What is Salsa On2 in Belleville NJ
So what is Salsa On2?
Salsa On2, also known as New York Style Salsa, is characterized by dancers taking their break step on the second beat of the measure, contrasting with the On1 style where the break step is on the first beat. This style is danced in a linear pattern, unlike the more circular Cuban or Colombian salsa styles. It was popularized by Eddie Torres, who played a significant role in formalizing its timing, making it synonymous with elegance and smooth turn patterns and footwork sequences. New York Style Salsa is appreciated for its musicality, allowing dancers to connect deeply with the clave and tumbao rhythms found in salsa music.
When dancing Salsa On2, the most common timing followed is the 123-567 pattern, with the break step on beats 2 and 6. This method is sometimes referred to as “Eddie Torres 2” or “ET2”. There are variations to this timing, including the “Power 2” timing, which follows a 234-678 pattern with a pause on the 1 and 5 beats, reflecting the tumbao rhythm more closely. Another less common approach is dancing to the clave, which has its unique timing pattern.
Dancers often start with On1 salsa due to its simplicity before transitioning to On2, which can offer a more musical experience. The preference for On2 among experienced dancers is attributed to its connection with specific rhythmic patterns in salsa music, making the dance feel more dynamic and expressive.
The differences between On1 and On2 timings significantly affect the dance’s feel and visual aesthetic. On1 is perceived as faster and more staccato because the slow counts occur immediately before the break steps, typically at the end of movements. On2, in contrast, is seen as smoother and more laid back, as the slow counts fall immediately after the break steps, providing more time for turns and movements. This distinction highlights how each style offers a unique dancing experience, connecting variously to the music’s melody, phrasing, and instrumental components like the bass, conga, and clave.
Now that I know what Salsa On2 is – how do I learn it!
To evolve from a beginner to a confident social dancer in Salsa On2, integrating a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on key aspects of the dance is crucial. This curriculum should cover the fundamentals of partner work, the dynamics of leading and following, mastering turns, advancing through shines, understanding and executing proper body movements, and mastering musicality to adjust your dance to the music. Here’s how you can structure your learning journey:
- Understanding the Basics
- Familiarize yourself with the Salsa On2 timing, basic step, and the concept of dancing “On2”
- Practice basic steps and timing
- Introduction partner work – hold and posture
- Partner Work: Building Connection and Communication
- Learn the foundations of dancing with a partner, focusing on leading and following techniques.
- Get familiar with the principles of leading and following
- Focus on basic turn patterns and handholds
- Learn the techniques of establishing connection and communication with your partner
- Lead & Follow: Enhancing Interaction
- Dive deeper into the roles of leading and following, emphasizing on responsiveness and adaptability
- Learn advanced lead and follow techniques
- Learn non-verbal communication cues
- Perform role-switching exercises to understand both perspectives
- How to Master Turns: Increasing Complexity
- Master the technique and execution of turns, an essential element in Salsa On2.
- Single, double, and multiple spins
- Techniques for balance and spotting
- Incorporating turns into complex patterns
- Basic to Advance Shines: Footwork and Solo Performance
- Develop footwork skills that allow you to shine individually on the dance floor
- Learn basic shines and their variations
- Practice techniques to improve speed, precision, and styling
- Take a challenge to choreographing your own shines sequence
- Learn Proper Body Movements: Enhancing Style and Expression
- Focus on body isolations, movements, and styling to add flavor and personality to your dancing.
- Incorporate Afro-Cuban movements into your Salsa Dance
- Get familiar with styling for leads and follows
- Musicality: Dancing to the Music
- Understand how to interpret and express the music through your dancing, adjusting your movements and patterns to fit the song
- Identifying musical instruments and rhythms in Salsa music
- Learn to adapt your dancing style to different Salsa genres
- Playing with the music: breaks, accents, and syncopation
Putting It All Together: Becoming a Confident Social Dancer
- Integrate all the skills learned to dance fluidly and confidently in a social setting
- Engage in practice sessions in social dance settings
- Overcome common fears and challenges on the dance floor
This curriculum is designed to gradually build your skills and confidence, allowing you to enjoy the social, artistic, and cultural aspects of Salsa On2 dancing. Each stage of the curriculum builds on the previous one, ensuring a smooth progression from basic steps to complex patterns and improvisation. Remember, the journey to becoming a confident social dancer is as rewarding as it is challenging, and consistent practice combined with a passion for learning and connecting with the music and your dance community will guide you to success.