Breakback in Salsa On2: definition, module and class

Taught in

From the module notes

What It Is 🔙

The Breakback, sometimes called the Open Break.

You dance your basic, and then on 5, instead of stepping forward, you step back. That is where the name comes from, and it puts distance between the two of you.

Why The Distance Matters 🪢

That distance is the point. It creates tension you can feel:

like a rubber band being extended, and that gives you the energy to come back together

Think of it as pull, push. Pull, push. From here you can lead a great many different things.

Lead: Steps and Technique 🕺

basic 5, 6, then 1 2 3, 5 6 7
offer the hand, 2 3, 5 6 7
go back on 2 3, and come back 5 6 7, 1 2 3

Put your hand there to block her momentum, because she is coming forward into you. The block is what turns her forward energy into the pull.

Follower: Steps and Technique 💃

You are simply dancing your basic footwork, 1 2 3, 5 6 7.

Hold the hand with your fingers in position and do not use the index finger. He needs to be able to switch the hand or change the position, and a gripping index stops him.
When you feel that strength come back, carry on naturally in your basic.
Stay ready. What follows could be a turn behind, a Cross Body Lead, or something else entirely.
Look at him, and feel the connection.

💡 Drill it: If you feel no pull, there is no Breakback. Check the tension before you add anything on top of it.

🎯 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.

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From the module notes

What It Is 🔙

The Breakback, sometimes called the Open Break.

You dance your basic, and then on 5, instead of stepping forward, you step back. That is where the name comes from, and it puts distance between the two of you.

Why The Distance Matters 🪢

That distance is the point. It creates tension you can feel:

like a rubber band being extended, and that gives you the energy to come back together

Think of it as pull, push. Pull, push. From here you can lead a great many different things.

Lead: Steps and Technique 🕺

basic 5, 6, then 1 2 3, 5 6 7
offer the hand, 2 3, 5 6 7
go back on 2 3, and come back 5 6 7, 1 2 3

Put your hand there to block her momentum, because she is coming forward into you. The block is what turns her forward energy into the pull.

Follower: Steps and Technique 💃

You are simply dancing your basic footwork, 1 2 3, 5 6 7.

Hold the hand with your fingers in position and do not use the index finger. He needs to be able to switch the hand or change the position, and a gripping index stops him.
When you feel that strength come back, carry on naturally in your basic.
Stay ready. What follows could be a turn behind, a Cross Body Lead, or something else entirely.
Look at him, and feel the connection.

💡 Drill it: If you feel no pull, there is no Breakback. Check the tension before you add anything on top of it.

🎯 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.