"Hi Edie,
I've just started to learn Salsa. I think I've managed to learn the basic steps. The 2 big problems I'm having right now which is kinda preventing me from going further are
1. Knowing when to break out
2. Recognizing the beat in the music.

I know that you need to keep in tune with the sound of the clave instrument to dance Salsa. But I can't recognize this sound from the rest of the music! Any suggestions? Is there any place on the web or some audio file that has this sound. Or alternatively, could you add audio effects to the animated steps on your web site.
Thanks a lot...
-DS



Dear DS,
Knowing when to break out... of what? If you mean go into shines, or what we call "solo" moves (dancing without embracing or holding your partner), it's just a matter of feeling the music, or if you get sick of your partner not following your lead.  

Relax.  Let your heart tell you.   You'll just "Know" when it's right to do shines (usually during hard-core percussion sections).  It's good to let the lady go into a solo for at least 10% of the song.  So let her. 

As for recognizing the beat in the music, you can find this very easy to learn from the Eddie Torres timing tape located at www.salsafreak.com/ee .  Mr. Elliott Lampert, the producer, put on a phenomenal production of where to find the rhythm in complex percussion instruments playing this beautiful Latin rhythm.  The tape is quite brilliant, very inexpensive, and well worth it. 

I would also suggest listening to Salsa music CONSTANTLY - in your car, at home, and at work.  Get tapes made by the DJs at clubs if you have to, and just sit there and figure it out.  You'll get it.  Don't worry.  If you don't get the beat after about a year or so, then ask your dance partners to help you keep in the rhythm.  Don't be shy or proud about it.  Trust me, they'll love to help you stay in rhythm.  You also may want to read my "Off-Beat Support Group" column for more info on people who have trouble finding the rhythm, and what to do about it. 

There is also a FANTASTIC website created by Mr. Ray Biss, that describes the beats in musical measures and the sounds of the rhythms from virtually every percussion instrument imaginable.  The website can be found at www.cam.org/~raybiss/rhythms/index.html .  His site is so good, that we gave it Salsaweb's prestigious "Website of the Year" award in 1999. 

Best of luck to you my friend!  Keep dancing!

- Edie, The Salsa FREAK