Becoming a Smoother Salsa Lead (Less is More!)

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Become a smoother lead for social dancing salsa, bachata, hustle, zouk or swing with a concept we all "Cause & Effect". Yes, we demo this concept with salsa, but you can apply it to ANY partner dance.
What is Cause & Effect for social dancing?
The idea is simple: the lead's job is to initiate a move (cause) and the follow's job is to finish it (effect). We'll take you through various examples, including individual moves and a pattern:
✅ Basic Right Turn
✅ Cross Body Lead
✅ NY Walk
✅ Inside Turn
✅ Multiple Spins (on the spot)
✅ Intermediate Salsa Pattern "Mariposa"
#salsa #salsatips #salsatutorial #salsadancing
▬▬▬▬ "Mariposa" FULL lesson ▬▬▬▬
Watch the full instructional breakdown for this intermediate salsa pattern to get a feel for what our online salsa course is like:
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✅ Watch super detailed breakdowns for leads and follows
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✅ Get support in our online community
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👋 Who are we?
Hi my name is Robin and I'm no different than you. A few years ago I started learning salsa. After struggling for a while I found some great mentors and the rest is history. Now I travel the world dancing, teaming up with amazing teachers and creating Dance Dojo - the deeply detailed online dance lessons I wish I had when I started. My goal is to help as many of you reap the same rewards I've been lucky enough to experience through dance. Join me if you'd like to meet amazing new people, leave stress behind, connect to music in a whole new way and feel more alive. Life only gets more colourful - just take the first step.
One last request: if you enjoyed this, please leave me a comment, like & subscribe - it REALLY helps the channel grow. Thank you for watching and I’ll see you in the next video.
Cheers,
Robin
Website: go.thedancedojo...
Instagram: / thedancedojo
Facebook: / thedancedojo

[@rl1314]

This is also touching on social dance intelligence. It's not the girl expecting the guy to do everything IMO, it's men trying to drag women around the dance floor to make themselves look good. Leads trying to force newbies to do stuff they aren't ready for, as stated in the video. A lot of dance etiquette also requires social sensitivity and intelligence and just not everyone has that.

[@thedancedojo]

100% agree! we have to work to be more empathetic.

[@walkerx1813]

I've been learning two step and I've been told by girls I danced with that they WANTED me to drag them around... I think my leading style may be more suited to Latin dances XD

[@googplunger]

My first dance teacher and still the best teacher on fundamentals I ever had told me the 2 most important things in any dance NOT to do that follows hate .... 1) Leads need to stay within the rhythm/timing of the music, especially feet 2) Do NOT yank your follows around -- Arms should not be used for tugging, pushing or yanking of the follow, just some gentle lead by using proper frame. Using your frame, You keep things smooth and your follow automatically knows what to do. It is the job of the follows to follow and they will follow if you let them.

[@mindymorin8273]

I loooove this!! Now I understand why I enjoy dancing with some leaders more than others. I’m currently learning to lead and I really want to show my dance partner a good time because I know what it feels like to be on the other side. I feel like you just gave me a a secret tip that will serve me well if I learn to implement it successfully. Trust me, this advice did not land on deaf ears! Thanks a million!!!

[@thedancedojo]

My pleasure Mindy! Glad it could help :) - robin

[@countryswingaz4343]

Perfectly explained. Thank you so much for this video! So many leads are afraid to let go and trust the follow to do her job, but how beautifully it shapes the movement and character of their partnership when he does. And I also appreciate how you paused and talked about frame. That's HUGE. As a follow, when I dance with a lead with poor frame the communication is so muddled, and they try to compensate by arm leading through the moves. As a lead, when I dance with a follow with poor frame, I feel extremely limited in what I can do, because it takes so much effort just to hold her intact--it's like holding a bowl of jell-o without the bowl.

