The biggest challenge facing linear Salsa dancers is that conversion to On2 actually feels much like learning a brand new style. As you do familiar moves, they are fitted into a new timing pattern; everything feels back to front, leaving you constantly coming out of them on the wrong timing! That is your body saying, “I want to do it this way!” It becomes like learning a language that is very similar to another one you have learned previously. Say, learning Italian after learning Spanish – from the inherent similarities you understand what things mean, but you’re not really sure if the things coming out of your mouth actually sound right in Italian!
So usually what happens is that dancers get frustrated, because they feel like they’re re-learning to walk again! “Why do I need On2 Salsa? I’m happy dancing On1.”
I discovered Salsa On2 about 12 years ago, and a couple of years later I made the decision that I would make NY Style Salsa my focus. I have never looked back – this style just keeps on giving.
So here are three great reasons to dance On2, aka Salsa from New York, aka Mambo:
Increased sense of musicality – Having to listen harder to the music because of a timing difference makes you notice all sorts of things in the Salsa music! Clave, tumbao, half bars… These words should be familiar to every Salsa dancer. If you don’t know what they mean, you should consider learning Salsa On2. Knowledge is indeed power – it will make your dance experience more complete and satisfying.
Challenge your body movement – When you dance linear Salsa On1, there are intricacies in the movement that are specific on that style. If you simply convert the timing, you’ll end up dancing On1 Salsa to On2 timing. These intricacies are actually really difficult to recognise for an inexperienced dancer (inexperienced, here, is someone who has not studied EACH style properly). After a while of submerging yourself into Salsa On2, you’ll begin to notice the On2-specific characteristics. The dynamic of movement and its fluidity allows for a continuous transition between movements. The spins are sharper, yet there is more time for things! And the footwork is actually different! (It must be, as it lends to different possibilities.) So don’t get into the trap of learning the On2 timing and just converting your On1 moves, but give the dance the respect it certainly deserves!
Flexibility on the social dance floor – Guys, you’ll never have to start the dance by asking your partner what she dances. Just start dancing On2, and if she looks confused you can switch to On1. Ladies, you will be able to dance with any guy, without turning down invitation or apologising in advance for your lack of On2 experience. More flexibility means whether you end up in New York (dominantly On2) or Los Angeles (dominantly On1), you’ll be able to enjoy the richness of Salsa that both have to offer.
Salsa is a little bit like cheese. The more you mature it, the more you let it ripen, the tastier the outcome. Just remember: your ‘optimal conditions’ for Salsa learning are actually a classroom with a knowledgeable instructor 😉
Check out Our Classes page for details on Salsa classes and workshops – and see you all on the dance floor!