Copa in Salsa On2: definition, module and class

Taught in

Copa, a module of Partnerwork 101

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From the module notes

What It Is 🍸

The Copa takes the Breakback you already know, adds the check, and turns it into:

a change of direction on 7, into a turn on 1

We start it from a left to left connection, which is the most common way and counts as the basic Copa.

Why It Is Here At All 🎓

Honestly, the Copa is not really a beginner move. It normally shows up in intermediate classes.

I am putting the fundamentals in front of you now because the variations of the Copa are some of the coolest moves you will ever learn, and they come much more easily if you already understand the foundation underneath them.

Lead: Steps and Technique 🕺

The Breakback here is smaller and more compact than the big open one you used going into the Enchufa. You need to stay compact because you are changing direction quickly.

6 7, 1 2 3
5, 6, then 7, which is the same prep you used for the check
and then you are on 1

You do not need all that energy going back. Going slightly to the side is enough.

Starting To Dance Circular 🔄

This is the moment the dance stops being purely linear.

When you dance Cross Body Lead you are not only dancing on a line. Staying strictly linear is more of an LA feel. In Mambo, On2 style, you use a bit more circular energy.

Opening out to the side like this is also what sets up other moves, an Axle Turn for example.

💡 Drill it: Keep the Breakback small. If it opens up as big as the Enchufa version, you will not make the direction change in time.

🎯 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 It Is 🍸

The Copa takes the Breakback you already know, adds the check, and turns it into:

a change of direction on 7, into a turn on 1

We start it from a left to left connection, which is the most common way and counts as the basic Copa.

Why It Is Here At All 🎓

Honestly, the Copa is not really a beginner move. It normally shows up in intermediate classes.

Lead: Steps and Technique 🕺

The Breakback here is smaller and more compact than the big open one you used going into the Enchufa. You need to stay compact because you are changing direction quickly.

6 7, 1 2 3
5, 6, then 7, which is the same prep you used for the check
and then you are on 1

You do not need all that energy going back. Going slightly to the side is enough.

Starting To Dance Circular 🔄

This is the moment the dance stops being purely linear.

When you dance Cross Body Lead you are not only dancing on a line. Staying strictly linear is more of an LA feel. In Mambo, On2 style, you use a bit more circular energy.

Opening out to the side like this is also what sets up other moves, an Axle Turn for example.

💡 Drill it: Keep the Breakback small. If it opens up as big as the Enchufa version, you will not make the direction change in time.

🎯 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.