right foot and brings her left foot forward.

Now both the partners are in Hammerlock position.
From this position there are many ways to come back to normal position.

In first variant, after reaching in hammerlock position, both partners do basic steps 1,2 and 3, and then he leaves her left hand, which she brings back in front from her left side and he holds it again with his right hand.
Following video shows steps for Hammerlock turn and first variant (easiest) to come back to normal position:

Second variant is single left turns. After reaching in hammerlock position, she does a left turn to come back to normal position.

Third variant is double turns, where she performs double left (counter-clockwise) turns and they both end up switching their positions. After reaching in hammerlock position,
1: He does open break. She does basic step 1.
2: He pulls her left hand by his right hand, so that she gets momentum to take double turns towards her left (counter-clockwise). He picks up and puts his right foot a bit ahead and left to its initial position, giving her space to rotate. He also starts raising his left hand (holding her right hand). She also steps forward with her left foot and starts rotating to her left raising her right hand.
3: After pulling her left hand, he leaves it. He continues stepping forward and rotating her. She keeps on rotating counter-clockwise and moving forward. At end of step 3, he should have turned clockwise by 90 degrees.
5: She keeps on rotating. He also completes his 180 degrees turn and reaches at her position.
6: While rotating she can go a bit farther, so he should make sure to cover the distance, while doing steps 5,6, and 7.
7: At end of step 7, both partners end up in normal positions, facing each other. He again holds up her left hand with his right hand.

Following video shows steps for Hammerlock with double turns:

Rueda

In 32nd class, we learnt Rueda (Casino Salsa).
It’s a type of round dancing of Salsa which is done mostly in a circle. Pairs of dancers form a circle, with dance moves called out by one person, a caller (or 'líder' or 'cantante' in Spanish). Many moves have hand signs to complement the calls; these are useful in noisy venues, where spoken calls might not be easily heard. Many moves involve the swapping of partners.
The circle will start from 'al Medio', a normal closed hold with all the couples stepping in and out of the circle. Some of the most common moves in Rueda include: Dame, Enchufle, Vacila, and Sombrero.

Para al medio: Watch from 3:18 in video 1.
Para abajo: Watch from 4:15 in video 1.
Dame: Watch from 1:40 in video 1. Watch video 4 also.
Side breaks: Watch from 4:35 in video 1.
Exibela: Watch from 3:43 in video 2.
Exibela doble: Same as Exibela, but done twice. Watch from 0:36 in video 3.

Video 1:

Video 2:

Video 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTC9_80kMfU&feature=BF&list=PL5FCDDAFBF6728714&index=2

Video 4:

Cha Cha Walk on 3

In 31st class, we learnt Cha Cha walk on 3.
After doing a simple step:
2: Simple step 2.
3: Male partner lifts and puts his right foot a bit behind.
Cha: With weight on right foot, he lifts his left foot and puts it behind right foot.
Cha: With weight on left foot, he drags his right foot behind.
1: With weight on right foot, he lifts his left foot and puts it behind right foot by around a foot.
Cha: With weight on left foot, he lifts his right foot and puts it behind left foot.
Cha: With weight on right foot, he drags his left foot behind.
2: With weight on left foot, he lifts his right foot and puts it behind left foot by around a foot.
Cha: With weight on right foot, he lifts his left foot and puts it behind right foot.
Cha: With weight on left foot, he drags his right foot behind.
3: With weight on right foot, he lifts his left foot and puts it behind right foot by around a foot. Weight is shifted on left foot and right foot becomes free.

2: Both partners do a walk around turn. He turns towards his left (counter clockwise), while she turns towards her right (clockwise). He lifts his right foot and places it crossing his left foot. His direction changes by 90 degrees.
3: He rotates 180 degrees to his left sliding on both of his feet.
Cha: Simple Cha step.
Cha: Simple Cha step.
1: Simple step 1.

Both partners again do complete simple Cha Cha steps (2-3-Cha-Cha-1). Then he does forward Cha Cha walk.

2: His right foot goes back.
3: He shifts his weight on left foot.
Cha: He lifts his right foot and places it in front of left foot. Weight is shifted on it.
Cha: With weight on right foot, he drags his left foot ahead a bit, such that its heel gets lifted, but base remain touched down.
1: With weight on left foot, he lifts his right foot and puts it in front by around a foot.
Cha: He lifts his left foot and places it in front of right foot. Weight is shifted on it.
Cha: With weight on left foot, he drags his right foot ahead a bit, such that its heel gets lifted, but base remain touched down.
2: With weight on right foot, he lifts his left foot and puts it in front by around a foot.
Cha: He lifts his right foot and places it in front of left foot. Weight is shifted on it.
Cha: With weight on right foot, he drags his left foot ahead a bit, such that its heel gets lifted, but base remain touched down.
3: With weight on left foot, he lifts his right foot and puts it in front by around a foot. Weight is shifted on right foot and left foot becomes free.

2: Both partners do a walk around turn. He turns towards his right (clockwise), while she turns towards her left (counter clockwise). He lifts his left foot and places it crossing his right foot. His direction changes by 90 degrees.
3: He rotates 180 degrees to his right sliding on both of his feet.
Cha: Simple Cha step.
Cha: Simple Cha step.
1: Simple step 1.

Salsa Hand Switch

In 30th class, we also learnt Salsa Hand Switch steps.
After doing one set of basic steps,
1: Male partner does open break. Female partner does basic step.
2: He does step 2, but he puts his right foot extended ahead towards front left direction. This is an indication to her that he wants her to do a hand switch. He also raises her left hand above her head.
3: He brings his left foot ahead and place it near right foot. He takes his left hand and her right hand behind her back and then catches her right hand with his right hand from other side (kind of making a ring around her).
5: He has to go other side changing his direction, so he can either do this be open break or basic step. In open break, he will put his right foot behind and turning to his right direction (clockwise). If he opts for basic step, then he will put his right foot ahead, turning to his right. She will start rotating 180 degrees to her right (clockwise), with her left hand pointing upwards in an erect position. He does these steps making a C curve and turning right. She turns by crossing him in straight line.
6: He displaces his left foot (either back or ahead based on what he chose in previous step) and continue rotating. She also keeps on rotating clockwise.
7: Both partners now complete 180 degree turns and end up facing each other. While completing this step, he makes an inverted C with his right hand, so that her right hand does not remain twisted.

1: He does open break. She does basic step. Both have their right hands in partner's right hand and left hands free.
2: Both partners shift legs and weights.
3: He rotates 90 degrees to his right (clockwise) on his right foot and places his left foot in side of right foot (around a foot away). Complementing this, she rotates counter-clockwise 90 degrees (to her left) on her left foot and places her right foot in side of left foot (a foot ahead).
5: His left hand comes behind her left shoulder and pushes her forwards, giving her momentum to complete a 270 degrees clockwise underarm turn. He picks up his right foot and crosses his left foot with it, putting it in left of his left foot. He also lifts his right arm and starts rotating her under it. He does these steps making a C curve and turning right. She turns by crossing him in straight line.
6: He picks up his left foot and puts it in left of his right foot, turning bit more towards his right. He keeps on rotating her clockwise.
7: He picks up his right foot and places it near his left foot such that both come in line and he has completed 180 degrees clockwise turn from step 1 direction. She also completes her 270 degrees underarm clockwise turn and both partners bring their right hands down.

