Tips for Followers
Article by Patrcia Gilles, co-instructer on ABC's of Cuban Salsa

1) Arm tension. Always give what you receive - match the tension given to you by your partner and you will not normally go wrong - a good general rule of thumb is that low leads (and by this I mean hip/rib level) generally are after more tension, as soon as the lead goes above the shoulder (again generally speaking) you should drop the level of tension in the arms. But you should not go wrong by matching your partner.

2) Styling. Styling should always be natural - the best styling is the one that looks like it's an extension of your natural body movement - it should never look 'fake' or forced. The best way to begin styling is when you're dancing with a guy start looking for the opportunities where you have a free arm - once you get used to where they are, you can start to think about using them. Start small - a hand over your head or a simple arm extension up for one beat and then drop (it's always best to go up - go out to the side and you may take out another couple...) Get used to just one styling move and do it until it becomes natural. Once you do this your confidence will increase and you'll be able to throw in other little embellishments... Oh and if you style, make it graceful! Do it completely or not at all - much better to have a completely extended arm than a limp half hearted attempt - it will look worse than no styling at all!

3) Arms Up. When you're dancing in general keep your arms up at hip / waist height as this will a) help you keep your balance b) Make it easier for the lead to find them c) hake it easier for you to get to the leads hands when offered d) hook more graceful e) actually help your body movement by giving you something to counter your weight with - this will naturally make your arms and shoulders move more rhythmically.

4) Basic Steps First. Develop an internal sense of timing, independently. Listen to salsa music and practice tapping out the beat. Master the basic step. Keep the beat throughout a song. Practice ! Take small steps ! It's good for following/helping beginner leads, and it's good for following advanced leads. It's also a great foundation for stylistic expression. I've seen too many "advanced" followers get into styling that has nothing to do with the tempo of the music so it really only looks like showing off, because they start out and end up with basic steps that are out of sync.

5) Try Not To Move Yourself. If he didn't lead it, you shouldn't do it. It's hard I know but it's important, especially with crossbody leads. Do not start walking through on your own. Keep that tension so he can lead it with a bit of a snap/whip. It just looks better, more crisp and sharp, with a real pause instead of a continuous, flowing step-back-and-begin-walk kind of motion.

6) In Class. If you lead yourselves in class the leads will not learn / remember the move - and they will not know how to lead it. If he doesn't lead it - don't do it. If he leads something else do that something else. He will learn what he's doing wrong and how to correct it. If you do the moves for him - he'll go on leading it wrong. You will not learn what the signals are for a move and you will not know what you're looking for on the dance floor. Neither of you will be able to translate these moves to the dance floor

7) On the Dance Floor. If you lead yourselves on the dance floor quite simply you are in danger of hurting yourself and your lead by doing one thing when he is trying to do something else! When in frame, don't lock your right elbow! That's a good way to get an elbow or shoulder injury. Keep some bend in your elbow, so that your arm has freedom of movement in case "something happens".

8) Turns. Turns don't be too heavy as it can throw you off tempo. The gentleman should initiate the turn and provide some idea of speed and give a little help, but ladies are responsible for turning themselves after it has begun. And the golden rule? Smile at your partner (this goes for guys too!) - it's supposed to be fun!!