SALSA COMBINATION
(Intermediate)

Back Spot Turn to Arm Catch, to Lady's Spin Turn
This grouping of Salsa Patterns makes for a fun and easy to learn combination.

Gentleman's Footwork - This pattern combination starts from an open break. The gentleman steps back starting with his left foot for the the count of "1,2,3". Then for the "5,6,7" on "5" with his right foot he hooks behind his left foot, on "6" he steps to the side on his left foot, on "7" he is back on his right foot, with his feet together, setting up for the Arm Catch. The next "1,2,3" count is where the Arm Catch will occur. For the Arm Catch the man does a "step, point" (step with his left foot, point with his right foot) in 2nd position (side by side). He first starts on his left foot for "&,1" (that's the step, point), then shifts his weight to the right foot for "2 & 3". Then he steps on his left on "5" and holds for "6". He steps for "7" on his right foot and is ready to go back into his basic step.

Lady's Footwork - Starting from an open break, the Lady begins by stepping back on her right foot for a basic step, count of "1,2,3". On the "5,6,7", the Lady steps toward her partner for 3 steps. On the "7" count she should start rotating to stand side by side with her partner. This will be as he is raising his arm (with her arm following) to set up for the Arm Catch. As she turns she ends up side by side with the Gentleman. The Lady will then be in 2nd position (side by side) on the "& 1" count of the next measure. Then on the "2 & 3" count the gentleman will lead her into her free spin. The Lady finishes the spin turn on "5,6,7". She should be in front of her partner.

The Lead & Follow
Gentleman - For the man in this pattern combination, an important part of his lead is that he stays in a stationary place on the floor. He should not move around his partner during the Back Spot or Arm Catch. And in leading the Arm Catch he should focus on raising his own arm (from his bicep), not on raising the Lady's arm.

Lady - What's important for the lady in this pattern combination is that she maintain her own frame and balance and doesn't' grab onto the man's shoulder during the Arm Catch. See Video on the Salsa Combination.

 

See Video How to Do
Salsa Basic Step