Another quick episode of addicted2salsa podcast. Today we show you how to perform the famous “Salsa Disco” dance move using different amounts of spin. A lot of dancers get caught up in the fact about knowing very little moves, but in reality, by adding doubles and triples in their current salsa dance combination – they become almost new.
There is a little known fact to most salsa dance beginners that when follows learn to spin well, they’ll fall in love with it. Follows love a challenge, and if you can start leading double and triple spins well – you should do so. They will find you more fun to dance with because you make it more challenging. For ladies who would like to improve their spinning, you may want to check out these salsa tip articles on spinning.
Note: For the ‘Disco’ move, pointing like John Travolta is optional.
[Updated] I have added annotations to the YouTube version to showcase how dancing On2 fits better with the cues/hits in the music. Hopefully this helps a few of you out there see how dancing on On2 timing helps makes moves fit better with the instruments of a song: Salsa At the Disco – YouTube with Annotations . This is for informational purposes as always (no mean emails please 
).
The song used in the video is : Consolacion by Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound
So, yea, I know this is an old article, but spins are a vital part of salsa dancing and the must come around for discussion and debate often. So, if anyone wanders in here and reads this, I am hoping for some clarification.
In this article, and others that I have read, it mentions that the knees should be slightly bent during the spin. However, in a spinning workshop with dance champion Liz Lira, she argued that the knees should be locked. Everything should be held in tight, knees locked, your center over the ball of your foot, and spot. A young woman asked her if the knees should be bent and Ms. Lira replied that if you’re going to spin, you should commit to it (and to every step for that matter); that doing it with your knees bent was doing it “half-ass.” She said that having your knees bent was a safeguard for beginners, but that she recommended against it. She was big on the commitment/trusting yourself/control-thing. The only way she could justify having your knees bent (as she demonstrated) was for stylistic purposes and it should be exaggerated (like when leads spin a follow who starts in a squat and ends tall).
Then in another workshop with Edie the Salsa Freak, Edie mentioned nothing about knees. However, if I recall correctly, I think I noticed her knees being bent.
Both of these ladies are excellent dancers. And all of you at A2S are very experienced. So who is right? Is there a right? Is it all about comfort, or should we be a little harder on ourselves for technique’s sake? What are your thoughts?
Alright, so I just realized that my post (above) was in response to an older article by latinaskin about salsa spin advice. I click on too many links on this site to ever know where I am. But since there is spinning in this video (not old at all, lol), maybe we can agree it’s somewhat germane still.
About this video, Anthony and Julie, I am so glad to have a new episode to watch! I almost forgot entirely how much I like your instruction and video quality. My only critique is that the first time through I didn’t know what to pay attention to–the dance/instruction or the jokes. You have gone note-crazy! It’s ok, it ensures that I will watch the video more than twice (as if I wouldn’t anyway). Don’t get me wrong, I giggled like a little gender-neutral human child, but it could be too much for newcomers surfing the salsa web.
Keep ‘em coming!
Hi Incapie, thanks for the praise and tips! In regard to the spinning technique, I have always learned knees bent. Of course, there are different theories depending on your style of dance (jazz, for example, you would be high on tip toes and knees locked). However, if you watch videos of the best spinners (Liz Lira excluded), they all bend their knees- and definitely don’t consider it bad technique. My instructors, most notably Junior and Emily and David and Jennifer Stein, have even encouraged me to bend my knees more than I did before, and I won’t argue with any of them
Those are my thoughts, and I will have an episode dedicated to spinning technique coming shortly.
Yeah, I end up editing the video and have the most fun with the “Director’s commentary”. I’m sure for new visitors it might be much, but I always think as if it was watching someone’s first episode of Family Guy. The first time, you won’t know what exactly is going on, but hopefully you’ll come to understand the show for its quirks (and possibly funny side) that will keep them coming back. I always try to mix salsa instruction with a bit of humor to make it more interesting.
Anyone else think I should get rid of them?
Wicked steps once again … venga papa keep up wit the good work
What’s up Anthony and Julie,
SalsAsianMike here in DC.
I’ve been enjoying your Podcasts for a while now. Personally I like the commentary and the HD format. Everyone’s always amazed when I show them clips on my iPhone.
And I like the new “Disco” move, simple yet real slick. But I can’t get myself to do the Travolta so I modified it into a body roll, LOL!
Keep up the good work!!!!
Hi Anthony and Julie,
Could you tell me what this song is called? I heard this playing at the Seoul Congress and I got hooked !
Thanks !!
Professial dancing with professional video. Great step by step instructions. Hard to find very good well done clips. Anthony smooth moves, you must have a lot of water handy cause Julie is super hot!!! I know it’s hard work to get it all done, keep it up, it’s all appreciated.