The ISTD Cuban Salsa Syllabus, published by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), is a technical reference book covering 31 Cuban Salsa syllabus figures across four progressive levels: Pre-Bronze (Student Teacher), Bronze (Associate), Silver (Licentiate) and Gold (Fellowship).
Originally published in 2015 as Cuban Salsa Technique, the book was issued in 2023 under the title Cuban Salsa Syllabus, with a new cover and title page.
Cuban Salsa Technique and Technical Charts
The book begins with an introduction to Casino de la Rueda, describing its social origins, circular formations, partner changes and the role of the caller.
A section on feet positions and body actions explains the compact movement characteristic of Cuban Salsa, including the Cuban T position, ball-heel foot action and partner coordination.
The syllabus provides technical information covering:
- Foot positions and weight changes
- Counts and timing
- Amount of turn
- Leading actions and hand connections
- Leader and follower movements
- Open and closed holds
- Figure combinations and transitions
- Additional technical notes
Contents – 31 Cuban Salsa Syllabus Figures
Pre-Bronze – Student Teacher
- Basics
- Arriba
- Exhibela Turn
- Cuban Rotation
Bronze – Associate
- Exhibela Turn with Cuban Rotation
- Enchufla
- Dile Que No
- Dile Que Si
- Guapea
- Casino
- Sombrero
- Setenta Ending 1 (Elbow Lock)
Silver – Licentiate
- Setenta Ending 2 (Leader’s R Turn)
- Setenta Ending 3 (Overhead Lock)
- Sacala
- Enchufla Ending 1 (Double Elbow Lock)
- Enchufla Ending 2 (2 Hand Sweep)
- Enchufla and Leaders Left Turns
- Sombrero Doble (Sweep Ending)
- La Caminata
- Dile Que No and Leaders Dip
- Dile Que No and Wrap
Gold – Fellowship
- Advanced Basics
- Sombrero Triple Ending 1 (Arm Swing)
- Sombrero Triple Ending 2 (Walk Round)
- Enchufla Doble
- Enchufla Mariposa
- Dile Que No and Leaders Drop
- El Gancho
- Setenta Complicado 1
- Setenta Complicado 2
A Reference for Cuban Salsa Teaching and Examination Preparation
The syllabus progresses from basic movements and partner connections to more complex turns, arm combinations and figure sequences.
Its technical charts allow teachers and students to examine individual figures, review leader and follower actions and study the prescribed syllabus material.
The book is suitable for Cuban Salsa teachers, ISTD examination candidates, dance instructors, coaches and students studying Cuban Salsa technique.
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