On1, On2, whatever?

Most of the teachers that came along to my salsa holiday in Marrakech (i'll post some videos from the courses later this week) have such a T-shirt: On1, On2, Cuban, whatever, just remember who's the boss. I can agree with the last part, sure.
But the on1 and 2?

Unfortunatly it doesn't work for me like that. Count 123, and you got me, so I still have a lot to learn. 123, remember 2, 2, 2!!!!!

Apparently there are 2 different salsa styles on2, and they sure look different to me. People dance on2 in New York, so it's called New York style.

The following paragraph is copied from Wikipedia:

New York style emphasises efficiency of movement, elegance, and body isolations. By focusing on control, timing, and precision of technique, dancers aim for smooth execution of tightly woven complex patterns. In New York City this style is danced strictly On 2, ....

The etiquette of New York style is strict about remaining in the "slot" and avoiding travelling. ...

Danced on "Hard Salsa". This is mid-to-up-tempo salsa with an emphasis on percussion and band orchestration rather than the vocals.
Wikipedia: Salsa (dance)

The New York style promoted by Eddie Torres and Nelson Flores seems the dominant style all over the world.

I have been learning a different on2 style, called Power 2 / Palladium 2 / Ballroom Mambo. It's basically the same as on1, but they shift a beat, so it's on2.
The timing feels very close to the LA style on1, as opposed to the on2 from Eddie Torres.

Anyway, the main problem now is I have to learn a 3th style. So another challenge.

The movie below is an explanation of the Eddie Torres step on2.

Salsabrosura - Summersalsa congres 2007

I found one more video from the Summer salsa congres in Brussels. This video is from the shows one of the evenings, though can't remember which one .

Another one on2: Nelson Flores shines and patterns

I took several classes with Nelson Flores during the Summer salsa congress and he comes up with really nice patterns AND is a good teacher, that goes a long way with these difficult patterns.
Difficult (at least for me), but smooth.

First shines ending up in a eeuhm "cuban pulsation", and then getting back on 2?
I had a hard time, but it still is a nice set of shines.



If you listened, he is counting 1 ... 567, very confusing. What's this: salsa on 1 or on 2?
I could not focus on the 2, but after some time it makes sense. It's just a matter of getting into the habit.

I collected some links on Nelson Flores if you are interested:

• Interview by Eddie the salsa freak


• General intro, a little outdated


• A workshop by Nelson Flores filmed in Paris

Conny and Oscar on 2

Like I said before, I am taking salsa classes with Oscar and Conny ( ok I skipped this season :-) and recorded the video below some time ago.

The pattern can be tricky, especially the half-turn, but it moves from side to side in a fluid way. Watch the video and you will know, no editing, just salsa.



If you wonder: that dark low voice saying "once again", that's me :-)).
So if you want to take salsa classes on 2 in Brussels or Antwerpen have a look at their website.