How to Practice Salsa Without A Partner (and The 6 Things You Need to Master)
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- čas přidán 27. 06. 2024
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How do you practice salsa without a partner? The answer might not be what you expect, but it's incredibly effective. And yes, it is possible to practice salsa alone.
00:00 Intro
0:58 Timing and awareness of music
1:42 Basic salsa steps
2:15 Shines and new rhythms
2:51 Body movement
3:57 Turn technique
4:27 Layering your skills together
6:06 Why practice this stuff?
7:08 Why practice solo?
7:53 How to practice partner work solo
8:27 Outro
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#salsa #salsatips #salsadancing #salsatutorial
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👋 Who are we?
Hi my name is Robin and I'm no different than you. A few years ago I started learning salsa. After struggling for a while I found some great mentors and the rest is history. Now I travel the world dancing, teaming up with amazing teachers and growing Dance Dojo - the deeply detailed online dance lessons I wish I had when I started. My goal is to help as many of you reap the same rewards I've been lucky enough to experience through dance. Join me if you'd like to meet amazing new people, leave stress behind, connect to music in a whole new way and feel more alive. Life only gets more colourful - just take the first step.
Cheers,
Robin
Website: go.thedancedojo.com/pwbe4
Instagram: / thedancedojo
Facebook: / thedancedojo
Who's going to start practicing more alone after watching this? NO MORE EXCUSES! Hit that subscribe button and bell to get our video updates and let me know what you'd like to see next -robin
me! Any videos for improving body movement?
@@sankeshia Hey, I'm not the best one to teach body movement but we have a complete module on body movement in our online salsa course that's taught by teachers much more advanced than myself, in case that interests you. It's very detailed: thedancedojo.com -Robin
I may have the benefit of hindsight from 2023 here, but yeah I think all of us started practicing alone far more often not too long after you posted this.
Who's watching this during quarantine? :)
M. A. Yup ! Here I am ! AirPods solo salsa dancing all dayyyy
I watched 😉
Such an important video! I dance cuban salsa for about a year now, and one of the things i realized is that you can, and should, always improve your basics, and that it is one of the hardest things in dancing
Such a powerful realization hey Udi? thanks for watching and keep at it! 🙌🏽 -Robin
This is quite a useful and appropriate video during the Corona virus lockdown and isolation period. You don't have a dance partner in your home and all the dance classes and clubs are shut.
Thanks prof, agreed! You have to do what you can with what you have. Not sure if you saw, but we're offering 2 weeks free of our full online course during COVID-19: thedancedojo.com/product/salsa-2-week-guest-pass/ -Robin
omg this is what I've been looking for!! you are awesome! thanks for posting this!!!!
You're super welcome Rachel! thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed 😃 -Robin
Robin, thank you so much for your hard work. Your tutorials are very polished. And Patrick and Scarlet dance so smoothly and confidently. I can't get enough of just watching them.
Thanks so much! That really means a ton to all of us. I'm really glad you're enjoying. Keep up the dancing and maybe one day we'll meet on the dancefloor :) -Robin
Awesome video that explains the different important aspects of Salsa. A must see for every Salsero that wants to improve.
Thanks so much Per-Anders! 🙏😃 -Robin
Thank you!!! There is this very special girl I will be meeting in two/three months who I told I was gonna dance with (I currently suck). I am willing to learn just for her so we can have fun 🥰
Wish me luck guys 👊
Check out the free trial of the salsa course (1 week) and you'll get all the basics down! thedancedojo.com/product/free-trial/
I'm so glad I found your channel. I am a salsa dance nerd and love how you break things down into a logical process. I can tell that you are a great teacher but humble. Thank you for your videos!
Really appreciate that Johnny, means a lot! Keep nerding out with me and if you have any ideas for future vids let me know 🤓 -Robin
@@thedancedojo You have a series of videos on how to enjoy dancing with a follow that is a beginner. Why not a video for beginning leads, what to do if you dance with an advance follow. I am often too intimidated to dance with follows just outside my comfort zone.
Another idea would be how to break down complex combinations when watching other dancers. Basically, having the vocabulary of foundational moves to then be able to link them together. I have a bunch of ideas for videos.
@@johnnyhuang99 great ideas Johnny. I just posted a video today about your second idea. 😉 go have a look! and if you have more ideas please drop me an email robin (at) thedancedojo.com so i can better keep track of them. Many thanks 🙏 -Robin
@@johnnyhuang99 OMG, I though I was the only one, I'm still a beginner but when I dance with someone advance and get nervous too.
