Scared of Salsa Shines? Do This and Never Freeze Again

 

Many salsa dancers, especially beginners, feel intimidated when they have to break away from their partners and dance solo. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry. Today, I’m giving you five simple shines that will help you stay confident and comfortable when dancing alone.

I’ll first walk you through each individual step, and then we’ll put on some music so you can follow along and have fun.

Shines Are About Expression, Not Impressing

Shines are not about showing off or proving yourself to your partner. Instead, they’re an opportunity to enjoy the music, express yourself, and keep the connection with your partner even while dancing solo. You don’t need to turn away and disconnect; keep eye contact, engage with the moment, and just have fun.

1. Basic Steps with a Cross

The first shine is more of a concept than a single move. You take your basic salsa steps—side to side, front to back, or even diagonally—and simply add a cross step.

• Side Basic with a Cross: Step to the side, then cross your foot in front. Repeat on the other side.
• Front Basic with a Cross: Do your front break step and then cross that same foot in front of the other. Repeat on the other side.
• Back Basic with a Cross: Do your back break step and then take that same foot and cross it in front. Repeat on the other side.

This slight variation adds flavor to your basics and helps you break out of the standard front-and-back motion.

2. Front Basic with a Behind Step

Instead of the usual front-and-together basic step, add a step behind:

• Step forward, then place the other foot behind.
• Use the ball of your foot to push off.
• Your second step can scoot in slightly before stepping behind.

This creates a subtle change in dynamics and makes your movement smoother and more versatile.

3. Chord Beat Walks

This shine focuses on walking on the strong beats (1, 3, 5, 7) rather than using the full salsa rhythm.

• From any basic step, transition into walking on the 1, 3, 5, and 7.
• Walk forward, backward, or sideways.
• Add your own flair, like body movement, shoulder shimmies, or a slight bounce.

There is no strict pattern for your feet—just keep stepping on those strong beats and let the music guide you.

4. Step Touch with Full Counts

This shine introduces full-count movements (1 through 8) instead of only stepping on the chord/strong beats.

• From a basic step, transition into a step-touch pattern: step, then tap your foot lightly beside your standing leg.
• Keep it going for at least a full eight-count.
• Move forward, backward, or even in a circle.
• Try varying the size of your steps for more dynamic movement.

You can mix and match this shine with the chord beat walks for extra versatility.

5. The Son Step

The Son step is traditionally danced on 2, but we can also use it on 1 in this context.

• Take your break step in place, slightly behind the other foot.
• Rock back on your second step and then project to the side. Repeat.
• Change directions or travel around the floor as you feel.

How to Make These Shines Work for You

The key to doing shines with confidence is understanding that there’s no single “correct” way to do it. The goal is to connect with the music and express how it makes you feel. If the song is groovy and laid-back, use simple, grounded steps. If it’s more energetic, you can go bigger or be more energetic  with your movements. Focus on how the music makes you feel. Show that.

Remember:

• Don’t worry about impressing anyone.
• Don’t disconnect and forget about your partner. You can vibe off each other’s energy and steps.
• Let the music guide your movement.
• Have fun!

By practicing these five shines, you’ll never feel lost when dancing alone again. Instead, you’ll embrace the moment with confidence and style!

Ready to level up?

Try our online salsa and bachata programs free for a whole week. There’s plenty you can practice solo and there’s no credit card needed for the trial.