One of the first challenges that beginning salsa dancers face, is trying to find the first beat in salsa music. Those who have ever taken a salsa lesson know that the first beat dictates when you take the first step.

This is especially important when you are dancing “On 1”, also known as “LA Style” salsa. Guys (leads) will step forward with their left foot “On 1”, i.e. on the first beat of each 8-count of music. Ladies (followers) will step backward with their right foot “On 1”.

The skill of finding “the 1” (i.e the first beat), along with counting the beat in general, is usually learned by new students by practice in class, and/or by more exposure to salsa songs with more experienced dancers or instructors counting for them.

Along those lines, I have included a video below to help new dancers practice finding the first beat of the music, as well as illustrating some of the other important components of salsa songs.

I hope you enjoy the video, and please post a comment to let me know what you think…