How to travel in Salsa Cubana ?
How to travel in Salsa Cubana ? In This post we are talking about the different ways to travel with your dance partner while dancing salsa. Now, we are talking a very specific style of salsa. Indeed, we are talking about casino cubano, which is cuban style salsa, danced with the first step always marked forwards.
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How to travel in Salsa Cubana ?
There is many ways to travel in cuban salsa (also called salsa cubana, salsa cubaine, casino). From a close position or an open position. In this article we want to focus on 1 specific technic called “caminata”.
In Spanish, “caminata” translates to “walk” or “hike,” referring to a journey or excursion on foot, often involving a leisurely stroll or walk in a natural or scenic setting.
In relation to salsa dancing, caminata refers to bring your partner around the dancefloor and make her travel while dancing using as much space as possible while being aware of other dance couples.
Here is a video bellow with the 4 caminata. We will then write extra tips for you to improve those specific 4 caminata.
Salsa Step | Caminata Popular
In this salsa cubana step, it is important for the leader to hold the left hand of his dance partner and not let it go. Through the whole sequence, the salsa leader actually held his partner with his left hand without dropping that connection.
Cuban Salsa Step | Caminata Popular con cambios de manos
In this cuban salsa traveling step, the leader and dancer let go of one hand all the time.
Leader alternate which hand to hold.
Benefit? His salsa dance partner can express freely some arms movements, lady styling and personal expression.
Caminata Tradicional
This travel step come from son cubano (also called son traditional, or son cubano traditional).
The leader alternate his left and right hand holding his dance partner. However, he will always hold the right hand of his dancing partner.
Caminata Con Puente
Puente means bridge in Spanish.
In this salsa cubana step, the leader start the same way as Caminata popular, but on the 5,6 and 7, the man salsa dancer raise his left hand to let the female salsa dancer walk under.
Tips to dance a nice and flowing casino cubano & Salsa Cubana
Tip 1: We don’t say it enough. It is important for both dancers to always step forwards while traveling. Notice that there is absolutely no steps back if you want to be able to have a nice & flowing salsa cubana dance style!
Tip 2: Always buy comfortable Salsa dance shoes that are supportive & that fit your needs (dance wise and personal preferences)
Tip 3: You can also use dance sneakers to dance salsa.
Further reading about salsa Cubana & Son Cubano
Dance teacher, music passionate and Latin dancers aficionado!
Founder of Latin Dance Shoes Australia
What to Know Before Dancing Salsa?
Further reading
What shoes to wear to salsa class ?