1: He does open break. She does basic step.
2: He does open break step 2. She does basic step 2. He pulls her right hand towards himself.
3: He does open break step 3. Both partners come close to each other and form a W with their right arms. Female partners have to make their arm stiff, so that they can receive a nice momentum in next step. For this she should lean on her right hand.
5: Male partner pushes her right hand with his right hand. Both partners leave their right hands and start making a 180 degrees clockwise turn. He does these steps making a C curve and turning right. She turns by crossing him in straight line.
6: He displaces his left foot (either back or ahead based on what he chose in previous step) and continue rotating. She also keeps on rotating clockwise.
7: Both partners now complete 180 degree turns and end up facing each other. At end both partners again hold their partner's hands.

Merengue Alternate Wraps Step

In 29th class, we also learnt Merengue's Alternate Wraps Step.
After a basic step,
1: He raises his left arm and she follows by start rotating counter clockwise. Instead of moving sideways, he picks up his left foot and places it at the same place.
2: She completes the turn and both the partners start facing same direction. She ends up in his left.
3: Both the partners should come in same line, if not then they use 3 and 4 steps to do so.
4: Step 4.
1: They both move forward, male partner with left foot and female partner with right foot.
2: Continues moving forward.
3: Continues moving forward.
4: Continues moving forward.
1: He raises his left hand and she starts unwinding / rotating clockwise. He also starts rotating, but to his left by 90 degrees. She rotates at her position.
2: He completes another 90 degrees of turn, thus facing opposite direction to initial direction. She also completes her clockwise turn (a total of 180 + 360 degrees), so that she also face same direction as him and ends up in his right.
3: Basic step 3, but at same place.
4: Basic step 4, but at same place.
1: They both move forward, male partner with left foot and female partner with right foot.
2: Continues moving forward.
3: Continues moving forward.
4: Continues moving forward.
1: He raises his right hand and she starts unwinding / rotating counter clockwise. He also starts rotating, but to his right by 90 degrees. She rotates at her position.
2: He completes another 90 degrees of turn, thus facing opposite direction to previous direction. She also completes her counter clockwise turn (a total of 180 + 360 degrees), so that she also face same direction as him and ends up in his left.
3: Basic step 3, but at same place.
4: Basic step 4, but at same place.
1: They both move forward, male partner with left foot and female partner with right foot.
2: Continues moving forward.
3: Continues moving forward.
4: Continues moving forward.
1: He raises his right hand and she starts unwinding / rotating clockwise. Now he does not rotate. She also moves so that she will end up in his front.
2: He leaves her left hand by his right hand, so that she can complete the turn. She completes her clockwise turn (a total of 180 + 360 degrees), so that they both face each other.
3: Basic step 3, but at same place.
4: Basic step 4, but at same place.

Following video shows Pretzel move, which is quite different to alternate wraps, but first step is similar:

The Pretzel Move for Dancing the Merengue

Merengue Combing / Arm Slide variation

In 29th class, we learnt Merengue's Combing or Arm Slide variation steps. After doing separation step, partners do:
8: On separation's 8th step, male partners gives lead by lifting his right arm such that its palm is horizontally facing up.
1: He steps by his left foot in front direction, by around a foot length. Since female partner also does the same thing with her right foot, they may step on each other, so he puts his left foot in left of front direction. Doing this, he takes his right hand (holding her left hand) over his head and leave her hand there, causing a kind of combing. For this he makes a kind of window with the hands, through which he bends (from his neck and back) and passes his head. She never bends.
2: He shifts his weight on right foot.
3: He shifts weight on left foot. He again catches her left hand by his right hand and brings the hold down.
4: He shifts weight on right foot. He gives lead for next step. He raises his left hand with palm horizontal and facing up.
5: He steps by his left foot in front direction (a bit to right), by around a foot length. Doing this, he takes his left hand (holding her right hand) over his head and leave her hand there, causing a kind of combing. For this he again makes a kind of window with the hands, through which he bends (from his neck and back) and passes his head.
6: He shifts his weight on right foot.
7: He shifts weight on left foot. He again catches her right hand by his left hand and brings the hold down.
8: He shifts weight on right foot.

Both the partners then come close to each other.

Jive's Curl out and Curl in

In 28th class, we also learnt Jive's Curl out and Curl in steps.
In Curl out steps, she does a clockwise turn both partners become perpendicular to each other.
In Curl in step she does a counter-clockwise turn and comes back.

Curl out:
1: Step 1 of Jive.
2: Step 2 of Jive.
3: Step 3 of Jive. He gives her lead by lifting his left hand and lowering his right hand. He then pulls her by his right hand towards his left.
a: She starts doing clockwise turn.
4: She completes the turn. Both partners are now perpendicular to each other.
5: Step 5 of Jive. He should make sure that she does not go far to him and they keep making a W with their hands.
a: Step a of Jive.
6: Step 6 of Jive.

Curl in:
Both partners are facing perpendicular directions.
1: Step 1 of Jive.
2: Step 2 of Jive.
3: Step 3 of Jive. He gives her lead by lifting his left hand such that only two fingers are in her palm and his left hand palm is horizontally facing towards her.
a: She starts turning counter-clockwise.
4: She completes turn. Both partners are now facing each other.
5: Step 5 of Jive.
a: Step a of Jive.
6: Step 6 of Jive.

Jive's Toe Heel Tap and Kick Flick Ball Change

In 28th class, we learnt Jive's Toe-Heel-Tap and Kick-Flick-Ball change steps.

Toe Heel Tap steps:
Both partners do a break away and start facing the same directions.
1: Jive step 1.
2: Jive step 2.
3/Toe: With weight on right foot, he touches his left foot's toe to ground and mid of right foot. His left foot's heel remains lifted pointing back and left upwards.
4/Heel: Now he touches his left foot's heel to ground and mid of right foot. His left foot's toe points a bit left and upwards.
5/Tap: He does a tap with his left foot, such that both feet are close and parallel to each other. Weight is shifted on left foot.

6/Toe: He picks up his right foot and touches his its toe to ground and mid of left foot. His right foot's heel remains lifted pointing back and right upwards.
7/Heel: Now he touches his right foot's heel to ground and mid of left foot. His right foot's toe points a bit right and upwards.
8/Tap: He does a tap with his right foot, such that both feet are close and parallel to each other. Weight is shifted on right foot.

Kick Flick Ball change steps:
After doing Toe Heel Tap steps, both partners do:
1: Jive step 1.
2: Jive step 2.
3/Kick: With weight on right foot, he picks up and does a kick step with his left foot towards forward direction, such that his left foot toe's point towards ground.
4/Flick: He again picks up his left leg sufficiently and does a flick towards his left. His left foot's toe points towards left and downwards.
5/Ball: He places down his left foot just back to his right foot. Weight is shifted on left foot.

6/Kick: With weight on left foot, he picks up and does a kick step with his right foot towards forward direction, such that his right foot toe's point towards ground.
7/Flick: He again picks up his right leg sufficiently and does a flick towards his right. His right foot's toe points towards right and downwards.
8/Ball: He places down his right foot just back to his left foot. Weight is shifted on right foot.

Salsa's Cross Hand Variations

In 27th class, we learnt Salsa's Cross hand variations.
After a complete basic step we do:
1: Male partner does open break. He starts leading by forming an inverted C. He pushes his left and female partner's right hand to his left.
2: Step 2 of open break. His left hand continues forming inverted C
3: Step 3 of open break. His lifts his left hand, with left hand palm vertical facing her.
5: Step 5 of side step. He picks his right foot and does a side step. He leaves her left hand and she starts doing a clockwise turn. While doing side step, he should look at his right. His left hand remains at the lifted position and helping her to take a turn.
6: Step 6 of side step.
7: Step 7 of side step. She completes the turn and both partners lower their hands down. While bringing their hands down, they do cross hands. He leaves her right hand and catches it with his right hand. Now both partners have their left hands free.

