10 Most Beautiful Salsa Moves and Steps

First salsa class can be terrifying. Many feel lost, stiff, and insecure, especially when the instructor starts using words that sound like a made-up language. Those words are the names of moves—you don't need to know Spanish to learn them, but understanding their meaning is essential.

There are 10 basic figures taught in the first months of lessons, and we'll cover them here.

1. Guapea

Originally pronounced "Guaperia." The Spanish word "guapo(a)" means "beautiful," and the suffix "-eña" expresses an action performed by a person. So literally, "guaperia" is the movement of an attractive person.

This figure represents the basic step in an open position. Imagine a mirror between the dancers, each seeing their own reflection. The partner does the basic step, while the leader mirrors it: on count 1, step back with the left foot; on count 5, step forward with the right foot.

2. Exhibela

The name comes from the Spanish "exhibir"—to show off, to display. In this combination, the man proudly highlights his partner's beauty, making others jealous. The position is closed. Basic steps are done on counts 1-2-3; on 5-6-7, both continue, but the woman moves forward, turning clockwise.

3. Dile que no / Dile que si

The first phrase translates to "tell him/her no," the second to "tell him/her yes." In "Dile que no," the dancer moves away from his current partner (saying "no"), ready to switch to the next.

Count: 1—both step toward the center of the dance floor, 3—they face her, while partners do basic steps; 5—the man moves back to make room; 6-7—he guides her past him. The combo ends with both facing the center.

The second figure is the opposite: from apart, they come together into a close closed position—the man has chosen this partner and says "yes."

4. Enchufla

Enchufar has multiple meanings: "to ignite" or "to connect, to attach." In this combo, the man doesn't abandon his partner (as in #3) but guides her and passes her to a new partner. He moves her arm, passes it over her head, ending behind her. On count 1, he switches to the next partner.

5. Dame (una), Dame dos, Dame tres

"Dame" is from the verb "dar" (to give). The figure means "give me one/two/three." It also involves changing partners, more simply: "una"—the man turns to the next dancer, returning her to start; "dos"—he switches to the second woman ahead; "tres"—to the third.

6. Vacilala

Cubans use this word to mean "to enjoy, to have fun." The man spins his partner, and the impulse makes her do a full turn around her axis, allowing everyone to admire her body.

7. Sacala

This translates to "to take out," and it's self-explanatory. Starting in closed position, the man leads the partner in and out of a circle, turning her to the right.

8. Setenta

The name comes from visual resemblance, as "setenta" means "seventy." During the move, the partners' arms create the shape of the number 7. The man's left arm is up; on counts 1-2-3, he raises the other, forming a zero.

9. Sombrero

Everyone knows this word: it means a wide-brimmed hat. In this combo, arms cross, then both raise them. The man places his right arm behind the woman's head and his left behind his own, so the position looks like hats on both heads.

10. Mariposa

This unusual word means "butterfly." First, partners dance Setenta (#8); then the man moves the partner behind his back. On counts 1-2-3, she peeks out from under his right arm, then his left. To an observer, this resembles a butterfly's wing flaps.

Dance is always about positive emotions, and when you understand the basic elements and moves, it starts flowing from within. Knowing salsa theory and paying attention to these figures lets you feel the enjoyment and passion this style holds.