Back on the 8 in Salsa On2: definition, module and class

Taught in

Basic Variations, a module of Chachacha & Boogaloo

From the module notes

What This Module Trains 🎯

Three variations on our basic Cha Cha Cha step, using the triple step to travel.

The Move 🧠

Back on the 8. This is a variation I always use in my Salsa, my Mambo footwork: when I go 1 2 3, 5 6 7, I always go 8 and 1 2 3.

Twist Cha Cha Cha. I twist the hips here, and as I twist my hip to the left I step on my right toe.

Shuffle Cha Cha Cha. Here on 7 we are going to do three jumps, a very small jump on the spot where I just shuffle my feet on 8 and 1.

How the Drill Runs 🔁

Back on the 8.
Twist Cha Cha Cha.
Shuffle Cha Cha Cha.
Then from the back, same three.

Technique Cues 💡

Only the hips twist, the upper body stays still.
Stay low, knees bent, step on the toes.
On the shuffle you are letting yourself fall, feet gliding on the floor.

💡 Drill it: run the three variations back to back on the music, small and low.

🎯 Community

Practice without judging yourself. Every dancer started exactly where you are. Be patient. This lands in the body over months, not days. Record yourself. You will see things you cannot feel. Post it in the community tab, or on Instagram tagging the page.

Related moves

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From the module notes

What This Module Trains 🎯

Three variations on our basic Cha Cha Cha step, using the triple step to travel.

The Move 🧠

Back on the 8. This is a variation I always use in my Salsa, my Mambo footwork: when I go 1 2 3, 5 6 7, I always go 8 and 1 2 3.

Twist Cha Cha Cha. I twist the hips here, and as I twist my hip to the left I step on my right toe.

Shuffle Cha Cha Cha. Here on 7 we are going to do three jumps, a very small jump on the spot where I just shuffle my feet on 8 and 1.

How the Drill Runs 🔁

Back on the 8.
Twist Cha Cha Cha.
Shuffle Cha Cha Cha.
Then from the back, same three.

Technique Cues 💡

Only the hips twist, the upper body stays still.
Stay low, knees bent, step on the toes.
On the shuffle you are letting yourself fall, feet gliding on the floor.

💡 Drill it: run the three variations back to back on the music, small and low.

🎯 Community

Practice without judging yourself. Every dancer started exactly where you are. Be patient. This lands in the body over months, not days. Record yourself. You will see things you cannot feel. Post it in the community tab, or on Instagram tagging the page.