Front Basic
Level: basicStyle: laRole: bothType: foundation
Also known as: Basic Step, LA Basic Step
Summary
The salsa basic step is the foundational repeating pattern of salsa, establishing timing, weight transfer, and rhythm for both partners.
Description
The basic step is the foundation of salsa dancing and serves as the default movement dancers return to between figures. It establishes the timing, weight transfer, and rhythmic feel that all other partner movements are built on. Rather than traveling across the floor, the basic step repeats in place, allowing dancers to maintain balance, connection, and musical awareness.
In partner dancing, both lead and follow use the basic step to stay synchronized and grounded while preparing for transitions, turns, or accents. A clear, relaxed basic makes movement feel effortless and keeps the partnership stable, especially on crowded social dance floors. When executed well, it is subtle and unforced, supporting the music without drawing attention to itself.
Although it appears simple, the quality of the basic step strongly affects the clarity of every move that follows. Clean weight changes, controlled posture, and consistent timing allow dancers to absorb and respond to leads naturally. Most salsa figures ultimately begin and end in the basic step, making it one of the most important movements to understand and practice.
Instructions
Lead
1
Step forward with the left leg and fully transfer your weight onto the left leg.
2
Replace your weight onto the right leg by stepping in place.
3
Bring the left leg back to its starting position and settle your weight onto the right leg.
5
Step back with the right leg and fully transfer your weight onto the right leg.
6
Replace your weight onto the left leg by stepping in place.
7
Bring the right leg forward to return to a neutral, balanced position.
Follow
1
Step back with the right leg and fully transfer your weight onto the right leg.
2
Replace your weight onto the left leg by stepping in place.
3
Bring the right leg forward to return to a neutral position.
5
Step forward with the left leg and fully transfer your weight onto the left leg.
6
Replace your weight onto the right leg by stepping in place.
7
Bring the left leg back to return to a neutral, balanced position.
Lead Direction
When transitioning into a front basic from another move, aim to finish the previous action with your body positioned slightly behind your partner’s line. This creates a clear linear direction on the six count, making the transition into the forward step feel natural and uninterrupted.
If you are coming from a side basic or lateral movement, avoid finishing squared up directly in front of the follow. Instead, allow your body to settle just behind the line of movement, so the next forward step happens along a straight path rather than needing to redirect. This small positional adjustment removes hesitation and helps the follow continue smoothly into the front basic without extra correction.
It is generally not necessary to actively lead this step, as the follow naturally returns to the basic when no other movement is being led.
Tips
- Commit fully to each step; you are stepping, not extending your leg and tapping.
- Your feet are not fully together at the breaks; allow a natural forward and backward offset.
- Keep the movement compact and grounded rather than reaching for distance.
- Focus on finishing each weight transfer before initiating the next step.
Common Mistakes
- Tapping instead of fully stepping and transferring weight.
- Overreaching forward or backward instead of stepping underneath the body.
- Rushing the return to neutral instead of settling into the rhythm.