Salsa
Back Basic
SalsaBeginnerFoundationsBoth
Reverse gear. The basic stepping back instead of forward, used to change facing or open up distance.
This move builds: Timing & Footwork Foundation …on the always-on five — Connection, Frame, Comfort, Posture, Consent.
- Entry
- open or closed, L-to-R, facing
- Exit
- open or closed, L-to-R, facing
- Tempo
- any
- Musical use
- filler/reset
- Connector
- No
- Level
- Beginner
- Cluster
- Foundations
- Style
- Both
What This Move Is
The mirror of the forward basic: the lead steps backward and breaks forward, the follow mirrors. It resolves direction, creates a little space for the next figure, and is the building block for open and push breaks.
Key Points
- Lead: Keep your posture stacked — don't lean back as you step back, or you'll pull the follow off balance.
- Follow: Maintain frame; step where led without collapsing the upper body.
- Timing: On1 break on 1 & 5; On2 on 2 & 6 — step back, break forward on the break count.
- Common mistake: Collapsing posture or leaning when stepping back, breaking the connection.
Style Notes
Useful for resetting after a travelling figure has drifted you off the slot. Pairs naturally into an open break to load a turn.
Chains into
After this, you can flow into…