1: He again does open break. He starts leading by pushing her right hand with his right hand towards her right side.
2: Step 2 of open break. He starts lifting his right hand.
3: Step 3 of open break. His lifts his right hand above their head, with right hand's two fingers in her palm, such that his palm is horizontal and facing her.
5: Step 5 of side step. He picks his right foot and does a side step. She again starts doing a clockwise turn. While doing side step, he should look at his right. His right hand remains at the lifted position and helping her to take a turn.
6: Step 6 of side step.
7: Step 7 of side step. She completes the turn and both partners lower their hands down. While bringing their hands down, he catches her left hand with his left hand above their right hands.

1: Now both partners do cross body lead. Both do step 1 of CBL.
2: Step 2 of CBL.
3: Step 3 of CBL.
Shift: He leads her by leaving their right hands and pulling her left hand by his left hand towards his left.
5: Step 5 of CBL.
6: Step 6 of CBL.
7: Step 7 of CBL. They both do cross hands, so that his left hand now holds her right hand and vice-versa.

Rumba Walk

In twenty-sixth class, we also learnt Rumba Walk.
After doing a simple Rumba step (2-3-4-1 2-3-4-1), we do:
2: Male partner does simple Rumba step 2.
3: Instead of simply shifting weight on right foot, he drags it a bit behind and then shifts weight.
4: He lifts his left foot and puts it a foot behind his right foot.
1: Weight is shifted on left foot.

2: He lifts his right foot and puts it few inches behind left foot.
3: He lifts his left foot and puts it few inches behind right foot.
4: He lifts his right foot and puts it a foot behind his left foot.
1: Weight is shifted on right foot.

2: He lifts his left foot and puts it few inches behind right foot.
3: He lifts his right foot and puts it few inches behind left foot.
4: He lifts his left foot and puts it a foot behind his right foot.
1: Weight is shifted on left foot.

2: He lifts his right foot and puts it few inches behind left foot. Female partner starts doing a walk around turn towards her right (clockwise direction). He raises his left hand and she puts her left foot crossing her right foot. Her direction changes by 90 degrees.
3: Simple step 3, with weight shifting on left foot. She slides on both her feet and turns clockwise 180 degrees.
4: He lifts his right foot and puts it a foot towards his right. She does simple step 4, by putting her left foot a foot left.
1: Weight is shifted on right foot.

Simple 2-3-4-1 is done. The he does forward Rumba walk.

2: Simple Rumba step 2, with right foot going back and weight shifting on right foot.
3: He drags his left foot a bit ahead and shifts his weight on it.
4: He lifts his right foot and puts it a foot ahead of left foot.
1: Weight is shifted on right foot.

2: He lifts his left foot and puts it few inches ahead of right foot.
3: He lifts his right foot and puts it few inches ahead of left foot.
4: He lifts his left foot and puts it a foot ahead of his right foot.
1: Weight is shifted on left foot.

2: He lifts his right foot and puts it few inches ahead of left foot.
3: He lifts his left foot and puts it few inches ahead of right foot.
4: He lifts his right foot and puts it a foot ahead of his left foot.
1: Weight is shifted on right foot.

2: He lifts his left foot and puts it few inches ahead of right foot. Female partner starts doing a walk around turn towards her left (counter-clockwise direction). He raises his left hand and she puts her right foot crossing her left foot. Her direction changes by 90 degrees.
3: Simple step 3, with weight shifting on right foot. She slides on both her feet and turns counter-clockwise 180 degrees.
4: He lifts his left foot and puts it a foot towards his left. She does simple step 4, by putting her right foot a foot right.
1: Weight is shifted on left foot.

Cha Cha Fan Step

In twenty-sixth class, we learnt Cha Cha's Fan step. Steps are:

• 2.
• 3.
• Cha: Male partner gives lead by coming into open hold position, and extending both hands.
• Cha.
• 1.
• 2: During this step, he gives lead to female partner by his right hand (same lead as he gives in Salsa Cross body step 5). Instead of putting her left foot ahead, she puts it in right of his left foot (a bit rotated clockwise).
• 3: She puts her right foot ahead of left, diagonally going ahead.
• Cha: She turns to her left over her right foot and puts her left foot in such a way, that both the partners face perpendicular directions. He has to make sure that she does not move away too much, while she does the fan step.
• Cha: She does another cha in perpendicular direction.
• 1: Both partners extend their extreme hands (his right and her left) at shoulder height.
• 2: Instead of going forward ahead, he goes forward towards her.
• 3.
• Cha.
• Cha.
• 1.
• 2: He gives lead by raising his left hand, so that she can do a right (clockwise) turn (a tap-tap kind of turn). She does her Cha Cha step 2, but she rotates around 90 degrees towards her right. So she puts her left foot across her right foot.
• 3. Female partner does a right (clockwise) turn of 180 degrees. She rotates on her left foot and putting her right rotated clockwise.
• Cha: She keeps on rotating towards right. She picks up his left foot and completes rest of turn by 180 degrees, and then put it a foot apart.
• Cha.
• 1.

Rumba Fan step

In twenty-fifth class, we learnt Rumba's Fan step. Steps are:

• 2.
• 3.
• 4: Male partner gives lead by coming into open hold position, and extending both hands.
• 1.
• 2: During this step, he gives lead to female partner by his right hand (same lead as he gives in Salsa Cross body step 5). Instead of putting her left foot ahead, she puts it in right of his left foot (a bit rotated clockwise). She crosses her right foot with her left foot.
• 3: She turns to her left by putting her right foot rotated counter-clockwise and then sliding on it, till she rotates by 90 degrees.
• 4: She puts her left foot in such a way, that both the partners face perpendicular directions. He has to make sure that she does not move away too much, while she does the fan step.
• 1: Both partners extend their extreme hands (his right and her left) at shoulder height.
• 2: Instead of going forward ahead, he goes forward towards her.
• 3.
• 4.
• 1.
• 2: He gives lead by raising his left hand, so that she can do a right (clockwise) turn. She also does her Rumba step 2, but she starts doing a right (outside) tap-tap turn. She puts her left foot crossing her right foot.
• 3: She does a right (clockwise) turn of 180 degrees. She rotates on her left foot and puts her right foot rotating clockwise.
• 4: She keeps on rotating towards right. She picks up his left foot and completes rest of turn by 180 degrees, and then put it a foot apart, such that both partners start facing each other.
• 1.

Following video shows only first half of fan steps:

Salsa Chiko Variation

In twenty-fourth class, we learnt chiko variation. These steps are extension of chiko steps taught in previous class. In these steps, partners do two cross body leads, one after another. Steps are:

• 1: Same as chiko.
• 2: Same as chiko.
• 3: Same as chiko.
• 5: Same as chiko.
• 6: Same as chiko, except male partner does not leave her left hand.
• 7. Same as chiko.
• 1: Now both partners are facing same direction. They both do basic salsa step 1, with him pushing her hands.
• 2: He leaves her left hand and pulls her right hand with his left hand. He also does cross body lead step 2. He also raises his left hand, so that she can again do a left turn.
• 3: Cross body step 3.
• 5: Cross body step 5. She crosses him doing a left turn.
• 6: Cross body step 6. She crosses him doing a left turn.
• 7: Cross body step 7. She completes left turn and both hands come in contact.

