Festival: Bachaturo 2025 (August 15-17)
What is Cross Body Salsa?
Cross-body salsa, also known as New York style salsa, is a linear style of salsa dancing characterized by a «cross-body lead» where the lead dancer guides the follow to pass in front of them, creating a cross-body motion. This style is danced in an open position with partners facing each other, often maintaining a handhold throughout the movement.
Linear Movement:
Unlike Cuban salsa, which has more circular patterns, cross-body salsa emphasizes linear movement, with dancers often following a «slot» or line of dance.
Cross-Body Lead:
The defining move is the cross-body lead, where the lead dancer steps to the side, allowing the follow to pass in front of them, creating the «cross-body» action.
Open Position:
Partners typically dance facing each other, often holding one hand, creating an open position.
Footwork:
The footwork involves stepping forward, backward, and sideways, with the lead dancer initiating the movement and the follow responding and mirroring the steps.
Turns and Spins:
The cross-body lead is a fundamental move that sets up many turns and spins in salsa dancing.
Examples:
New York style salsa and LA style salsa are both examples of linear salsa styles that utilize the cross-body lead
source
