1. Para Alante y Atras (Forward and Back ::: Basic step):

Cuban salsa is based on a count of 8 beats (1, 2, 3, pause, 5, 6, 7, pause).
The forward steps for the man are taken on the first 3 counts: left forward, right in place, left together.

The lady mirrors these steps during the first 3 counts: right back, left in place, right together.

On the 5, 6, 7 counts, the gentleman moves back while the lady moves forward.

2. Para los Lados (Exhibe/Exhibela = Side Rocks):

Side rocks are similar to the basic step but are done to the side.
The gentleman takes the first 3 steps to the left: left side, right in place, left together.

While the lady takes the first 3 steps to the right: right side, left in place, right together

The steps are reversed on the 5, 6, 7 counts.

3. Cruzalo para Atras (Enchufe/Enchufla = Back Rocks):

Unlike the basic step and side rocks, back rocks begin with the right foot for the gentleman and the left foot for the ladies. It is important to keep the upper body facing your partner since this step emphasizes turning the hips.

On the first count, from the starting position, the gentleman moves his right foot behind and slightly to the left of his left foot (the heel never touches the floor). The next 2 counts are: left in place, right together.

The lady also mirrors these first three counts as follows. On the first count she moves her left foot behind and slightly to the right of her right foot (the heel never touches the floor). The next 2 counts are: right in place, left together.

On the 5, 6, 7 counts the couple alternates the steps, mirroring each other.

4. Para Alante:

In this variation of the basic step, both ladies and gentleman always take the steps forward.

5. Para Atras:

This is the same as Para Alante except that the feet cross in front of each other.

6. Cruzalo para Alante:

In this variation of the basic step, both ladies and gentleman always take the steps backward.

7. Cruzalo para los Lados:

This step is called from the Side Rocks. The counts are as follows: left side, right back, left cross right, pause, right side, left back, right cross left, and pause.

8. Cruzalo para Atras:

This step is also known as the Back Rocks.

9. Forward and Back Turn:

Men: From the starting position the first three counts are: take a left step forward (with your foot slightly pointing to the right but your shoulders facing forward). This will make turning your body clockwise easier. The next count is right foot in place turned 90 degrees clockwise. The third count is to finish the turn by bringing your left foot around to its original position (this requires spinning in place). The gentleman should now be in the starting position again. From here, you can finish the 5, 6, 7 counts as usual.

Ladies: The ladies do this turn with a little more flourish than the men, making it more feminine. The ladies do not turn at the same time as the men, so they start on the 5 th count: take a left step forward. On the next count, turn both of your feet clockwise in place to do a half turn (you should not lift your feet off the floor). You should now be facing away from your partner. On the 7 th count, finish the turn by bringing your left foot around your right foot in a clockwise motion. It is very important to keep the arms close to the body to help you with your balance while keeping your elbows pointed inside. Ladies should now be in the starting position, allowing the counts to start again.

A variation of this move is to hook your right foot around the left foot on the third step. From here, both ladies and gentleman can make another turn in the next three counts: rotate left foot close to the right, spin right foot in place, and bring feet together.

Salsa Tip: the secret salsa dancing is taking short steps. This makes the transitions smoother.

Signal: the leader raises his arm and makes a spinning movement with his hand

10. Side Rocks Turn:

This turn begins on the first count for men and the fifth count for ladies. The first two moves are the left steps of the side rocks: left foot to the side, right foot in place.

The next count is to do a half turn by spinning on your right foot while bringing your left foot around to meet your right foot. You should now be facing the opposite direction.

The next three counts to finish the turn are: hook your right foot behind your left, take a forward step with your left foot (turning it slightly to your right), and bring your right foot together.

11. Back Rocks Turn:

This turn begins on the first count for men and the fifth count for ladies. The first two steps are: right foot behind and slightly to the left of the left foot, and left foot in place but turning it slightly to the right. The third step is to bring your right foot toward your left foot so that you are now facing completely to the right.

The next 3 counts of the turn are the corresponding steps for the basic turn.

12. Media Vuelta:

This is actually a half turn followed by another half turn. To make the first half turn, take a step forward with the leading foot, rotate in place in the natural direction, and feet together. Then repeat and remember that in salsa the feet always alternate so it should look like a figure "8".

13. Vuelta:

Step forward with the leading foot, rotate your body in place in the natural direction, bring the back foot forward (past your front foot). While keeping the front foot in place, rotate in the natural direction but place the back foot again in back of the front. Then front in place, and back together.

14. Caminalo:

This is an extension of the basic step with the basic turn. Two things to keep in mind are that the spins will be done counterclockwise (unlike the moves we have seen so far) and one does not stop at the center or starting position.

15. Pelota (1, 2, 3, 4):

Pelota is called with a number: 1 (de uno), 2 (de dos), 3 (de tres), or 4 (de cuatro).

For Pelota de 2, 3, or 4, simply mark in place the designated number of steps and then clap the same number. Then continue with the leading foot.

Pelota de 1 is slightly different because one marks on the first step, and marks AND claps on the second. Then continues with the leading foot.