What is a Break Step?
In Salsa, a break step occurs when the person dancing switches between stepping forward and backward. While dancing with a partner, the break step has one person step towards the other, while the other steps away from them. There are 2 break steps within one 8-count of music, and ideally, the distance between the partners remains constant.
The following video demonstrates what a break step looks like for common styles of Salsa:
Break Step: Salsa on 1
While dancing LA style, or Salsa on 1, the break step occurs on the counts of 1 and 5 within each 8-count. On the first count, the lead steps forward and pushes backward while the follow steps backwards and pushes forward. On the fifth count, the follow steps forward and pushes backward while the lead steps backwards and pushes forward. While doing footwork without a partner, the break steps and counts resemble those of the lead.
Break Step: Salsa on 2
While dancing New York style, or Salsa on 2, the break step occurs on the counts of 2 and 6 within each 8-count. On the second count, the follow steps forward and pushes backward while the lead steps backwards and pushes forward. On the sixth count, the lead steps forward and pushes backward while the follow steps backwards and pushes forward. While doing footwork without a partner, the break steps and counts resemble those of the follow.
No Comment