Excuse my Salsa Ignorance what really is the difference between on 1 and on 2?

Question

I know on 1 is west coast and on 2 is east but quite literally what do you do different? And are the two different enough that if i don't know on 2 and go to the east coast will I not be able to dance if someone asks. Again forgive my ignorance I have only been dancing salsa a short while and I am learning on the west coast so I guess I am learning on 1.

Answer 1

It's not entirely accurate to say that only the west coast dances On1 and only the east coast dances On2 or New York Style On2 (henceforth 'NYOn2'). I've found that On1, On2 and NY On2 are danced throughout the country. I believe On1 to be the most popular timing used, with NYOn2 closing in fast, and On2 a distant third. See further below for a description of the basic step on these different timings.

Besides the difference in timing, which I believe may be your biggest hurdle, what you will encounter is that there are several different styles of salsa as well; in other words, different timing doesn't necessarily make for a difference in style. I categorize these different styles as follows: Ballroom, Colombian, Cuban, LA and New York. However, in the context of your question, I will assume that you are referring to LA style and New York Style. These are the differences between those two styles, as I see them:

1) LA (mainly danced On1, but can also be danced On2 or NY On2): Sharpness, speed and precision are usually associated with this style. It's a bit on the coarse side and it's known for incorporating lots of flashy dips and tricks. If you frequent salsa clubs in LA, I'm sure you can attest to the fact that you'll see neck drops and the occasional girl getting flipped. This is a great performance style, but also a good social style of salsa. LA style is the most popular style worldwide (this doesn't necessarily mean it's the best). In the US it's obviously most popular in and around LA, but also throughout the rest country. At the moment, I would say that it's more popular than New York style in the US. A few years back I would have said that it's definitely more popular, but through the advent of salsa congresses, New York style has surged in popularity and has caught up.

2) New York (mainly danced NYOn2, but also danced On2 or On1): This style is defined by smooth, flowing motion with lots of personal style and body movement. This is a great social style, but also a good performance style of salsa. Good New York style dancers, float around the floor while doing their turn patterns and shines. This style obviously is most popular in and around NYC, and the northeast of the US, but as mentioned before it has surged in popularity throughout the country and is gradually gaining popularity in Europe and other parts of the world as well.

Timing...

On1 basic step - the leader 'rocks' or 'breaks' forward with the left foot on count 1 of the 8-count, steps in place with the right foot on count 2, brings the left foot a half-step behind the right on count 3, holds on count 4, rocks back with the right foot on count 5, steps in place with the left foot on count 6, brings the right foot a half-step in front of the left foot on count 7 and holds count 8.

On2 basic step (aka "Power On2" or "Palladium Style On2") - the leader holds count 1, rocks back with the right foot on count 2, steps in place with the left foot on count 3, brings the right foot a half-step in front of the left on count 4, holds on count 5, rocks forward with the left foot on count 6, steps in place with the right foot on count 7 and brings the left foot a half-step behind the right on count 8. Notice that the steps are identical to On1 except for the difference in timing. (You may also find that On2 is danced with the same foot pattern, but the timing reversed; such that the leader rocks forward on 2 instead of 6).

NYOn2 basic step - leader brings left foot a half-step behind the right on 1, rocks back with the right foot on 2, steps in place with the left foot on 3, holds on 4, brings right foot a half-step in front of the left on 5, rocks forward with the left foot on 6, steps in place with the left foot on 7 and holds on 8. Notice the difference in your foot position when you're doing the hold. (In Puerto Rico, this foot pattern is used, but the timing reversed; such that, the leader rocks forward on 2 instead of 6).

As far as these styles are concerned they are constantly influencing each other, so gradually the distinction between them become less and less obvious, and you'll end up with a style that encompasses elements of both. In fact, the style of On1 that you're learning probably has some New York influences.

To explain this more clearly. I'll offer you an example. I'm an avid salsa dancer and have been for years. I can dance either On1, On2 or NYOn2, but I know that my "style" is predominantly New York because it's where I'm from. When I switch from dancing NYOn2 to On1, I don't pull out a whole new set of turn patterns or change my body movement or my shines, I just change the timing.

So even though their will be some differences in the styles between the west and east coast, your biggest hurdle is overcoming the difference in timing. If you've trained your ears and body to listen for and react to the '1', then dancing NYOn2 will take some getting used; but you don't have to start from scratch, you just have to get used to the adjustment in timing.

Answer 2

As you know, the basic patterns consist of three steps for every four beats of music. Literally, the on-one dancers dance those three steps on one, two and three, with the third step also taking up the fourth beat. On-two, and the mambo from which it originates, take the steps on two, three, and four, with the last taking the fourth beat of the measure and the first beat of the next measure. There are stylistic differences between the two, but if you can dance one you can get right in there on the other with no changes except in the time. I personally come from a ballroom background, and if I'm in a new spot, I naturally dance on two unless I see it isn't the popular thing. (I also note that I usually have a few people ask me if I'm a professional, which is far from the case).

Answer 3

You make the first step of the basic either on 1 or on 2. If you're a leader, your first step is a forward break. (Back break on the right for the follower.) You can do it on 1 or on 2, 1 being the strongest beat in the music. The whole dancing is shifted by one beat. You will be able to dance on 2 just fine if you can dance on 1, just pay close attention to the music. I'm used to dancing on 1, but I never complain if the leader happens to decide to dance on 2 instead. If you're a follower, you have nothing to worry about, you will be fine, just follow. If you're a leader, you get to decide on what beat to dance. Go either with the popular or with the comfortable. If you're new to it noone expects you to be able to switch "fluently".

Answer 4

You know something!!! Dancing is a beat that goes to your heart. I tried to dance on 2 and it doesn't work for me. My mother was a great NYC dancer from the Palladium times, She was my teacher and was on 1. This 2 style came after her times. I have danced with Roberto Rohena, Papito Jala Jala and many more on 1. She told me this 2 is not her timing.

Answer 5

Your are not ignorant for asking that question. The difference is that one is on the beat and the other is syncopated. Syncopated means holding on count one and coming in on count two. It is used in every dance that you can think of not just with Salsa. Each type of dance has different names but it all boils down to on beat or holding for one count.

Answer 6

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