Salsa Chiko Cross Body Step

In twenty-third class, we learnt Salsa Chiko Cross Body Steps. The steps are similar to Salsa Cross body steps for male partner. For female partners, instead of walking straight and then turning, they do a counter-clockwise (left) under arm turn. Steps are:

• 1: Basic step 1.
• 2: Cross body step 2, where male partner puts his right foot turned 90 degrees counter clockwise.
• 3: Cross body step 3, where male partner puts his foot next to his right one, leaving space for her to cross him.
• 5: Cross body step 5. He puts his right foot backwards, and shifts his weight on it. He gives her lead by pulling her left hand with his right hand. She comes forward on her left foot, to cross him.
• 6: He raises his left hand, under which she will make counter-clockwise (left) turn. He puts his left foot rotated 180 degrees counter-clockwise and shifts weight back on left foot and leaves her left hand. She crosses him by rotating 180 degrees on her left foot and putting her right foot a bit back of left foot, in opposite direction to initial direction of left foot. Now both partners are facing each other.
• 7: He puts his right foot rotated 180 degrees counter-clockwise, next to his left foot. She again rotates 180 degrees counter-clockwise on her right foot, putting her left foot in opposite direction to initial direction of right foot. Now both partners are facing same direction.
• 1: Basic step 1 for male partner. He brings his left hand down. She makes another 180 degrees counter-clockwise turn on her left foot, by putting her right foot behind. Now both hands come back in contact. Both partners start facing each other.

Jive Change of Side

In twenty-second class, we learnt clockwise and counter-clockwise Jive change of side steps.

Clockwise (left to right) change of side:

1. Here step 1-2-3-a-4 are same as basic step.
2. In step between 4 and 5, male partner starts pushing female partner with his left hand. He also pulls her towards him with his right hand. He starts rotating on his left leg towards his right (clockwise).
3. On step 5, he puts his right foot 90 degrees perpendicular to initial direction.
4. Step 6 is same as basic step.

Female partner can do inside turn also, as shown below:

Counter-clockwise (right to left) change of side:

1. Here step 1-2-3-a-4 are same as basic step.
2. In step between 4 and 5, male partner starts pulling female partner with his left hand. He starts rotating on his left leg towards his left (counter-clockwise).
3. On step 5, he puts his right foot 90 degrees perpendicular to initial direction.
4. Step 6 is same as basic step.

Female partner can do outside turn also, as shown below:

Salsa Under Arm Turn

In twenty-first class, we were taught Salsa's Under Arm Turn:

1. All the steps are same as basic steps for male partner, except for the lead, that he gives during step 4 and the push during step 5.
2. During step 3 and 4, he forms an inverted C with his left arm and raises it above is head at the end of step 4.
3. During step 5, he leaves her left hand and gives her a rotating push, using his left hand to her right hand, such that she gets momentum to turn towards her right (clockwise). She steps forward with her left leg and starts rotating, by around 45 degrees.
4. During step 6, she picks up her right foot, rotate it and put it back, with around 225 degrees rotated clockwise, from initial direction.
5. During step 7, she picks up her left leg, and rotate on her right foot, and put her left foot back near her right one, doing the complete 360 degrees clockwise rotation.

After completing under arm turn, we were also taught more steps, as shown in following video.

• Male partner does a clockwise turn on steps 1-2-3-4. He does it without raising his arms.
• After completing his turn, he holds different hands, i.e., right hand in right hand and left hand in left hand.
• Again she does an under arm turn in steps 5-6-7-8, but this time, he does it by raising right hands of both the partners.
• Then both partners do step 1-2-3, with right hand in right and left hand in left.
• Between step 3 and 4, she rotates 90 degrees counter-clockwise, while he rotates 90 degrees clockwise.
• The we do rest of the steps 5-6-7-8 and next two basic steps facing the same direction, such that male partner goes ahead sideways to her, so that they don't bang into each other.
• Finally, he spins her clockwise, leaving his left hand and spinning her with his right hand. After giving initial momentum, he leaves her right hand also.

Cha Cha and Rumba change of side

In twentieth class, we learnt Cha cha and Rumba clockwise and counter-clockwise change of side steps. These are not spot turns, and are done in closed position with partner.

Clockwise change of side starts with step 2, while counter-clockwise change of side starts with step 3. Both the turns take four 90 degree turns, to complete one 360 degree turn.

Clockwise change of side:

1. In closed position, on step 2, male partner pushes with his left hand the female partner's right hand and pulls her back with his right hand. Simultaneously, she puts her right foot back by rotating 90 degrees clockwise. This gives more space for male partner to put his left leg few degrees rotated clockwise.
2. In step 3, they both became perpendicular to initial direction.
3. Rest of the steps (4-1 or Cha-Cha-1) are same as basic one.
4. In next 2 step, male partner pulls his right hand causing a push on female partner's back. Simultaneously, he puts his right leg rotated 90 degrees clockwise. This gives space to her, to keep her left leg rotated clockwise by few degrees.

Counter-Clockwise change of side:

1. Step 2 is same as basic step.
2. In closed position, on step 3, male partner pulls with his left hand the female partner's right hand. Simultaneously, he rotates his right leg counter-clockwise by 90 degrees and puts it at the same place.
3. Step 4/Cha is done in perpendicular direction to initial direction. Here male partner pulls female partner by his left hand, and pushes her with his right hand towards his left.
4. Rest of the steps (1-2 or Cha-1-2) are same as basic one.
5. In next 3 step, male partner picks up anputs his left leg rotated counter-clockwise at the same place.
6. Step 4/Cha is done in perpendicular direction to initial direction. Here male partner pulls female partner by his left hand, and pushes her with his right hand towards his left.

Jive Break Away with Underarm turn (Outside Turn)

In nineteenth class, we learnt Jive's break away with underarm turn (outside turn) step. Female partner does it in two steps, turning to her right, by rotating on her right leg as pivot. Male partner just gives lead and continue doing his basic steps.

Outside turns are always followed by inside turns since the hand is upside down. (Guys, any time a pattern leaves your hand upside down, do an underarm turn to correct this.)
closed position -> outside turn -> inside turn -> closed position.

Steps are as follows:

1. Partners complete previous Jive steps.
2. Steps 1 and 2 are same as basic steps.
3. In steps 3-a-4, male partner starts to raise his left arm, till it reaches over his head.
4. In step 5, he gives a slight push with his left hand to her right hand, so that she gets momentum and turns clockwise.
5. During steps 5-a-6, she rotates clockwise by 90 degrees, picking up her left foot, and walking away diagonally.
6. At end of step 6, she completes 90 degrees of turn. The hands can then continue doing return with inside turn.

Rumba and Cha Cha Spot Turn / Alternate Turn

In eighteenth class, we learnt Rumba and Cha Cha's Spot Turn /Alternate Turn steps. This can be called an extension of Newyork step. After completing the last step of moving towards right, male partner performs:

1. On count 2, turn clockwise slightly, pick up and cross your left leg to cross over your right leg. Make sure that the width between your legs is that of taking a comfortable large step.
2. Move all of your weight to your left foot.
3. On count 3, turn clockwise on your left foot. Your right foot and leg should naturally turn as well. At this point, you should be facing backward from your original position.
4. Turn, rotate and step to original direction with your right foot, to complete the turn.
5. On count 4 / Cha, bring your left foot forward to be even with your right foot, but allow for some spacing between your feet. The space depends on which dance you are doing, Cha Cha or Rumba.
6. On next Cha count, slide your right foot to close to your left foot.
7. Similarly, you can do walk around and turn in other direction, rotating counter-clockwise.

Merengue Underarm turn (One handed turn)

In seventeenth class, we learnt Merengue's underarm / one handed turn (both of 4 and 8 counts).

1. We begin with the closed dance position and the basic Merengue dance pattern. At any point, male partner raises his left arm up and female partner's right arm above her head to indicate that he want her to perform a turn.
2. He gently applies pressure with his right hand to her back to ensure that she turns clockwise to her right. She starts turning under his left arm and return to the closed position.
3. He removes his right hand from her back and she turns, moving her right arm across her body
4. Male partner may then perform a left turn himself after turning her to the left by moving her right arm over his head. This is sometimes called "around the world".

