If you’re learning how to do the salsa basic step for the first time, try counting along with us: one, two, three, hold. That’s the first half of the basic. You’ll take six steps over eight beats. If you lead, step forward on your left foot on 1. If you follow, step back on your right. Change weight on 1, 2, 3, hold on 4, then reverse direction on 5, 6, 7 and hold on 8. This timing is called salsa On1.

Face your partner with your feet under your hips and your knees relaxed. To follow Waldo (left side of each photo, in jeans), start with your weight on your right foot so your left can move. To follow Jacqui (right side, in heels), start with your weight on your left foot so your right can move. Practicing alone? Pick one dancer and follow their feet through all eight beats.

Read just your role the first time through. For each step, move enough weight onto the named foot that you could lift the other one.

Leader (Waldo) · Step forward with your left foot. Let your weight settle on it.

Follower (Jacqui) · Step back with your right foot. Keep your left foot where it is.

Leader (Waldo) · Shift your weight back onto your right foot, which is already on the floor.

Follower (Jacqui) · Shift your weight forward onto your left foot. Your right foot is now free.

Leader (Waldo) · Bring your left foot back beside your right and stand on your left.

Follower (Jacqui) · Bring your right foot forward beside your left and stand on your right.

Count 4 · Hold. Waldo stays on his left foot and Jacqui on her right. Count “four” out loud so you hear when to reverse.

Leader (Waldo) · Step back with your right foot and put your weight on it.

Follower (Jacqui) · Step forward with your left foot and put your weight on it.

Leader (Waldo) · Shift forward onto your left foot. Leave your right foot where it landed on five.

Follower (Jacqui) · Shift back onto your right foot. Your left foot is now free to move.

Leader (Waldo) · Bring your right foot forward beside your left and take weight on your right.

Follower (Jacqui) · Bring your left foot back beside your right and take weight on your left.

Count 8 · Hold. Waldo stays on his right foot and Jacqui on her left. Both of you now have your starting foot free for the next “one.”

Compare photos 3 and 7. Both times your feet come together, but your next step depends on which foot carries your weight. Try freezing on 3. If you’re leading, you should be able to lift your right foot. Freeze on 7 and try lifting your left. If you’re following, do the reverse. You can use the same check for photos 2 and 5, where the feet are apart.

First, say “one, two, three, hold, five, six, seven, hold” while walking in place. Then add the forward and back steps. If you run out of room on beat 2 or 6, shorten the step you took on 1 or 5. The foot that takes your weight on 2 or 6 is already in place.

Ready to try it at class speed? Practice with Waldo y Jacqui in Salsa Bootcamp Class 1 at 22:05. Pause when our feet come together and check your weight before the next count.

If you can count the basic at home but lose it when someone takes your hand, come practice with us at Champion Ballroom. In our eight-week Salsa Bootcamp, we start with the same steps you just learned, then add music, partner changes and beginner turns. Come on your own or bring someone who wants to learn with you.

See dates and register for the Knoxville Beginner Salsa Bootcamp →

Clear a little floor space and start with our free Beginner Salsa lessons on DancingFlix. In Class 1, choose Waldo’s feet or Jacqui’s, pause after count three, and try the second half by yourself. Replay those eight counts whenever you need them.

Start your free online salsa lessons on DancingFlix →

Teaching someone their first basic is one skill. Getting new dancers through the door and giving them a reason to book their next class takes another. If you teach dance or are getting ready to offer your first class, explore Waldo’s coaching community for dance instructors.

Explore Zero To Dancepreneur with Waldo →