Me too
I'm living in a small town in Mexico where no one is doing salsa. So I am teaching it individually and in small groups. I send your videos to my students to help them practice. I watch a lot of salsa instructional videos. In my opinion, yours are some of the best.
wow thanks so much Sherri! That means a ton. Really glad I can help in some small way. There's nothing like learning, sharing and having fun together :) -robin
U r best teacher.
Amazing video. I take classes but then I realized I only need a few moves but the most important part, the CONNECTION, is key. I make my partner feel great and I see people who know 1,001 patterns but they have the face like they have diarrhea when they dance because there is no connection. Salsa is about passion, about feeling. But I guess this video also goes towards life. Learn how to live life solo and when you do get a partner you're hitting the ground running. Again amazing video. Subscribed
hahah that diarrhea part gave me a laugh. And you're so right about it applying to life. So often we look outwards instead of inwards. Thanks for adding that and for watching Justin! 🙌🏽🙏 -Robin
Excellent video. Thank you, Robin!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed Dave! -robin
Love this, thank you!
Sweet Ariel, glad you liked it and thanks for watching! -Robin
Much waited video. Thanks
Great to hear! -robin
This video is wonderful! Thank you so much!
Glad you liked it Carolina, thanks! -Robin
Thank you for all your tips!
You are so welcome, glad they're helping! -Robin
Another fantastic video. Very helpful. Thank you!
Thanks so much Hector! Really glad you enjoyed it my man. Appreciate the support. -Robin
Excelentes consejos Muchas gracias
con mucho gusto Miguel!
Thanks, i loved it.
Thanks for watching Alvanete! -Robin
Thanks for this video !! It helped me a lot 👍🏼
So glad it helped! thanks for watching Huáscar -Robin
Hey Robin ! One more useful video for us! Your videos helping me my students and you are giving me ideas for my channel .. thanks!
Hey Yperion, awesome to hear that man. thanks a lot for watching! 🙌🏽
Excellent!!!
🙏🏽🙏🏽 Thanks Alejandro - have fun practicing! -Robin
great video! thanks a lot it helped me a lot to figure out what is important and how not to overcomplicate the learning process. Awesome work!
Awesome Rafal, really glad it helped! Simple is always best when possible -robin
Great content, Robin! ❤
Thanks for watching man, glad you enjoyed it! -robin
You are really inspiring, thanks!
Thanks a lot. So happy it could be helpful :) -Robin
Thanks ...this information is really gonna help me out....it's all about having fun
You bet Izzoh! Enjoy the ride :) -Robin
Thanks for these lessons sir
It's my pleasure! -Robin
Excellent advice, especially the part about learning the basics, being musical and learning to have fun with it. I needed this encouragement after going to classes for a few months and losing my steam.
Awesome, glad it was helpful! Keep at it! -robin
Great video! Love the phrase "shadow dancing"; it feels fantastical
Haha glad you like it Charlie! thanks for watching 🙏 -robin
Great video! 👏
Glad you enjoyed it Andrea, thanks! - Robin
Me! I am going to start practicing on my own and your teaching is been very helpful, you are gifted at this. I have felt self-conscious about putting too much into it, but when you said my partner has a better experience of me when I do, you sold me, I want her to have the best experience she can when she’s with me.
That means a ton Raymond 🙏 im excited for you and what's to come!
Great information
Thanks Dave! Glad it was helpful
Thanks for the tips on adding the shine. I am doing my lone-salsa in this season of COVID-19. It is hard leading without a partner but thanks for the tips and the most important thing is just enjoying it and working out with the beautiful music
You're super welcome. It's great to hear you're doing what you can! We're offering 2 weeks free of our entire salsa course during COVID-19 if you want more practice material :) thedancedojo.com/product/salsa-2-week-guest-pass/ -Robin
Nice stuff man!
Appreciate it! Thanks for watching Mark. -Robin
This is brilliant thank you
Thanks Alan! glad you liked it -robin
Hey man I got your 2 week free program, and I would like thank you so much. I have improved so much, I don't have a quarantine partner but I forced myself to dance alone and imagine a partner, and I feel very confident now. You're the best teacher and I'm looking forward to buy the salsa package.
Absolutely our pleasure. So glad it's helped you! It would be so cool to keep up the progress with you in the Dojo. I hope you can join us :) -Robin
This is an amazing dance care skill plan thank you, you are brilliant.
Really glad it can help Alan! -Robin
Excelent classes teacher! ❤🎉
Glad you like them! -Robin
Yes this is an nice video. U teach me very good thanks.
That's so nice of you Selena! Thanks for watching :) -Robin
Спасибо!
