Salsa Article-Two Left Feet Singapore

Article:

Making sense of "On 1" and "On 2"

By Jean Goh

There are many styles of salsa dancing in the world, with the most popular in Singapore being "on 1" (also known as "LA style"). However, "on 2" (also known as "NY style" or "mambo"), which is attributed to Eddie Torres from New York, is fast becoming highly popular in several U.S., U.K. and European cities. While each has its proponents and opponents, it never hurts to know both styles. The more styles you know, the more dance time you'll get!

So how do you dance the different styles of salsa?

Below are diagrammatic excerpts from Mike Bello and Eric Freeman's article on "Breaking the "Breaking" Mystery of Salsa Timing".

Note: The black foot is the step you take on that beat.

Dancing "On 1" (LA Style)

This is what most salsa schools in Singapore teach. Start your steps on the "1" beat, and pause on the "4" and the "8" beat. Here is a diagrammatic representation of the leader's steps (although this may be the opposite in different countries).

Dancing "On 2" - Classic Mambo

Not to be confused with Modern Mambo (see below), Classic Mambo is similar to "On 1" - simply start your steps on the "2" beat and pause on the "5" and the "1" beat. Here is a diagrammatic representation of the leader's steps (although this may be the opposite in different countries).

Dancing "On 2" (NY style) - Modern Mambo

Said to originate in New York, Modern Mambo, commonly referred to as "On 2" is highly popular in New York, with growing popularity in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Unlike "On 1" or Classic Mambo, the pause occurs when the feet are furthest apart. The dance is commonly described as stepping to the "1" beat and "breaking" on the "2" and "6" beat. To "break" simply means "to change body direction", i.e. forwards or backwards. This diagram represents the follower's steps, although this may be the opposite in different countries.

Because of the way the steps are configured, there are differences in the foundational moves of "On 1 and "On 2" dancing. Besides that, it has a style of its own, for e.g. the dance appears smoother, there's more time for the ladies to style, and there's half a beat more for spinning.

So Which Style Is Better?

No matter which style you choose, there's no right or wrong, better or worse. They're just different ways of dancing to salsa music. Of course, the more styles you know, the more versatile a dancer you'll be. At the end of the day, salsa dancing is a form of expression, so choose the style that allows you, and your partner, to best express yourselves and have fun.