More is available at ehow.com

Salsa Cross Body Lead (CBL)

In sixteenth class, we learned Salsa's cross body lead (CBL). We begin by doing one full basic step to get in sync with each other. CBL steps are:

1. Basic step 1. She does her basic steps.
2. He opens up to his right side. He lifts his right foot and puts it perpendicularly backwards to his right. This displacement is a bit more, when compared to basic step 2. Weight is shifted on right leg.
3. He puts his left foot (rotated perpendicular) close to his right foot. Then weight is shifted on left foot. Now he has turned perpendicular to his initial direction.
4. Stop.
5. He gives her lead to do CBL. He gently pulls her left hand with his right hand. He also goes back by his right foot. She crosses him by walking straight.
6. He puts his left foot forward (a bit big displacement) perpendicularly, rotating it in left direction. Weight is shifted on left leg.
7. He brings his right foot forward and places it near left foot. Now he has again turned perpendicular to the direction in step 4.
8. Stop.

At the end of steps, he should reach at the same starting position, just turned by 180 degrees.

Cha Cha Double New York and Double Hand to Hand steps

In fifteenth class, we learnt double Cha Cha's New York and double Hand to Hand steps.

• The only addition is that, after doing New York step (2 and 3), we repeat them once again. Our waist go in a diagonal movement. Then we follow with Cha-Cha-1 steps.
• Same is with the double hand-to-hand steps. We repeat 2 and 3 steps of hand-to-hand with our waist moving diagonally. We finish steps with Cha-Cha-1.

Jive Return with Under Arm Turn (Inside turn)

In fourteenth class, we learnt Jive's Return with under arm turn (to left of female). Female partner does this two step turn to her left, by rotating on her right leg as pivot. Male partner just gives leads and continue doing his basic steps. Steps are as follows:

• We start with basic steps 1-4.
• During step 4, male partner gives a lead to female partner for a break away.
• After step 4, female partner rotates to her left by 90 degrees and perform step 5 and 6 in perpendicular direction (to step 1-4). Male partner does not change his direction and continue doing remaining steps.
• Steps 1 and 2 are performed.
• During step 3, male partner gives female partner a lead to perform under arm turn. He lifts his left hand a bit above shoulder height and twists its wrist, so that the palm faces the female partner. The complete left forehand (from elbow to fingers) should be horizontally parallel to ground. She catches the lead and bend fingers of her right hand, so as to make a hold with male partner's left hand. This helps her in doing the turn without falling apart.
• During step 4, she comes diagonally close to male partner. She keeps her right elbow in her front and close to body. He gives her a kind of jerk with his left hand. This gives her initial momentum and helps in completing the turn. She starts turning towards her left (counter-clockwise).
• During step 5 and 6, female partner completes her turn and reach to the initial position. The hands come down and come in initial hold.

Salsa Spot Turns

In thirteenth class, we learned inside, outside and alternate spot turn steps of Salsa. We turn a complete 360 degrees. We also learnt to do the turn in two variations, twist and slide for slower Salsa beats and cheat-tap-tap-tap for faster beats.

Twist and slide outside (left) turn: We do this step with our left leg as pivot, on counts 5-6-7.

1. We start with basic steps 1, 2 and 3.
2. During step 5, with weight on left leg and male partner picks up his right foot and puts it across left foot (from front) as much as possible, rotating left. This gives him momentum to finish the rest of steps. He starts rotating left, making his left leg as pivot. He completes the rotation by sliding and shifts his weight from left to right leg.
3. In step 6, he picks up his left foot and brings it in a V position with respect to right foot. Weight is shifted from right leg to left leg. By this time, he should have rotated almost 270 degrees (counter-clockwise) from initial direction.
4. In step 7, he picks up his right foot and puts it in initial position (complete 360 degrees turn). Then he shifts his weight from left leg to right leg. After completion of this step, both of his legs should have come in-line to each other, completing a 360 degrees turn, with weight on right leg.

Video showing outside (left) turn using twist and slide is:

Cheat-tap-tap-tap: This is only a bit different from twist and slide, in a manner that rather than sliding and rotating, we quickly pick and place our feet, and we already start by doing a cheating of 90 degrees by our left foot.

Outside (left) turn:  The turn when done on steps 5-6-7, is called as outside turn. Steps for male partners are:

1: He starts with basic steps. This is basic step 1.

2: Basic step 2.

3/Cheat: He starts doing outside turn, so here he cheats. Instead of bringing back left foot in-line to right one, he puts it 90 degrees rotated towards left (counter-clockwise). Weight is shifted on left leg.

5/Tap: He picks up right foot and puts it across left foot (from front of left leg). He doesn't need to make a big rotation, as in twist and slide. He also shifts weight from left to right leg.

6/Tap: Weight is on right leg. He picks up his left foot and puts it down rotating towards left. Weight is shifted on left leg.

7: He picks up right foot and puts it at initial position (position of basic step 7). Weight is shifted from left leg to right leg.

Inside turn: The turn when done on steps 1-2-3, is called as inside turn. Steps for male partners are:
1: He starts with basic steps. This is basic step 1.
2: Basic step 2.
3: Basic step 3.
5: Basic step 5.
6: Basic step 6.
7/Cheat: He picks up right foot and puts it at 90 degrees clockwise (rotated towards right) from initial step. Weight is shifted from left leg to right leg. Now he starts rotating right, performing inside turn.
1/Tap: Weight is on right leg. He picks up left foot and puts it across right one (from front of right leg). He also shifts his weight from right to left leg.
2/Tap: Weight is on left leg. He picks up his right Foot and puts it down rotating towards right. Weight is shifted on right leg.
3/Tap: This is final step of turn. He picks up left leg and bring it in initial position (like in basic 3 step).
5: Basic step 5.
6: Basic step 6.
7:  Basic step 7.

Alternate turn: It is a combination of outside and then inside turn. He first turns on 5-6-7 and then on 1-2-3. This forms an 8. Steps for male partners are:
1: He start with basic steps. This is basic step 1.
2: Basic step 2.
3: 3/Cheat of outside turn.
5: 5 of outside turn
6: 6 of outside turn
7: 7/Tap/Cheat of inside turn.
1: 1/Tap of inside turn.
2: /Tap of inside turn.
3: 3/Tap of inside turn.
5: Basic step 5.
6: Basic step 6.
7:  Basic step 7.

Merengue Leads

In twelfth class, we also learned Merengue leads. Boys give lead on the last step of previous movement. The hands are moved in the direction of the lead, on the first step of next movement.

Side steps: Boys move their left hand towards left side. This causes a slight pull on right hand of girls, towards right direction. On the next step, girls move their right hand in right direction.

Separation steps: Boys slightly push girls on the last step of previous movement. On the next step, we both move backwards and perform apart steps. For coming forward, boys slightly pull girls on the last step of separating steps. On the next step, we both move forwards.

Merengue Arm Slide / Separation

In twelfth class, we also learned Merengue Arm slide / separation (apart and together) steps. Again these have a count of 1-2-3-4; 1-2-3-4. With hands on partner's upper arms, we both back away from each other, back, back, back and back. During these steps our arms slide away each other till we form locks with our fingers. Then we step forward, forward, forward and forward, back to loose closed. These steps may also be danced over four measures: move apart 8 steps and together 8 steps. Here is a diagram showing an 16-step separation:

Separation Steps: After completing a side basic steps (step 4), male partner will give a slide push with his left or both hands. Both the partners will then start doing back steps.

