How to Convert Salsa Timings: On1, On2 and Contratiempo
Ever feel stuck just dancing salsa on just one timing? Or maybe you’ve seen a cool move online, but it was in a different timing so you couldn’t use it? That ends today.
Today you’re going to learn how to convert any salsa move into three different timings: On1, On2, and contratiempo.
Why Bother Learning This?
Someone reached out asking if I could convert our whole On1 salsa playlist into contratiempo (234-678). That would take a bunch of time I just don’t have. Instead, I’d rather teach you to fish – to convert timings yourself.
There’s also a key reason to learn salsa timing conversion yourself. Working through these conversions on your own, instead of having something spoon-fed to you, builds stronger connections in your brain. You’ll actually remember the moves better, use them better, and build a stronger salsa foundation.
A Simple System for Salsa Timing Conversion
When you’re converting salsa timing, the trick is to know the footwork of the step you’re doing.
Pre-requisites for Converting Salsa Timing:
- Know the footwork of the step
- Find the 1: If you can’t find the “one” in the music yet, go through my Finding the Beat series. It will help you find the 1 in salsa music and dance on beat in just a few weeks.
How to Convert Salsa Timing:
We’ll start with On1: 123-567. The most important thing is to use the break steps as reference points. On1 break steps are 1 and 5.
- Converting from On1 to On2 (A tiempo, New York Style): If you’re leading On1, your break steps are on 1 and 5. Converting to On2? That “1” becomes a “6”! So, 1-2-3 becomes 6-7-1. Quick note: I’m breaking forward on 6 because that’s the New York On2 convention.
- Converting from On2 (a tiempo) to contratiempo: contratiempo timing is 234-678. Keeping that forward break on 6 for the leads, you’d step 6-7-8 instead of 6-7-1.
Putting it All Together:
Use the salsa timing conversion table above to quickly and easily convert between on1, on2 and contratiempo.
Pro Tip: You’re not going to get this first try. Start by converting your basic step between the two timings that matter to you most. Then try converting individual moves and, eventually, a pattern.
Practice Smarter, Not Harder
Start with some easy solo steps first…
For Leads: right turn, left turn, cross body lead suzy q, and some simple shines.
For Follows: right turn, left turn, cross body lead, and inside/outside turns.
“I Break Forward/Backward On a Different Count”
The above table is formatted from a lead’s perspective, breaking forward on the number that’s listed first.
If you’re a follow, or you typically break forward on a different count, just switch the bars of numbers around!
123-567 becomes 567-123 etc.
The Dance Dojo Philosophy: Learn To Fish
Remember this principles: Start with the simplest form of something, master it, then add complexity.
I’m teaching you how to fish. We’re building your foundations and awareness, so you can go to any class and understand what’s going on, even if the instructor isn’t great.
Don’t be afraid to work a little and struggle. It’s good for you, and it’s gonna help you get WAY better, WAY faster, and have a lot more fun.
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