what you're going to learn
Lesson 1
RHYTHM TRAINING
The music is the reason why we dance so that's where we'll start. Salsa is dominated by the sound of drums. Congas are predominant instruments in Salsa music and one of its core rhythms is the: Tumbao. A very good rhythm at helping you stay on beat.
Lesson 2
THE BASIC STEP
When learning how to Salsa dance the core step we all "have-to-learn" is the Basic Step. Although named basic step, the only thing basic about it are its steps. However, it'll become more complex as you learn to layer it with style and body movement.
Lesson 3
THE CROSSOVER STEP
Next we learn how we twist from the hips to create a movement called the Crossovers, which is key when learning how to turn. Salsa has lots of twisting moves like suzie-q's and grapevines which utilize the action we're covered in this lesson.
Lesson 4
THE RIGHT TURN
Salsa has stationary and traveling turns, which followers do the most of. This lesson focuses on our first "stationary right turn". In order to differentiate it with future turns you will learn, we will refer this turn as the 2 o'clock Right Turn.
Lesson 5
PARTNERING COMBO
Now let's string our moves together to create a nice and smooth pattern you can use on dance floor. This lesson covers one way of connecting these moves together, there's other ways, which you will discover in Course 2 and Course 3.
LESSON STRUCTURE
In each lesson, you will learn fundamental techniques and footwork about the core steps used when Salsa dancing. You will build upon each lesson as you continue to progress through the program, grow on your knowledge and begin to Salsa!
This is how the Zero 2 Salsa courses are structured:
- Learn the footwork associated with each move or turn.
- Layer-in technique through a series of steps and important tips.
- Practice at various music speeds to improve processing time.
- Gradually add components individually and build an entire move.
- Combine moves into complete patterns.
We spend a majority of our time dancing together in order to: help you build better muscle memory; give you added confidence on the dance floor, and continue preparing you for the next stage.
what our students say
"We had tried private lessons before but never felt a real connection with Salsa until Juan and Erica started teaching us. It isn't just about learning the steps; they teach you how to hear the beats... how to become better leads and follows... I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to either start their dancing journey or enhance their current one."
- Jamileh B.
"Absolutely no regrets. I still cannot believe I can dance salsa after 4 lessons. And in all honesty, I have practiced very little due to my super busy schedule. Almost all my dance time is during my lessons. I no longer have to stand on the side at the club when they play salsa. Juan's program really works..."
- O.M.
Course Curriculum
course PRICING
meet your instructors
Juan-2-3 and Erica
Juan-2-3 and Erica are the heart of Salsa Beat — a husband-and-wife team passionate about helping people learn to dance Salsa, no matter their background or skill level. Their step-by-step program focuses on strong fundamentals: connection, footwork, partner work, spins, rhythm, and musicality. Their goal is simple, to make dancing fun and accessible for everyone.
Erica started dancing at age four, training in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and later joining cheer and drill teams. While earning her engineering degree at SDSU, she discovered Salsa and never looked back. She joined the professional team of Majesty in Motion in 2005, where she trained, performed, and taught alongside Juan-2-3.
Juan-2-3, born in Brooklyn to Colombian parents and raised between Spain and New York, discovered Salsa after moving to San Diego in 1999 during his time in the military. He joined Majesty in Motion in 2002, made it to the pro team, and became co-director before stepping back due to injuries. But his passion for teaching never stopped.
Together, Erica and Juan have taught students locally and internationally, building a community rooted in joy, growth, and rhythm. Their motto: Anyone can learn to Salsa. You just need the right people in your corner.