1. On the first beat/step, with his weight on right leg, he moves his left foot backwards. Waist goes towards right direction. Simultaneously she steps back slightly with her right foot. The weight will shift from right to left leg. The foot going back will always be placed flat.
2. He moves his waist form right to left, moving his right foot back. She does same steps, but with other foot.
3. This is copy of the first step, with his left foot going back.
4. In final step, the right foot will go back very little (in-line to left leg). He will give next lead for forward steps (a slight pull to her hands). Weight is shifted on right leg.

Forward / Together Steps: After completing the separation steps (step 4), he starts forward steps with his weight on the right leg. To perform these movements, he gives her a lead on the last separation step.

1. On the first beat/step, he moves his waist to other direction (i.e. from left to right), stepping forward slightly with his left foot. The weight will shift from right to left leg. The foot going forward will be placed flat.
2. He moves his waist (form left to right) and moves his right foot forward.
3. This is copy of the first step, with his left foot going ahead.
4. In final step, the right foot goes forward very little (in-line to left leg). He gives leads for next steps, either side or back steps.

Merengue Tips:

• Girl performs steps that compliment those of boy (like a mirror image). For example, if he moves his left foot forward, back or side left, she will move her right foot forward, back or side right.
• Always keep upper body erect and as motionless as possible. This will add to the look of the dance.
• While doing Merengue, lay emphasis on your legs. At the same time, avoid thrashing about your arms.

Jive Leads and Break Away steps

In twelfth class, we learned Jive's "Break Away" steps:

• We start with basic steps 1-4.
• After doing step 4 of basic Jive, we rotate by 90 degrees and perform step 5 and 6 in perpendicular directions (to step 1-4), such that they start facing the same direction. Male partner rotates to his right and female partner rotates to her left.
• During step 6, their hands should form a W. Always remember to take small steps in Jive.
• Partners then do their 1 - 4 steps facing the same direction.
• Then on step 4, male partner pulls female partner's left hand in his left direction. They both rotate back by 90 degrees and perform steps 5 and 6, facing each other.

We also learned Jive leads:

• Basic steps lead are simple and hands remain at waist height.
• For performing breakaway steps, he gives a push by his right hand to her left hand.
• Similarly, to join back, he pulls her right hand by his left hand.
• If she doesn't receive any lead during breakaway steps, then both the partners keep on doing rest of the steps without changing the direction.

Cha Cha Leads

In today's (eleventh) class, we were taught taking leads in Cha Cha. These are very similar to leads in Rumba, only difference being, that there is no shift-2-shift step. We learned leads in basic, Newyork, hand to hand and New-hand steps.

Basic leads: Male partner gives a slight push/pull to his left/right hands, towards forward/backward/side directions.

Newyork leads: Male partner leaves female partner's right hand and try to bring left hand inside (towards his right direction). His right hand kind of flies towards right direction. Similarly, for other side, he leaves left hand and bring in right hand (towards left direction). He does not hold hands tight, and the contacting hands kind of slide, with her fingers sliding over his fingers.

Hand to hand leads: He slightly pushes girl's left hand and try to bring right hand inside (towards left direction). Left hand kind of flies towards left direction. Similarly, for other side, he pushes right hand and bring in left hand (towards right direction). Again, he does not hold hands tight, and the contacting hands kind of slide, with her fingers sliding over his fingers.

New-Hand leads: He picks up both hands to shoulder height. First he does Newyork step and she does hand to hand step, then he does hand to hand step and she complements it with Newyork step. After completion of these steps only, hands come down.

Salsa and Rumba Leads

In today's (tenth) class, we were taught taking leads in Salsa and Rumba. In Salsa, we learned taking leads for basic, side and open steps. In Rumba, we learned taking leads for basic and shift-2-shift steps.

Salsa basic step:

• Female partner puts her hands in boy’s open hands. Male partners keep their thumbs pointing outwards.

• In Salsa basic step, our hands make a 90 degree angle at elbows.

• While going back or front (on steps 1 and 5), we try to move hand's elbow with the body. Elbow should not touch body, but keep it at a comfortable distance. During movement, female partner should keep her hands stiff, so that whenever male partner gives a lead, her elbow should not get back or ahead of her body; it should move with our body.

• He gives leads at 4 (end of 3) and 8 (end of 7), which she has to catch and follow the steps accordingly.

• Try not to rotate hands in rounds, while doing steps. Try to keep them at 90 degrees.

Salsa Side steps:

• Here our hands just go down in the direction of movement, and then come back.

Salsa open steps:

• Try not to crisscross the hands while doing the steps.

Rumba steps:

• In Rumba, we were taught only two leads; one when male partner leads female partner backwards/forwards or other when he leads her sideways.

• Giving leads either forward or backward means that partners have to do basic Rumba steps.

• For shift-2-shift steps, he leads by moving his hands in the opposite direction. So in step 1, when we shift our weight on left foot, we lead by stretching our right hand in the right direction. Similarly we lead movement towards right, by moving left hand in left direction.

Cha Cha Newyork and Hand to Hand Steps

In today's (ninth) class, we added two new steps to Cha Cha, the Newyork and Hand to Hand steps. Both steps have same count as Cha Cha, i.e., 2-3-Cha-Cha-1-2-3-Cha-Cha-1. During practice, we were asked to do two basics, then two Newyork steps and finally two Hand to Hand steps.

Details of Newyork step:

0 – Male partner starts with weight on right leg and left leg inline (horizontally stretched around a foot away).

2 – We pick up left leg and place it in right of right leg (not much far), rotating 90 degrees clockwise. Our view line also shifts by 90 degrees. Our view line is same as to where our left foot has gone. During this step, weight is shifted to left leg and right leg heels gets up. Our right leg also slides by 90 degrees, with right leg's forefoot acting as a pivot.

3 – Right leg is twisted back counter-clockwise by 90 degrees, heel starts touching dance floor and weight is shifted on it.

Cha – This is a quick step where we pick up and bring back left leg close to right leg (basic Cha step). Our view line also comes back to initial direction. Weight is shifted from right leg to left leg and the whole left foot touches the dance floor.

Cha – This is a again a quick step, where we shift right leg sideways such that it starts touching left leg. The whole foot touches the dance floor. Weight is shifted from left leg to right leg.

Cha/1 – Here we shift the left leg sideways by more than a feet, in-line to right leg. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from right leg to left leg.

2 – We follow above four steps again, but with other foot. We pick up right leg and place it in left of left leg (not much far), rotating 90 degrees counter-clockwise. Our view line also shifts by 90 degrees. During this step, weight is shifted to right leg and left leg heels gets up. Our left leg also slides by 90 degrees, with left leg's forefoot as a pivot.

3 – Left leg is twisted back clockwise by 90 degrees, with heel coming back on ground and weight is shifted on it.

Cha – This is a quick step where we bring back right leg, and place it around 3 inches away from left leg (in-line). Our view line also comes back to initial direction. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from left to right leg.

Cha – This is a again a quick step, where we shift left leg sideways such that it starts touching right leg. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from right to left leg.

Cha/1 – Here we shift the right leg sideways by more than a feet, in-line to left leg. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from left to right leg.

Details of Hand to Hand step:

0 – We start with weight on right leg and left leg inline (horizontally stretched around a foot away).

2 – We pick up left leg and place it in right of right leg (not much far), but this time we rotate counter-clockwise (backwards). Our view line also shifts by 90 degrees, but now it is opposite to where our left foot has gone. During this step, weight is shifted to left leg and right leg heels gets up. Our right leg also slides by 90 degrees, with right leg's forefoot acting as a pivot.

3 – Right leg is twisted back clockwise by 90 degrees and weight is shifted on it.

