Salsa City Forum » Salsa Music and Dance » Deciphering hand changes and positions!

When we are taught a sequence of moves in a class, I don’t tend to think too much about the hand positions, particularly if I’ve seen some elements from a previous class.

However when dancing after the classes attempting to string to together my own sequence of moves I still find I’m looking down at my hands, particularly when in a crossed open hold in order to check if the hands are the correct way round for which ever move I want to do next. I also get confused with which hand should be high and which low for moves such as double handed half turn combinations etc.

With two handed moves you can obviously exert more control over your partner than with single handed moves. But what I can’t fathom is how to sequence a series of two handed moves without getting tied in knots!

Blackout,

Welcome to Salsa. ... It will get slightly more difficult and then it will get better. In the meanwhile, lead her gently during class as you learn the moves (refrain from tensing arms completely).

I try to keep it simple and think either
1. My left hand is on top or
2. My right hand is on top
For patterns beginning with simple crossed hands

The second trick is to watch (or ask) the instructor which hand is doing more leading from a crossed hand position. Often the beginners miss this and focus on the hand which seems to be over her head and moving in a small circle. Often its the lower hand, which is closer to her “center” that gives a good portion of the lead. (This rule isn’t hard and fast, but as you learn, it really can help)

Be patient, enjoy learning, have fun, don’t hurt her.

PAS