Thanks✌️
Thanks for watching Adnan! -Robin
Thank you
You're welcome, thanks for watching! - Robin
Awesome
Glad you liked it :) -Robin
gonna come out of quarantine with these basics down and ready for some social dance!
Yeaaah! love it!! - robin
I saw a solo practicer spend lunch hour do the hip-hop himself. It works, thanks for your encouragement.
you're welcome!
You are awesome
Thanks so much for the support Christian! :) -Robin
Wow. I barely know you but you're doing an awesome work and I just wanted to say thank you. I'm already starting practising some aspects by myself (stretching, in order to feel better in my body). However, I think your videos are gonna help me to become a smoother dancer. That is my objective, and just when I think about it, I stumbled accross your video. You deserve more views man. Keep up the good work. On my side, I'm practising and I'm gonna tell you how it works. See you!
Thanks so much man. Really appreciate that and I look forward to hearing/seeing your progress! We just have to both put in our work (be it practice or making videos) and the results will come eventually :) - Robin
Great video once again Robin. Totally support everything you've said.
I'll add with 'shadow dancing', I had a friend who had a mannequin top (or the kind of top that tailors and seamstresses use), and he put it on a rolling chair. He would practice his handwork and 'blocking' (moving around in space with someone/something there) with this contraption.
Keep up the great content and work man.
Thanks for watching and the support dude! 🙌🏽 Great to hear it resonated. And cool share, that's one dedicated friend of yours!
Amen, Brother! I have always wondered this question. Thanks for the great video
Thanks for watching man! 🙌
Love u thx
Thanks Marisol, appreciate the love! -Robin
Bro, you are the best teacher online
Paulo
Thanks man! -robin
I like your dance philosophy I'm embarrassed that I don't dance Salsa better. You've showed me something I'll utilize.
So glad to help in some way Anthony and thank you! Don't be embarrassed at all. If you want to improve you can put your mind and body to it and achieve it :) BTW we just released our entire salsa curriculum for FREE for 2 weeks for covid-19 thedancedojo.com/product/salsa-2-week-guest-pass/ -Robin
Thanks for that inspiring talk. It confirms what I already think and do, so I may be on the right track! I've often drawn an analogy between kung fu/karate and dancing. You need to learn and practise movements yourself before you put them into practice with partners. PS but hopefully with partner dancing no one gets hurt!
Haha yeah the less fighting and elbows to the face the better. Right on Terry, sounds like you're definitely on the right track. Keep it up!! -Robin
@@thedancedojo thanks Robin for your encouragement.For me it has to be a case of keep dancing, keep practising. PS I'd like to be the Bruce Lee or Muhammad Ali of the dance floor - but nowhere near as dangerous!
@@terryfesenko653 hahaha I love it! do it! 🙌🏽
Welsed!
Thanks! -Robin
This video has suddenly become super relevant...
Hopefully more people realize the importance of solo practice and create the habit. -Robin
I liked the sequence of basics from 1:55 to 2:15... it really shows how many variations of basics are possible. For beginners and even intermediate dancers, working in multiple directions like that, instead of straight back & forth all the time, will greatly improve awareness in your feet. Also, I didn’t have a partner when I was learning so I practiced by shadow dancing all the time. Do it with your own counting, then do it with music to ensure you can execute the footwork and moves on time. You’ll improve so much faster.
it's interesting how few instructors teach the basic in all its forms, angles, rotations etc. And good for you for not using no partner as an excuse. I imagine it's paid off hugely! Thanks for watching 🙌🏽 -robin
@@thedancedojo you're so right. The standard seems to be Mambo (fwd and back), side steps, back steps, and maybe some open breaks. And that's it. Keep up the good work.
@@buzzcity01 you bet. thanks for the encouragement! -Robin
If there is anyone still having doubts, I'd like to offer my experience. After the first three months of the lockdowns this year, many fellow dancers of mine were worried. Worried that they have lost it. At the first oppertunity that could dance with a partner, I noticed I had not lost that much. I turned to my teacher and her answer was simple, it was because they trained my basics rigoulously. It means that if your basic is solid, your skill is solid no matter how. An oh, muscle memory allows you to pick up where you left, quicker than you think. So yes, do practice as much as you can.
Thanks for sharing your experience Joeline! When you put in the right work it pays off 😉-Robin
You should do a video similar to this for bachata :)
Good idea! i'll keep it in mind. Thanks Casey :) -Robin
im an amateur dancer thanks for this
Your super welcome hope it could help a little! -Robin
4:11 that's a nice one
Thanks a lot! Glad you liked it
I have all this time at home now, since were shut down up here..I would love simple steps to be able to dance at a wedding.
