So, you’ve mastered the basics of Salsa—your cross-body leads are smooth, your turns are sharp, and you’ve even dabbled in shines. But now you’re craving more: intricate patterns, musicality, and that effortless flow that makes advanced dancers mesmerizing. Welcome to the bridge between intermediate and advanced Salsa! Here are the essential moves and concepts to level up your game.
1. The Enchufla Doble (Double Inside Turn)
A staple in Cuban and Casino-style Salsa, this move involves leading your partner into two consecutive inside turns while maintaining momentum. The key? Frame control and clear wrist signals. Practice it slowly to avoid tangled arms!
2. Paseala con Vueltas (Walk-Through with Turns)
This flashy move combines a walk-around (paseala) with synchronized turns for both partners. Advanced dancers add styling—like shoulder rolls or delayed exits—to match the music’s accents.
3. 70 with a Sombrero Finish
A "70" (a cross-body lead with an extra spin) becomes next-level when capped with a sombrero (hat) hand transition. It’s all about seamless weight transfers and playful tension.
4. Colombian-Style Quebradita
This knee-dip variation adds drama to any combo. Lean into the stretch, keep your core engaged, and—pro tip—time it with a trumpet or piano riff for maximum impact.
5. Advanced Shines: Footwork & Body Isolation
Shines aren’t just for breaks! Drill syncopated steps (like the 3-2-6 pattern) and layer in isolations (hips, shoulders) to build solo confidence. Bonus: They’ll improve your partnered balance too.
Beyond Moves: The Advanced Mindset
- Musicality > Memorization: Hit breaks, play with speed changes, and interpret the clave rhythm.
- Lead/Follow Nuances: Advanced dancers communicate through weight shifts, breath, and micro-adjustments—not just hand pushes.
- Social Dance Fearlessly: Test new patterns in clubs (not just class!) and embrace mistakes as learning tools.
Advanced Salsa isn’t about stacking 10-turn combos—it’s about intention, connection, and making the complex feel effortless. Now hit the dance floor and own your progress!
