Salsa is not just about techniques, turns and spins but most importantly it is about looking good, feeling good and having fun. The first tip is relax and be at ease with yourself and your dance partner. There is no ONE way of dancing salsa. Everyone develops their own style.

 There are 4 beats to the bar in most salsa music. 1, 2, 3, 4 then 5, 6, 7, 8. This sequence is repeated over and over again. However, the speed may vary depending on the music.  At the 4th and the 8th beats, it is conventional to pause, hence the common counting slogan 1, 2, 3 *   5, 6,7 * used in salsa lessons.

It is important to listen to the music and understand the rhythm. Timing is very crucial in salsa dancing. Hear the music, feel it, understand the rhythm  and express it with your body.

Try not to look at your feet while dancing. Salsa is a partner dance. It is better to stand upright and look at your partner. You don't dance at your partner, but you dance with your partner. It looks better if you dance in harmony and in tune with your partner.

When free, hands should be carried at waist level, especially for the ladies. This makes it easier for the lead or partner to find them for the next moves or turns.

There are lots of hand-holding activities taking place in salsa dancing. Don't grip your partner's hands too strongly or too tightly. This may make it difficult for him or her to execute some moves and may result in him/her loosing balance.

Don't be intimidated by the experienced or advanced dancers. Those advanced dancers were beginners once. So, no apologies for being a beginner. Except for the professionals, salsa dancing is not about  race or competition. On the contrary, it is about enjoying the music and expressing yourself in response.

Start with few basic moves and execute them with style and good timing.

Practice ! Practice !! Practice !!!  Dance at any available opportunity - at home, at work, anywhere. You can dance by yourself, practising basic footwork, or ask other people to dance. The more you dance, the better you will become.

Above all have FUN, KEEP FIT and KEEP DANCING.