[@thedancedojo]

Couldn't agree more with you on all accounts! Frame and technique create the foundation for the ability to communicate and move smoothly together. Such a worthwhile investment and so eye opening when you learn it. Thanks a ton for your comment and for watching! And it's awesome that you lead and follow. I've never worked on learning to follow yet, but the few times i've tried doing it for a minute it's so humbling. Fascinating how different the two roles are. I've got so much respect for both! -Robin

[@countryswingaz4343]

@@thedancedojo I have followed for about 4 years, and only this year started seriously leading because I have started to instruct and make videos. What I find most interesting is that the lead's job is difficult as I expected it to be, but that the follow's job is no less difficult--it's just a different kind of difficult. As a lead, I'm responsible for my partner's safety and for communicating well. I am responsible for the timing and musicality of the dance more so than my partner, and her balance and strength is an extension of my ability to balance and use physics to my advantage. The saving grace is that I will always get to lead what is within my comfort zone. As the follow, I have to be aware of so many different styles from the leads at the social and ready to react appropriately if they do something that I'm not completely solid on. I am the extension of the movement, but sometimes I am not given the space and time that I want to create the shapes and lines in my dance that I envisioned. I have to be gracious enough to make them look good when they don't communicate well--but also don't let them go on making the same mistake believing their way is 100% right. All in all, knowing the lead's part allows me to be more helpful as a teacher and to give feedback with a greater deal of empathy.

[@thedancedojo]

@@countryswingaz4343 So cool. Totally agree the follow's is equally as challenging and switching is such a great way to appreciate your partners. your students are lucky to have a teacher with a balanced perspective. keep it up! -Robin

[@rrigaud77]

Awesome videos .. i wish more beginners would watch vids like this. Too many people get ahead of themselves and learning too many combos without mastering the art of leading properly and knowing when to and not to lead. I was guilty of this myself years back. Videos like this has helped me to become a better dancer. Keep up the good work...👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks a lot man! I agree it's such useful info for beginners. If you know any, do spread it to them :) Appreciate the encouragement - lots more to come! -Robin

[@OfficialDidier]

Love this video about the 'cause and effect', which has never been taught anywhere I've learned before. And I do find myself pretty decent with the cause and effect mechanics - however, I struggle to add more moves to my dance vocabulary. And each time I learn a new pattern from a class, I forget once I hit the dance floor. Therefore if you can do a video about the lead patterns demonstrated in this video and how to retain them that will be great. Thanks :)

[@thedancedojo]

Hey man, really glad the concept resonates with you. Firstly, what you're experiencing with wanting more moves and desiring to remember them is so common. To learn more vocabulary and understand salsa deeper our online course will be game-changer for you: thedancedojo.com. In terms of the topic of moves, patterns and memory, I just published two vids on that: How to Remember Salsa Moves kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIiYaX2Cl5Vnd6M How to Take Moves & Inspiration from Salsa Combinations kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYnPh4KnhtukiZY Hope helps! Robin

[@jimf4754]

Most girls expect the guy to do everything

[@thedancedojo]

Most ladies who have never taken more than a couple dance classes definitely do. It's key for them to realize how difficult the lead's job is at the start. As a beginner lead, support from the follows is so crucial to get over the beginners hump. Thanks for watching Jim! -Robin

[@andrewaccount954]

Some believe salsa is a good analogy for life in general especially dating...

[@thedancedojo]

@@andrewaccount954 Many pieces of life can end up being good metaphores for life as a whole. I'd agree dancing is one of them! -Robin

[@nevaehmarie4782]

I mean they are the leaders so they basically are supposed to do almost everying we just follow

[@Inferxno]

@@nevaehmarie4782someone did not watch the video😂

[@sherribrody5456]

This is so useful. Have never really learned this way.

[@thedancedojo]

It's a little gem. The important part is that both people know their roles. Some follows who are learning think it's the lead's job to do everything, but a lead can only invite, the follow has to finish! -robin

[@sherribrody5456]

@@thedancedojo I will be teaching salsa in Mexico and will definitely incorporate your concepts.

[@Hari983]

Beautiful. So glad I discovered this channel.

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks Haritha! Lots more where this came from ;)

[@alexplotkin3368]

Great video. As a new Salsa dancer I appreciate the excellent content and advice.

[@thedancedojo]

Right on man, keep at it :) -robin

[@MrPlausibleDenial]

Beautiful dancing, so smooth!

[@thedancedojo]

thanks a lot! -robin

[@dbot16]

I appreciate your use of physics terms (e.g. impulse) in your explanation. I've watched quite a few of your videos on youtube now. I really like these breakdown videos!! I think I am going to sign up for your salsa program.

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks a lot. It would be great to have you! -Robin

[@PedroMachadoPT]

Great video. I like this kind of philosophical approach to dance teaching.

[@Alvy93]

Wow man! You are next level, great production, clear and packed with value. Thanks for sharing!

