When we are learning to dance, whether as a beginner or more advanced learning a new move, it is nice to have simpler songs to dance to. For me, it is easier to dance to songs with marked percussion, and that are slightly slower. It is a great exercise even for the most advance to practice to really slow songs to ensure that you can master every movement. Here is a list of some of my favorite songs to practice to, that are also fun songs (we love our counting songs, but sometimes you just need real music :-) Enjoy!
1. Joey Pastrana- Rumbón Melón
2. Chivirico Dávila- Rico Guaguanco
3. Frankie Morales- Nieve con Sal
4. Gilberto Santa Rosa- Perdoname
5. Joe Arroyo- Yamulemau
Cool topic…
Slow songs aren’t just for beginners or practicing. I feel I get to play with the music loads more with slow to mid pace songs. I usually sit out, socialize, or refresh during the faster paced songs.
Here are some of my favorite non-boring slow songs.
BTW - In keeping with the easy to follow theme, these songs don’t have (m)any time changes.
Gabino Pampini - Cuerpo de Gutarra
Wayne Gorbea - DJs Sabroso
Fania All-Stars - Bamboleo
Oscar D’Leon - A El
(A little Funkier)
Bobby Valentin - Yambu
Roberto Roena - Consolacion
Los Van Van - La Bomba Soy Yo
Willie Rosario - La Bomba
(High Energy but deciptively slow)
Salsa Celtica - Maestro
Latin Brothers - Pegaso
Sonora Carruselles - La Comay
Charlie Palmieri - Tienne Sabor
For beginners, some enjoy the old school salsa style, and some prefer an introduction via pop music, with a strong 4 4 beat.
I know some don’t like it, but I for one enjoy doing salsa with pop music - because i know that there will be a lot more pop or 4/4 timed music at a club or friend’s house etc, than at a salsa nightclub.
Of all the times i’ve got people learning to dance salsa, it’s either been without any real “proper” salsa music, or going real time/ 1/2 time to a pop or dance tune. Yes, not all clubbing is really geared up to start doing salsa, but a fair bit can, if they play cheese
I haven’t got a top 5 off the top of my head, but I do really like the big buzz that playing to a big bass beat pop or dance tune can have. (e.g. Kanye West dance remix for Diamonds are forever).
Would I be trying to hijack the thread if I asked for the thread to be opened up to “non-proper” salsa music, and open it to any genre music?
I only do so because I know that getting beginners hooked on salsa can be done by teaching them to dance first, and appreciate the clave and so on later. As you said Julie - it is nice to have simpler songs to dance to - and a lot of those songs aren’t proper salsa songs, but ones with marked timing.
Haha Tom, you would NOT be hijacking the thread! I think it’s a great idea, and I myself learned to pop music. I say whatever gets people out there to start dancing (and if someone who knows salsa timing can recommend pop songs with similar timing, even better). Put the info out there, and the purists can take it or leave it. I know that most dancers go through a sort of evolution in their appreciation of salsa music, and it tends to go from pop-salsa to classic-salsa. So go for it, start a forum topic if you wish
Question from a complete newbie - where does one get salsa music with counting? Many thanks in advance.
I know that both Eddie Torres and Mike Bello have music with counting. Eddie Torres has specific counts for on2 (counts the 2 and 6) whereas Mike Bello counts 1-8. Hope this helps
Slow-tempo salsa is not just for beginner dancers. It’s surprisingly common for “intermediate” dancers to have difficulty staying on beat during those slow Salsa songs. Fast songs, tend to blur-out the movement. Slow song, on the other hand, require dancers to be more attentive to detail.
In fact, I say, “turn it a couple of notches slower”!!!! and dance Salsa steps to Cha Cha!!! It’s a great timing exercise. Of course, there is lots of time for body movement on the “4 & 5″ , and the “8 & 1″ beats.