Salsa
The Prep
Load before you fire. The wind-up that coils the follow's momentum before releasing her into a turn.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A preparatory wind-up: the lead raises and extends the joined hand with brief counter-pressure and a small counter-body twist to load the follow's weight onto her spin foot and coil her, then releases into a turn. It does not travel — it is the setup that makes single and multiple spins clean. (Note: canonical name is "the prep"; some studios loosely call a dramatic lean-back "Titanic," but standard usage reserves "Titanic" for the W-arms/butterfly figure.)
Key Points
- Lead: Coil, don't yank — load her weight onto the correct foot, then release; the spin energy comes from the release, not a pull.
- Follow: Receive the raised hand, settle your weight (right foot for a right turn), allow a slight coil — don't pre-turn before the release.
- Timing: On1 prep ~3, pressure 5-6-7. On2 prep on 1 into the turn on 2. For multiples, signal with an "&1" (On2) or "&4" (On1).
- Common mistake: Prepping too hard or too late (yanking instead of coiling); follow turning before the release.
Style Notes
The prep is the difference between a wobbly single and a clean triple. "Load and fire" — smooth wind-up, sharp release.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
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