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks, appreciate that! Glad you enjoyed - Robin

[@AndreasNolteConTaktArt]

How wonderful is it to See more and more teachers spreading smooth leading and following around the world :) i really like your Demonstration of leading a Cross body lead inside turn with only your body/Energy. I planning to do a demo for the german audience (where I live) and I now got an Inspiration! one suggestion/alternative, which I teach in my classes : when leading a cbl (Cross body lead), ist also possible to lead it in the Break on 4 and onto the 5 instead of pulling the follower from 3 on. For that you need a natural Basic with shoulder-wide steps, so the movement into the cbl is the natural move for the follower. Then the leader can by crossing on the backside on 5 move the couple frame forward to the other side. by that you can even more freedom of Choice for both dancer, because the cbl starts on 5, Not on 3. therefore the leaders have more time to follow their heart, the connection and the music to be even more creative :) I hope, you keep making These Videos:). :)

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks for the love and watching Andreas :) There's so many possibilities once the deeper concepts are understood. In case you're hungry for more, our online course covers many: thedancedojo.com

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

Valuable lessons

[@thedancedojo]

Glad they were helpful! -Robin

[@whyflyguy007]

i typed in "how to salsa well" - and i wasn't disappointed.. you teach salsa the way I'd teach it.. I come from a west coast swing, Modern jive background... a recent Modern Jive teacher I worked with taught me with the same key word of 'suggestion' , and no force... I have in fact received the compliment, "i love dancing with you are you a teacher" I find the way salsa is typically taught is within context - (which is limiting).. "he signals, i move or turn on that beat or step.." I don't follow this.. in fact, I'm not a salsa dancer, i got it from doing a little bit of Rumba.. but mostly i make the suggestion, they feel it and get the hint, and i let my partner go where they feel like going without obstructing their movement. .

[@thedancedojo]

Really glad it resonated with you! It's always a challenge of how to present information in a digestible way to beginners, especially when your goal is often to keep their interest. Eventually, like you suggested, it's often better to go beyond the typical ways people teach and explain broader concepts that apply to the majority of situations - the golden rules as we like to call them :) -Robin

[@davidtraining511]

frame is very important .awesome tips🙂

[@thedancedojo]

Glad you liked em David, thanks! -Robin

[@dattajimane3068]

Very good lesson.perfect simple words with demo Thanks Loved watching

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks for watching Dattaji! -Robin

[@maryloudelossantos1624]

Clear articulate instructions!

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks Marylou, glad you enjoyed :) -Robin

[@MyDesignerTV]

so cool! i was wondering exactly about that when dancing! it holds you back! great lesson! thanks!!!

[@thedancedojo]

Super glad it helped and great curiosity! -robin

[@benjaminshauri380]

Looool, exactly the comments I get after a dance😂😂😂

[@thedancedojo]

well done!

[@edferrigancoaching]

Excellent! Thanks so much!

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks Ed!

[@migueltorres7503]

Love this

[@orchidvn]

The " Cause and Effect " is also used in Ballroom Dancing

[@thedancedojo]

Cool, I imagine it applies in many partner dances.

[@unpibitosinpersonalidadpro3527]

Your pfp is everything my friend ♥️

[@yehudaankonina6031]

Great tips!

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks for watching! appreciate that -Robin

[@Manny_fresh369_nypd]

You guys are the best thank you

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks a bunch!

[@penicheavendre]

very well done, thank you

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks for watching Antoine, really appreciate that! -Robin

[@wushulion]

This most certainly applies to kizomba to an equal extent.

[@thedancedojo]

Cool Steven, great to know! Thanks for watching :) -robin

[@edfl4913]

Great video! 👍🏻

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks Ed! Appreciate that. -Robin

[@charliekyte8113]

Really helpful. Thank you

[@thedancedojo]

You're super welcome Charlie! -robin

[@andresvargas4014]

Very help full , gracias 😎😘

[@thedancedojo]

De nada! Thanks for watching Andres :) - Robin

[@harshardkm285]

Wow... thanks for the lovely vdo. I never tot about 2nd half thing. Now I knw what to do in my 2nd half . Tbaks alot may God bless you both love you.

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks for watching and the kind words!

[@dstarentertainment9843]

Thanks!