Hey Brad, thanks for watching. You can get 2 weeks access to our online salsa course right now for free during COVID-19: thedancedojo.com/product/salsa-2-week-guest-pass/
Hope you enjoy! -Robin
Thanks. This was exactly the excuse I was bringing for myself today to not practice! I so needed it.
Happy to crush excuses any day! -Robin
4:05 turn technique
Hello Robin. Thank you very much for your video, I love it. Practicing solo is something that I like to do, because I have not the opportunity to practice with a parnet. I search your website and you have two courses, salsa and bachata. Do you have a structured course for learning salsa and bacahta solo? thanks
Right on good for you! What we have is a complete curriculum for learning both partner dancing and solo skills. So in that sense we do have a course that helps you learn the skills you need but it isn't just focused on solo stuff. It's easy enough to focus on the modules that don't require a partner. If you'd like to try it we have a 30 day money back guarantee so there's no risk. if you're not loving it just email me and I'll refund you. Here if you have any questions! :) -Robin
Thanks! Again very important Beginner info - partner dance means: Each participant is bringing in their own skills! Try to go on a bicycle trip together with others if you don't know how to ride a bike, same thing.
Must be able to ride a bike! haha thanks -Robin
@@thedancedojo :D yes, sounds funny sometimes! But when you think that for all our best efforts there are still some out there, who think that dancing Salsa means doing a step pattern...
It feels like a full cake in the dancing floor. Lol I used to practice Spanish Norteñas and other, but that was my favorite and the feeling is just more better rather than waiting and practice with someone else. The best part is you last longer dancing.
I'm all about that full cake... now you made me hungry! Thanks for watching and the comment Edith! :) -Robin
Practicing solo is an important step to become better dancer
I'm with you! Thanks for watching Enrico :) -Robin
Can I dance salsa alone? Or is there a dance similar to Sansa that allows you to dance alone? Not easy to find partners but I love the moves!
You can dance salsa alone, but obviously not the partner work part of it. The solo part is called "shines". -Robin
Do you teach in person classes? I’m in Chicago and trying to find a good dance school
Hey Brenda, everything we do is 100% online. You can learn more about us at thedancedojo.com and even get 2 weeks free access to our ENTIRE salsa curriculum during covid-19: thedancedojo.com/product/salsa-2-week-guest-pass/ Stay well! -Robin
Hi Robin, I appreciate this video. Although I am an experienced Salsa dancer, I live in a dance wasteland (Vernon BC). Before I do some serious investigation (I'm lazy) I would ask if your online courses would be appropriate for someone who has not the privilege of having a partner. BTW, I (old guy) have enjoyed immensely Patrick's and Scarlet's workshops in Kelowna and hope to see them in Kelowna again soon.
Hey Jim! haha I imagine it's tough for a dancer in Vernon. We absolutely do have lesaona outside of partnerwork than can help develop your shines, body movement, timing and musicality (everything mentioned in the video). That said, without knowing you I can't say much more. You can try it risk free with our 30 day moneyback guarantee though. If you don't love it just email me and I'll refund you no prob. Let me know if you have more questions after you check out the course page. -Robin
@@thedancedojo Never thought to ask. I will soon begin searching for a studio apartment in Vancouver for the sole purpose of spending 6 months (hopefully starting May 01) taking dance classes. D2 is top of my list. Now, I left Vancouver 31 years ago and the area in which the studio is presently located was basically commercial/light industrial back then. Question: Is there now rental accommodation within easy walking distance of the studio.
@@hawkster4gold soumds cool! there is tons of residential in that mt pleasant/olympic village area now but it aint cheap and vacancy rate is low as always. good luck on the hunt!
Only got half way thro but I can do all of those. I just need to muscle memory some moves..I need a partner for that.
Sounds like you're doing well!
Hey, I've started dancing lessons with my GF and after watching your vid I noticed, that I feel very hesitant to dance with body movement. I don't want to be rude, but Idk how to word it better, but... I don't want to look gay, but I also don't want to look stiff like a broom. I try find more videos showing more masculine salsa dancing, but it's honestly very hard for me to find my way, because the Salsa teacher is - of course - a woman, who can't help me with that...
