How To Read The Chart

• Timing Count
  • Salsa music is typically played in 4/4 time.
  • Two “Measures” (also called “Bar”) of 4 “Beats” form the “8 Count”.
  • The first measure is shown in BLUE and the second measure is shown in GREEN
    • NOTE: The “And“, between the 1 to 8 numbered counts, is called “Syncopation”, and is required to complete the step chart.
• Steps are indicated by “Right Foot” or “Left Foot” in the corresponding “Beat” space (one full syncopated “8 count” is represented here)
• Between step “holds” (NOTE: Many instructors refer to these “non-steps” by using the common “Quick, Quick, Slow” methodology. The terms refer to the amount of “hold” time following each of the steps.)
  • Quick, Quick = Short or “Transition” Pauses
    • Shown in RED (these are the shorter pauses between the “rhythmic” steps in the dance)
  • Slow = Longer of “Expression” Pauses
    • Shown in YELLOW (these are the longer, more exaggerated pauses that come just before “attitude expression” happens.
      • NOTE: Dancers commonly appear to be “falling into” the step that follows these pauses as they are usually in motion (often with a foot in the air) at this time, hence the term “expression”. The “attitude” part comes from the dancer deciding whether to have a foot in the air and when, posture while executing the pause, speed of the “falling into” appearance, etc.

The Count Chart