Cha – This is a quick step where we pick up and bring back left leg close to right leg (basic Cha step). Our view line also comes back to initial direction. Weight is shifted from right leg to left leg and the whole left foot touches the ground.

Cha – This is a again a quick step, where we shift right leg sideways such that it starts touching left leg. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from left leg to right leg.

Cha/1 – Here we shift the left leg sideways by more than a feet, in-line to right leg. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from right leg to left leg.

2 – We follow above four steps again, but with other foot. We pick up right leg and place it in left of left leg (not much far), rotating clockwise (again backwards). Our view line also shifts by 90 degrees, but in opposite direction of our right leg movement. During this step, weight is shifted to right leg and left leg heels gets up. Our left leg also slides by 90 degrees, with left leg's forefoot as a pivot.

3 – Left leg is twisted back counter-clockwise by 90 degrees and weight is shifted on it.

Cha – This is a quick step where we bring back right leg, and place it around 3 inches away from left leg (in-line). Our view line also comes back to initial direction. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from left to right leg.

Cha – This is a again a quick step, where we shift left leg sideways such that it starts touching right leg. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from right to left leg.

Cha/1 – Here we shift the right leg sideways by more than a feet, in-line to left leg. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from left to right leg.

Rumba Side-to-Side and Newyork steps

In today's (eighth) class, we added two new steps to Rumba – the Side-to-Side and Newyork steps. Side-to-Side step has count of Side-to-Side-Side-to-Side. Newyork step has same count as basic step, and is also a bit similar to it. During practice, we were asked to do two basics, then two Side-to-Side steps and finally two Newyork steps.

Details of Side-to-Side steps are:

Side – Before this step, your left foot should be a foot away from the foot right, with weight on right foot. In this step, weight is shifted to left foot and right foot’s heel gets up, while shifting weight. Simultaneously right foot is brought closer to left foot.

2 – At this moment, the weight is on left foot and only foot’s forefoot touches the ground (with heel lifted up), with both the feet side-by-side. Weight shift is made. Now weight is on right foot.

Side – Left foot again goes left by a foot and weight is shifted to it. Right foot’s heel gets up, while shifting weight.

Side – Weight is shifted from left to right and simultaneously left foot is brought back closer to right foot.

2 – At this moment, the weight is on right foot and only foot’s forefoot touches the ground (with heel lifted up), with both the feet side-by-side. Weight shift is made. Now weight is on left foot.

Side – Right foot again goes right by a foot and weight is shifted to it. Left foot’s heel gets up, while shifting weight. We come back to initial position of Rumba.


Details of Newyork step:

0 – We start with weight on right foot and left foot in line (horizontally around a foot away).

2 – We pick up left foot and place it in right of right foot (not much far). Our view line also shifts by 90 degrees clockwise and is in same direction to the movement of left foot. During this step, weight is shifted to left foot and right foot heels gets up. Our right foot also slides by 90 degrees, with pivot on right foot’s forefoot.

3 – Right foot is twisted back counter-clockwise by 90 degrees and weight is shifted on it.

4 – We pick up and bring back left foot a foot away to right foot. Our view line again comes back to initial direction. Left foot’s forefoot remains in-contact to ground and heel remains lifted up.

1 – Here we do a quick weight shift from right foot to left foot. Left foot heel comes down and right foot’s gets lifted a bit.

2 – We follow above four steps again, but with other foot. We pick up right foot and place it in left of left foot (not much far). Our view line also shifts by 90 degrees counter-clockwise. During this step, weight is shifted to right foot and left foot heels gets up. Our left foot also slides by 90 degrees, with pivot on left foot’s forefoot.

3 – Left foot is twisted back clockwise by 90 degrees and weight is shifted on it.

4 – We pick up and bring back right foot a foot away to left foot. Our view line again comes back to initial direction. Right foot’s forefoot remains in-contact to ground and heel remains lifted up.

1 – Here we do a quick weight shift from left foot to right foot. Right foot heel comes down and left foot’s gets lifted a bit.

Newyork Salsa Open or Back break steps

In today's (seventh) class, we added one more step to Salsa – the open or back break step. It is a bit similar to basic step. Here our legs move only backwards. During practice, we were asked to do two basics, two side, and then two open steps, one basic, one side, and then one open steps, half basic, half side, half open, half basic, half side, and finally half open.

Details of open steps are:

1 – Left leg goes behind right one, not much far, with weight shifting from right to left leg. Left leg is placed at 45 degrees to right leg.

2 – Weight is shifted back from left to right leg.

3 – No weight shifting. Left leg is brought back to original position (in-line to right leg), such that its only forefoot touches ground and heel remains lifted.

4/Shift – Only weight is shifted from right to left leg.

5 – Above four steps are repeated with other leg. Right leg goes behind left, with weight shifting from left to right leg. Right leg is placed at 45 degrees to left leg.

6 – Weight is shifted back from right to left leg.

7 – No weight shifting. Right leg is brought back closer to left leg, such that its only forefoot touches ground and heel remains lifted.

8/Shift – Only weight is shifted from left to right leg.

Newyork Salsa Side steps

Today's (sixth) class was make-up class, where we revised all the five dances taught in previous classes. We were also taught next step in New York Salsa – the side step. It is addition to the front-back steps taught on first day. In side steps, we do left-right movements. Detailed steps are:

1 – Left leg goes left by 8-10 inches, with weight shifting from right to left leg.

2 – Weight is shifted back from left to right leg.

3 – No weight shifting. Left leg is brought back closer to right leg, such that its only forefoot touches ground and heel remains lifted.

4/Shift – Only weight is shifted from right to left leg.

5 – Above four steps are repeated with other leg. Right leg goes right by 8-10 inches, with weight shifting from left to right leg.

6 – Weight is shifted back from right to left leg.

7 – No weight shifting. Right leg is brought back closer to left leg, such that its only forefoot touches ground and heel remains lifted.

8/Shift – Only weight is shifted from left to right leg.

Jive Basic Steps

Fifth and may be the last of the dance type that we will be taught is Jive. This is much similar to Cha-Cha, but here we have to jump. Jumping causes a lot of exercise of calf muscles. Step counts are 1-2-3-a4-5-a6. 'a' is not a separate step, but a very quick sub-step, where your foot touches ground after a jump. We were taught both back Jive and front Jive. In back Jive, male partner's left foot goes back on step 1, while in front Jive, it goes ahead. Detailed steps are:

* Displacement between legs is not more than a foot (around 8-10 inches only).

0 – We start with weight on right leg and left leg inline (horizontally), around 4 inches away.

1 – We move left leg back flat and weight is shifted to it. Right leg’s might get lifted a little bit.

2 – We shift weight back to right leg and left leg’s heel gets lifted.

3 – We bring back left leg to its original position, but now left leg’s only forefoot touches the ground and heel remains lifted as much as possible. We put pressure on left leg’s forefoot and lift right leg completely (jump).

a – The right leg comes back on ground.

4 – We displace our left leg to left by around 8-10 inches. We shift our weight on left leg.

5 – We bring the right leg close to left leg. Right leg’s forefoot touches ground and heel is lifted as much as possible. We put pressure on right leg’s forefoot and lift left leg completely (jump).

a – Left leg comes down and touches ground.

6 – We displace our right leg to right by around 8-10 inches. We shift our weight on right leg.

Merengue Basic Steps

In today's class, we were taught Merengue. It has a two step beat. Steps could be called as Long-Long-Short-Short or 1-2-3-4. Detailed steps are:

* We have to concentrate on our waist, and let our legs follow the moves (just opposite to Salsa). Just remember to give "small thumkas" on alternate sides, and let your legs follow the moves.