[@thedancedojo]

You bet! Thanks for watching -robin

[@AdaezeNwankwo]

Wow, imagine how smooth this will feel if one gets a lead this good

[@thedancedojo]

Definitely possible :) thanks for watching Adaeze! -Robin

[@cryptoruntz]

for leading double + turns would you suggest standing on the left side of line for more control

[@thedancedojo]

@@cryptoruntz right in front of your partner shpuld work just fine

[@cruzalejandro2915]

Hey man? I like so much your style of dancing and I'am starting to learn , then I need that you post any videos any more avanced ok ? Thanks congratulations

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks a lot for watching Cruz! I'll keep the videos coming. -Robin

[@mildamartisius8490]

You’re awesome

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks Milda 🙏😁- robin

[@TheValdovinosGroup]

Great videos!

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks a ton Jose! Really appreciate the encouragement. Thank YOU for watching 😀 -Robin

Yoooo pascar!!! love from Miami :-)

[@thedancedojo]

Hey Alejandro, I'll tell em you say hi! -Robin

[@crankpatate3303]

Funny enough, I'm currently in a salsa course and got taught, that I have to turn the body of my female dance partner in a certain figure & this always felt off for my and my partner. I've found that I can give her smoother hints in other ways to initiate the figure, but then again, if I'd ever dance with someone else, would that still work? I'm still a beginner & have trouble with doing a good lead. Proper timing, clear signals, but that aren't over exaggerated or stiff. It's harder than it looks like in these videos. But thanks a lot, these videos give me good orientation points on what my ultimate goal should be/ look like. Sadly I only have a female instructor in the dance class & she's not that good at showing us men how to do the leading.

[@thedancedojo]

I totally feel you. I've been there and not always had teachers that could give me what I needed. Honestly, I recommend doing our online course. It'll fill the gaps for you and be the perfect compliment to the in person classes. I'll leave you the link (Black Friday sale starts tomorrow). thedancedojo.com. Beyond the course, all I can offer are these videos, and I'm glad they can help at least a little! -Robin

[@marcello4258]

thanks..........!!! well thanks for something I can send ladies who never stop saying "I can dance if the guy can lead".. someone ever heard this line? haha

[@thedancedojo]

Ohhh you better believe we've all heard that one! -Robin

[@veedub447]

good points

[@thedancedojo]

appreciate that. thanks for watching :) -Robin

[@maxinejacobs6203]

Hello, I would like to practice being a lead. I am only 5ft 2. I like your physics approach. I think it is going to help since I am definitely shorter than the follow. Thank you

[@thedancedojo]

Right on Maxine! There are many short leads and it definitely won't stop you from having a great time :) -robin

[@mcar2225]

genial!

[@johnnyg7899]

I wish I could practice this with a partner who understands what I'm trying to learn. Us older guys have a hard time finding older gals who are fit. Most dance classes are full of very young ladies and lots of older guys. So its rare to find a steady dance partner.

[@thedancedojo]

I hear you Johnny, it can be a challenge sometimes but keep at it. there's always ladies looking for a gentleman to practice with! -Robin

[@aleg.a1895]

Great video...I lover her shoes 👠

[@thedancedojo]

Thanks for watching! -Robin

[@elenak8357]

And if she doesn't respond how you want to your signals, feel free to try again. Just don't force it, ever. Don't add muscle strength, either. If you need to use force, your signal wasn't clean or clear enough in the first place. It also might be that she just doesn't know that move, or doesn't want to do it for whatever reason.

[@thedancedojo]

💯 thanks for sharing!

[@eduardolandagonzalez5995]

Buenas noches Master Patrick y Scarlet por favor te seguimos muchísimos que no entendemos el inglés sigue poniendo subtítulos a tus vídeos para que podamos entender tus sabios consejos un abrazo para ambos y la recompensa no duden será que seguiremos aumentando a Miles y millones en su canal

[@thedancedojo]

Muchas gracias Eduardo! Vamos hacer lo mejor que podemos para agregarlos. Estamos agradecido por ustedes 🙏 -Robin

[@eduardolandagonzalez5995]

@@thedancedojo de lujooo muchas gracias máster

[@b-radg916]

Good tips, thanks! I’m kinda curious why you pronounce it “ba-CHAHda”, but you then pronounce Mariposa with Latin flavor?

[@thedancedojo]

Glad you liked them! I grew up speaking english so I just switch back and forth without thinking. But I can speak spanish and pronounce it without a gringo accent, don't worry hah :)

[@b-radg916]

@@thedancedojo: Gotcha!

[@socialmatrix8752]

Wait how did you do 2 right turns??? Did you step back on2?

