If you know how to dance solo Salsa, you won’t need a partner to count on, and that’s the best feeling ever(Bye, Ron). Salsa shine or Salsa solo is when a salsa dancer chooses to dance solo.
There is no reason you can’t train yourself in Salsa without a partner. In fact, dancing solo one of the best ways to get better at salsa dancing. Yes, Salsa is considered a partner dance, but you certainly must be able to hold your own if you want to savor, free your mind and be lost in the moment.
Here is how to Practice Solo Salsa in 5 steps
Developing the much-needed awareness of music
When you start your solo salsa dancing journey, this is your capacity to dance on the beat so you can interact with your partner and perform movements on time. As you develop your ability to remember rhythms, instruments, and the music structure, you’ll find yourself able to begin reflecting that emotion in your dancing and be more spirited. In essence, timing is a foundational element of dance, and rhythm is what brings Salsa dance to life.
Mastering Your Basic Steps
This is like learning how to walk. These are the basic steps to everything in Salsa. You can never train yourself enough. So get your dance shoes on and make sure you assess yourself in front of a mirror. make sure you can:
- Perform the basic lessons with correct rhythm
- Recognize all the solo directions (side to side, front/back, diagonally, crossing over to the back and the front)
- Switch between each primary step without hesitation
- Stylize your basics with touches and taps
Body Movement
Body movement is that X factor, that secret recipe, that taste that makes Sala so marvelous to perform. Master it again in front of a mirror, and ensure you maintain the rhythm.
Turn Technique
Turn technique is what separates the beginner from an expert in Salsa. Since you don’t have a partner and are practicing solo, you should focus on executing controlled and smooth turns. Focus and practice your turns regularly because it’s the fastest way to improve both as an experienced beginner, lead, and follow. It’s going to make your Salsa so much more fun too.
Record Yourself
When training alone, the smartphone is your best friend, and you are your most prominent critic. Before starting:
- Try and have at least one short video of yourself dancing with a partner so you can interpret what you need to work on.
- Remember to what the video clip all the way till the end without thinking.
- Don’t be scared to laugh at yourself.
- Maintain a list of your “mess-ups” and figure out what your biggest weakness is. Work on your weakness.
Practice Shadowing Regularly
Shadowing is running through a pattern or more from start to the end while acting like you are performing the salsa dance with a partner. It might feel a little awkward and empty at the start, but it’s a great way to practice your technique without a partner’s distraction.