Do you have any suggestions besides practice, practice, practice in front of a mirror? (That's what I'm doing and I get better with the confidence in basic steps, but still kinda lost with the body movement)
Thanks for your videos, they already help a lot. ❤
Hey, a lot of people feel the exact same way. It's very normal for guys to be uncomfortable with the movement, especially without a male to follow. Honestly, beyond these youtube videos I can offer, the best next step is to do a trial of our online salsa program and/or join the program at thedancedojo.com (Black Friday sale this weekend). We have 3 modules of body movement that break everything down and leave nothing for you to doubt. And you can follow Patrick who's a perfect example of masculine movement. What's more, the rest of the program would be a perfect compliment to the in person classes you're doing and help you improve faster. Would love to help you on the journey. Keep at it and you'll feel progress! -Robin
The channel is good but do you own the video used to demonstrate your sayings? Where are they? It looks like it's another channel
Yea all the videos are from our online course. thedancedojo.com -robin
@@thedancedojo aaah ok. I see. Thanks for the information
hi...sorry to go off-topic...but where can I get those dance shoes for guys?
Hey, our salsa instructor's name is Patrick and I'm not sure which shoes he's wearing but you can send him a message via his website dancevancouver.ca to ask
I have these,
www.rayrose.com/us/318-Adolfo-Black--White-Leather--Latin-Dance-Shoes
They are great. They used to have the same design in all black matt finish.
I hope i helped
Awesome! More content please Also, I would love to be friend Xd
Is it possible to practice bachata solo as a lead? One more thing what dance is better to learn as an absolute beginner salsa or bachata?
Its possible to practice footwork body movement and musicality but you need a partner for partner work of course. learn which ever interests you more. salsa is technically more difficult so after learning it bachata will seem simpler. bachata is an easier dance to learn over all. -robin
Thanks man for the quick response. I will go for bachata then cuz i find it more intrigueing.
Love ur videos by the way!!
@@sgistp6646 thanks! sounds good :)
2.10
??
The text below the screen do not permit to see the movement of the feet
you can turn it off - hit the gear icon or thr cc button :)
No broom to dance with?
haha broom optional!
I doubt this will help. I've tried this before years ago, and all it did was help me be better at dancing alone. Turns and footwork are irrelevant without intent. You can have all the footwork and timing in the world and it won't help you drive the momentum and transfer intent until you have another human being in your hands.
I think you misunderstood my point. Practicing solo to develop your timing, footwork control/balance and your body movement are all fundamentals that will help make your partnerwork so much better. Do those skills alone allow you to do good partnerwork? No. But someone who has solid solo skills will improve at partnerwork much faster than someone who doesn't. If you can't do something on your own first - i.e. the timing and footwork - you can't do it with a partner. Thanks for watching and the discussion! -Robin
How to practice salsa without a partner?
Ans: Pretend that you are dancing with a partner!
Wow, why didn't I think of that???
Hahah, sometimes we all need those reminders 😂 -Robin
It’s okay to blink. 🤷♂️
james elder ok boomer
Blink you eyes plse!
But if I blink you won't write me a comment 😂 -Robin
Stas lejos d ser un instructor d baile ya todos solo muestran el baile del boliinillo
Boliinillo?
He is just talking i didnt saw dancing Alone
if you didnt want the information then this video isn't for you!
@@thedancedojo you can't tell people they can dance Alone its social dance, Aline they Will learn nothing, with a partner they can práctice and learn faster, you shoold publish shit talking like this
@@healthandfitness276 lol
too much yap
haha
Meanwhile you teach nothing but talk talk talk
If you're not interested in the video or what I'm saying, you don't have to watch it Jack :) -Robin
Ok. Fair enough
Just started one week ago at this dance school and had three classes. This same school also organizes salsa parties so I thought to go and dance a little.
Turns out practically everyone was dancing as if they were in the World Champion League!
I asked one girl, she was also a beginner but eventually she wanted to dance with the professionals.
I asked another girl who is a fellow student and she said she had to finish her drink first. 5 seconds later she dances with a guy who is spinning and moving her around like crazy.
That really hurt. I then came to the conclusion that women want to dance with a man who has experience. It was all there in front of my eyes. They didn't care about me at all.
So I guess I met the 5% who doesn't care about the connection at all and only the moves. I now find it very hard to believe that dancing is about connection. Moves are always impressive 😑
Don't let that get you down. Everyone will be different and every dance scene a little different too. Focus on what you like and what makes you happy! Keep at it and you'll find your path. Being different and focusing on connection can be your strength. Robin
@@thedancedojo Thank you.
Ironically, the following class, that same girl was suddenly supernice to me and the class after even nicer and started to talk to me and even came to say goodbye at the end of the class.
I am definitely going to continue classes because I want to be better. Also, it really is about the connection. I am lucky to have met a female salsera and she told me that she doesn't care if the man has many moves. All that matters is that he has fun and loves dancing with her and knows how to shake the hips :)
@@Kennymacdougall Right on man! yea most leada have no idea what makes a fun dance for the follow. hint it's not 1000 turns and trying to do hard moves hah.