check out the courses
Master Your Spins Training Program
As salsa combos get more complex they require more balance, speed, and agility. Mastering the various types of spins and turns is a key essential part of Salsa dancing. In Salsa, you are either turning in place or traveling while turning and turns in both direction is a must.
This program offers the three drills that will help you gain that extra balance, control and speed during turns.
COURSE 1
AXLE TURNS
This course teaches the techniques behind spinning on one foot, and in both directions. We'll focus on:
- How to set your turn up for success with the preparation, or as we call it, the "prep".
- Foot and arm techniques to effortlessly generate momentum and increase balance.
- Learn essentials of turning to avoid the "dizziness factor."
COURSE 2
TRAVELING TURNS
Here you will focus on the techniques behind traveling turns. We will also cover both directions. We'll focus on:
- How to do single and multiple traveling turns in each direction.
- How to do 1.5 traveling turns, Salsa's most used turn during Cross Body Lead right and left turns.
- Spotting our partner & turning continuously without losing timing.
COURSE 3
THE TURNING T
Here's Rojo's ultimate favorite spin drill. If you like being challenged, then the "Turning T" is the drill for you. Focus on:
- Refining your technique and gaining control during spins.
- Challenging your spot technique to prepare you for multiple spins.
- Making turns effortless by finding your center.
COURSE 1
AXLE TURNS
This course teaches the techniques behind spinning on one foot, and on both directions. We'll focus on:
- How to set your turn up for success - The "prep"
- Foot and arm techniques to effortlessly generate momentum and increase balance.
- Learn essentials of turning to avoid the "dizziness factor".
COURSE 2
TRAVELING TURNS
Here you will focus on the techniques behind traveling turns. We will also cover both directions. We'll focus on:
- How to do single and multiple traveling turns in each direction.
- How to do 1 1/2 traveling turns, Salsa's most used turn during CBL right and left turns.
- Spotting our partner & turn continuously without losing timing.
COURSE 3
THE TURNING T
Here's Rojo's ultimate favorite spin drill. If you like being challenged, then the "Turning T" is full of that. Focus on:
- Refine your technique and gain control during spins.
- Challenge your spot technique to prepare you for multiple spins.
- Make turns effortless by finding your center, which you can never lose.
RHYTHM TRAINING
Besides spinning in both directions, this pattern works on your upper body connection by combining 3 Close Position moves back to back. The Focus is on:
- Close Position technique
- The use of Dbl. Handed Turns
- Using Open Breaks: "The Basket"
FOOTWORK
This pattern uses spins to switch sides with your partner in a variety of ways. We also add "Hammerlocks" and "Hair-combs" to Level-up our moves. A lot of focus on:
- Proper foot placement and timing
- Cross Body Lead (CBL) Right Turn
- Leader’s Left turn while connected
PARTNER DANCING
Leader's get fancy by using a drop-catch in between turns. As the followers learn how to style the “Half Basket” and generate energy with traveling double-turns. Goals:
- Cross Body Lead (CBL) Titanic
- Advanced Leader turn combo
- Challenging your level 1 material
what our students say
"A couple years ago I decided to take lessons to learn how to follow any lead and shine. Well it didn't go so well. I took multiple private lessons and weekly group lessons from the instructors with dance companies I was told were the best. I never progressed and was extremely discouraged. In fact I quit dancing for a year... I had heard great things about their program and decided to give it another try. I'm so glad I did because their curriculum and teaching style has helped me progress and reignited my desire to learn and be able to truly enjoy salsa dancing!!!
- Lee
"These are some of the best salsa dance instructors I have had the pleasure of learning from. They are able to breakdown techniques in a way that is easy to learn, and they are quality people that love what they do. The Salsa Beat has my highest recommendation."
- Alex H.
meet your instructor
Rojo
Rojo, aka Steve Meyer has been involved in some sort of musical adventure since he was born. Joining the UCSD ballroom dance team, involving travelling and competitions in Ballroom, Latin Dances and Swing, also gravitating toward West-Coast Swing, a style that really helped him put moves together that “hit those hits…” Then Rojo discovered Salsa dancing. What he loves most about Salsa music is it’s richness in rhythmic diversity. Rojo competed and performed on the World’s biggest stages, and also got the opportunity to perform with the great Tito Puente himself. Teaching Salsa at all levels for over 10 years, his favorite teaching activity was “Drills, drills and more drills” to train footwork and technique. Rojo hopes to bring the same passion for the music, footwork and drills to The Salsa Beat community.