0 – We start by weight on right leg and left leg next in-line to it.

1/Long – We shift the left leg by around 10 inches to left and hip goes in other direction. Main thing to keep in mind is that body above rib-cage should not move much.

2/Long – In this step our right leg follows left one. We shift right leg near to left one (they touch each other) and the hip goes in other direction (i.e., towards left). This time hip displacement might not be as much as in the odd steps.

3/Short – This is the same step as step 1, only difference being the displacement. Here we shift the left leg by only 3-4 inches.

4/Short – Same as step 2, but with displacement of around 3-4 inches.

After repeating these steps a number of times, the partners may reach to the end of dancing floor, then they may either rotate by 180 degrees, or they can start dancing the other way round.

If they rotate, then the steps don’t change.

But if they start dancing the other way, then girl starts following boy’s steps and boys do girl’s. Boys steps are:

1/Long – We shift the right leg by around 10 inches to right and hip goes in other direction.

2/Long – In this step our left leg follows right one. We shift left leg near to right one (they touch each other) and the hip goes in other direction (i.e., towards right). This time hip displacement might not be as much in the odd steps.

3/Short – This is the same step as step 1, only difference being the displacement. Here we shift the right leg by only 3-4 inches.

4/Short – Same as step 2, but with displacement of around 3-4 inches.

Basic Step for Dancing the Merengue

International Cha Cha Basic Steps

Today's class was of International Cha Cha. This is much similar to Rumba. Instead of Rumba’s long 4, here we have small and quick Cha-Cha. Step counts are 2-3-Cha-Cha-Cha-2-3-Cha-Cha-Cha or 2-3-Cha-Cha-1-2-3-Cha-Cha-1.

Like Rumba, this is a also flat dance, where our both feets (some part of them) always touch the dance floor.

0 – Male partner starts with weight on right foot and left foot stretched inline (horizontally, with heel lifted and forefoot touching ground).

2 – He moves left foot forward (placed flat, about 10 inches ahead) and weight is shifted on it. Right foot’s heel gets lifted a little bit, but forefoot keeps on touching ground.

3 – Weight is shifted back on right foot. Left foot’s heel gets lifted a bit.

Cha – This is a quick step where he brings left foot back, and place it around 3 inches away from right foot (in-line). The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from right foot to left foot.

Cha – This is a again a quick step, where he shifts right foot sideways such that it starts touching left foot. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from left foot to right foot.

Cha/1 – He shifts the left foot sideways by more than a feet, in-line to right foot. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from right foot to left foot.

2 – He follows above four steps again, but with other foot. He moves right foot backward (placed flat, about 10 inches back) and weight is shifted on it, with whole foot touching ground. Left foot’s heel gets lifted a little bit.

3 – Weight is shifted back on left foot. Right foot’s heel gets lifted a bit.

Cha – This is a quick step where he brings back right foot, and place it around 3 inches away from left foot (in-line). The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from left to right foot.

Cha – This is a again a quick step, where he shifts left foot sideways such that it starts touching right foot. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from right to left foot.

Cha/1 – He shifts the right foot sideways by more than a feet, in-line to left foot. The whole foot touches the ground. Weight is shifted from left to right foot.

Basic Steps in International Cha-Cha Dancing
All Steps in International Cha-Cha Dancing

International Rumba Basic Steps

Today's class was of International Rumba. Other style is American Rumba. Rumba, also known as the "dance of love", the "Latin Waltz" or the "Waltz with a wiggle", is a spot dance which means the couple does not travel around the dance floor like in waltz or foxtrot, but rather stays in one location.

You start dancing Rumba in a closed dance position. The man's left hand is holding the lady's right hand with the elbows almost touching. The man’s right hand is placed underneath the lady’s shoulder blade. The lady’s left hand is placed right behind the man's shoulder, flat on his back. Following video shows the correct stance:

Basic Stance for Rumba Dancing

This is a flat dance. All the time some part of both the feet always remain in contact with the dance floor.

Basic step counts are 2-3-4-1 (long 4 and short 1) -2-3-4-1.

* Displacement between legs on steps 4 and 1 is more than a foot, but very less on step 2.

0 – Male partner starts with weight on right foot and left foot stretched inline (horizontally, with forefoot touching ground and heel lifted).

2 – He moves his left foot forward (places it flat, about 10 inches ahead) and weight is shifted on it. Right foot’s heel gets lifted a little bit, but forefoot keeps on touching ground.

3 – Weight is shifted back on right foot. Left foot’s heel gets lifted a bit.

4 – He brings backward left foot sideways (around more than a foot away from right foot), making an arc (but in-line to right foot). During this step, left foot’s forefoot always remain in-contact to ground and heel always remain lifted up.

1 – Here he does a quick weight shift from right foot to left foot. Left foot heel comes down and right foot’s gets lifted a bit.

2 – He follows above four steps again, but with other foot. He moves right foot backward (placed flat, about 10 inches back) and weight is shifted on it. Left foot’s heel gets lifted a little bit.

3 – Weight is shifted back on left foot. Right foot’s heel gets lifted a bit.

4 – He brings back right foot sideways (around more than a foot away from left foot), making an arc (but in-line to left foot). During this step, right foot’s forefoot always remain in-contact to ground and heel always remain lifted up.

1 – Here he does a quick weight shift from left to right foot. Right foot heel comes down and left foot’s gets lifted a bit.

Details of all steps can be found at International Rumba Step List

Newyork Salsa basic steps

Today I and Sonal started learning Latin dance. We joined Heels Dance Academy, which is near to my office in Magarpatta City. Classes are scheduled for one hour, twice a week. Fee is 100 bucks for every hour (class). 800 bucks per month for eight classes every month.

First day was Latin dance demonstration class. Instructors showed us various types of Latin dance styles and taught us basic steps of New York Salsa. Step counts are 1-2-3-Shift-5-6-7-Shift. Here are the steps:

* Displacement of feet is around 6-10 inches.
* We have to concentrate on our legs, and let our waist follow the moves (just opposite to Merengue).

0 – Male partner starts with weight on straight right leg.

1 – Left leg moves forwards, with weight shifting on it. Left leg is placed flat. Right leg’s heel gets up a little bit.

2 – Weight shifts back on right leg and its heel touches the ground. Left leg’s heel gets up a little bit.

3 – Left leg comes back in-line to right leg, without any weight shift. Weight remains on right leg, forefoot of left leg touches ground and heel remains up.

Shift/Pause – Weight is shifted from right leg to left leg. Left leg’s heel now touches ground and weight goes on it. Right leg’s heel gets lifted a bit, but forefoot keeps on touching the ground.

5 – Above four steps are repeated, but with different leg now. Right leg goes backwards, placed flat, with weight shifting on it. Left leg’s heel gets up a little bit.

6 – Weight shifts back on left leg and its heel touches the ground. Right leg’s heel gets up a little bit.

7 – Right leg comes back in-line to left leg, without any weight shift. Weight remains on left leg, heel of right leg remains lifted and forefoot keeps on touching the ground.

Shift/Pause – Weight is shifted from left to right leg. Right leg’s heel now touches ground and weight goes on it. Left leg’s heel gets lifted a bit, but forefoot keeps on touching the ground.

Video showing different hand holds is:

It was very easy to follow the basic steps. Instructor asked us to wear casual dress and leather shoes with some heels, from next class onwards. Girls were asked to buy special salsa dance shoes. In Pune, girls can get Salsa dance shoes at Gossip in Kalpataru Arcade on MG Road. Sonal got her pair in 580 bucks; very very costly when seen in the context of their ugliness, but Sonal said that they are extremely comfortable and she has to wear them only for beginner’s course only.