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On 1" Vs. "On 2"
My humble opinion, and
explanation.
"On1" is also known as L.A. Style
"On2" is also known as Mambo, and N.Y. Club Style Salsa
First understand that both are acceptable, and fun!
Both are danced to the 123, 567 counts. With holds on the 4, &
8 counts of music!
Both styles start with the Man using the Left foot, and the Lady using
the Right.
So what's the difference? The difference is where
the man chooses to place that Left foot. If he starts the dance by stepping
forward on the first beat of music he is dancing "On1".
If he
does a step in place, (or slightly back) with the Left foot on the first
beat of music he is dancing "On2". Why? Because he has changed the
placement of the rock step back, to the 2 beat of music. Hence the name
"On2".
Thoroughly
confused? Let me explain.
Left
foot forward "On 1" (also calling it a Rock step, or
Break step)
Hold
4 (both feet together holding on the floor)
Right
foot back on 5 (also calling it a Rock step, or Break step)
Hold 8
(both feet together holding on the floor)
Left
foot steps down in place on 1
Right
foot back "On 2" (also calling it a Rock step, or
Break step)
Hold 4
(feet are not together on this hold)
Left
foot forward on 6 (also calling it a Rock step, or Break step)
Hold 8
(feet are not together on this hold)
So the difference is where you place the rock step, or break action.
Instead of "breaking" on the 1st and 5th beats as in
"On1" Style. "On 2" dancers "break" their
movement, or "rock step" on the 2nd and 6th beats of
the measure. Calling it "breaking On 2", or "dancing On
2".
Other differences are where the leads occur. "On 1" dancers
use the 3 & 7 beats of music to initiate turns for the lady, and cross
body leads. Where as in the "On 2" timing fits the
rhythm of salsa music by using the strongest beats in the rhythm (the 1st and
5th beats), to initiate turns for the lady, and cross body leads. In other
words, the 1 and 5 downbeats are what drive the "On 2"
dancer.
For Cha Cha dancers the pattern is exactly the same
as that of "On 2", aka "Mambo" (except for the two “cha cha's”)
Most of New York, and Puerto Rico's top professionals only dance the
"On2" style. As they feel that the music is better interpreted by
placing the break actions to fit the 2 beat of the Clave.
You choose for yourself which you prefer, but you can only do that if
you learn both!
By Ashley "Angel" McKenna - Cosalda Dance Company
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