[@thedancedojo]

Yea there was a double turn in there. If you wanna go deeper, boost your technique and learn all the individual moves with detailed breakdowns the online program is the way to go: thedancedojo.com. These youtube videos are just the tip of the tip of the iceberg and, although I do my best to share useful tips, the real results and mind explosions will be found in our online progressive program -Robin

[@portocuban]

Almost every on1 class I've taken says the pull on cross body happens on 5. If the frame is what is pulling her on 3 wouldn't that be leading off timing?

[@thedancedojo]

nope. things can happen outside of counts 1 and 5. 1 and 5 are just the break steps, for changing directions. in fact if you were only leading things on 1 and 5 it would be a very rough and uncomfortable experience as a follow. -robin

[@Alicia-th3gz]

How do you keep your frame?

[@thedancedojo]

Watch our salsa playlist on Salsa Tips.We talk about frame there. Beyond that, doing a trial of our online salsa program is the next step: thedancedojo.com (Black Friday sale this weekend) -Robin

[@daviddavis8053]

How much body movement (especially the rib cage) do you use when leading?

[@thedancedojo]

in general, in partner work you want to keep upper body movement to a minimum so your arms are relatively quiet/neutral. that way when you go to indicate a move to your partner it's very clear. if your arms are moving a lot your signals can get lost in the noise -robin

[@daviddavis8053]

@@thedancedojo OK, cool. Like... use whatever movement comes naturally from the steps (weight transfer). Thanks

[@jakx102]

5:30 jake

[@jakx102]

saving for later

[@julla1416]

Is this on 1 or on 2?

[@thedancedojo]

It's a principle that applies to any timing. thats why we demonstrated it without counts. -robin

[@julla1416]

@@thedancedojo Thanks!

[@ParabulaMan]

this is money, real theory.

[@thedancedojo]

Glad you enjoyed! Appreciate you watching -Robin

[@hugoboss3707]

ouh i wouldnt agree letting her go..

[@thedancedojo]

We're explaining how the ideal lead/follow relationship should work, but if you're dancing with a beginner, you're right, letting go of her is going to make her nervous and you have to adjust to your partner and find a way to 1) make her comfortable 2) adjust the moves you do and how you do them to suit her. -Robin

[@mauriciohernandez7673]

Wow that is what happened what you don’t understand connection. This is why people don’t dance together.

[@thedancedojo]

connection and feeling means a lot! thabks for watching Mauricio. -Robin

[@ShineBright__]

Very rigid and to much style !! This kaid of dance you gotta get looser fluid and smooth 😏

[@musicalflow_skillslab]

You seriously call that "magic"? I mean you're on a good way but this really is toddler's lead&follow basics - if the world needs this video, then I hope it's meant for teachers, otherwise we are doomed...

[@thedancedojo]

If everyone executed the basics perfectly and the world didn't need to understand this crucial concept then we wouldn't have filmed this video. Everyone in the world starts from 0, complete ignorance. Your comment assumes people should automatically know things, which is quite silly. You were once a baby who knew nothing and couldn't walk or speak. It's natural. People need information, the basics, to grow. -Robin

[@musicalflow_skillslab]

@@thedancedojo Thanks for the answer! My comment only assumes that teachers should know the basics. And teach them. As this is not about imperfect execution, it's about not knowing something in the first place. I understand that we are all in a phase of development - we all need to grow. Let's keep up the good work for a better future! Thanks for the video.

[@thedancedojo]

@@musicalflow_skillslab totally agree man. If only all the teachers taught what was ideal! We're all learning and growing. thanks for watching and the discussion :)

[@natashasalsafusion927]

Oh yes, the world needs videos like these. Social dancers, teachers, students... it's a great reminder for everyone. However, usually the ones who need this the most aren't the ones who watch things like this. But hopefully they will. :) Anyway, it's important to emphasize the importance of doing the basics the right way. If you have a strong foundation, you can build up on that more easily and it will all make sense. People tend to go straight into patterns without really understanding the mechanics of basic principles such as lead and follow. It just doesn't work. It's like building a house from the roof down. So big thumbs up for topics like these! Let's work on those strong foundations. #backtobasics

[@thedancedojo]

@@natashasalsafusion927 Great to hear of teachers like yourself focusing on helping students cultivate those strong foundations Natasha 🙌🏽

[@mildamartisius8490]

You’re awesome

[@thedancedojo]

You're awesome Milda! Thanks for the love -Robin