Palladium Drop in Salsa On2: definition, module and class

Taught in

Basic Step 3, a module of Salsa Footwork 101

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From the module notes

The Palladium Drop is your go-to variation. This signature Mambo move uses a syncopated "and 2" rhythm: bend deep on 7, Flare your free leg on 8 with the knee turned in (front of the shoe facing forward), then drop down on "and" while tapping your foot back on 2. Think down, not forward, and keep your chest upright throughout.
The drop is not a jump. Despite what some dancers call it, the Palladium Drop is about sinking down into your standing leg, not launching upward or lurching forward. Your knees and hips absorb the movement while your chest stays lifted, creating a smooth, controlled look rather than a collapse.
Count the "and", don't skip it. One of the most common beginner mistakes is blending the syncopation into a single beat 2. Counting "and 2" as two distinct moments gives the Palladium Drop its stylish, smooth quality and is also easier on your body.
The Diamond Step combines a side step, tap, and Passé with level changes. Step to the side on 1, tap on 2 with a hip twist inward, then bring your knee up into a Passé on 3 while twisting your hips out. This creates a bouncy, dynamic quality, go down on 1, then rise up through 2 and 3 before continuing with 5, 6, 7.
Layer your mechanics gradually. Start the Diamond Step with just the footwork, then add the hip twist on the tap and Passé, then experiment with level changes. Once comfortable, bring in your basic Salsa arm movement. These layers are what transform a simple step into something beautiful.

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From the module notes

The Palladium Drop is your go-to variation. This signature Mambo move uses a syncopated "and 2" rhythm: bend deep on 7, Flare your free leg on 8 with the knee turned in (front of the shoe facing forward), then drop down on "and" while tapping your foot back on 2. Think down, not forward, and keep your chest upright throughout.
The drop is not a jump. Despite what some dancers call it, the Palladium Drop is about sinking down into your standing leg, not launching upward or lurching forward. Your knees and hips absorb the movement while your chest stays lifted, creating a smooth, controlled look rather than a collapse.
Count the "and", don't skip it. One of the most common beginner mistakes is blending the syncopation into a single beat 2. Counting "and 2" as two distinct moments gives the Palladium Drop its stylish, smooth quality and is also easier on your body.
The Diamond Step combines a side step, tap, and Passé with level changes. Step to the side on 1, tap on 2 with a hip twist inward, then bring your knee up into a Passé on 3 while twisting your hips out. This creates a bouncy, dynamic quality, go down on 1, then rise up through 2 and 3 before continuing with 5, 6, 7.
Layer your mechanics gradually. Start the Diamond Step with just the footwork, then add the hip twist on the tap and Passé, then experiment with level changes. Once comfortable, bring in your basic Salsa arm movement. These layers are what transform a simple step into something beautiful.