Yamulemau by Joe Arroyo

Coaching Notes:

Pre-Teach: Yes
Focus: external
Purpose: To create interaction and connection.

Pre-Teach: This is a salsa rhythm throughout the whole song and we will explore dancing that rhythm both alone and together. First try this rhythm with me, put it in your feet: 123-123. Keep your steps small.
Don’t worry about getting it right – this is about having fun and exploring dancing with someone else.
Now as you dance the 123-123 turn to the person next to you and take their hand softly. Really gently.
You can hold one hand, two hands, you can turn – simply explore moving and dancing while connecting with another person. Maybe you are leading, maybe the other person is leading – just see what happens.
I promise you, you can’t get it wrong – put a smile on your face and have fun with it.

First move: 123-123 (no partner). Start with putting the 123-123 in your feet. And right now you are dancing on your own, no partnering yet. Bend your kness slightly so your hips can move with it.
Now add you shoulders to your dance.
Can you add your arms too?
What about your chest – how can you move your chest with it?
Let your hips move with it – give it that latin feel.
Travel the room moving sideways, backwards and with lots of turning.
What does it feel like to put a smile on your face?
Listen to the music and let it inspire how you dance it!
Show me how you dance salsa – doesn’t matter if you know salsa – just explore the rhythm and dance. Is it possible to get your head moving as well?
Give yourself permission to dance this with your own style and personality – your way is the right way!
Second move: Alright, take the hand of the person closest to you. Remember, there’s no right or wrong – just dancing. Let your hands be soft and start to move together.
Can you travel together?
Can you turn together?
Add your breath and see if you can relax into it and have fun.
How can you dance with each other?
Simply try out different ways of dancing together. Maybe you follow, maybe you lead – maybe it changes. Just explore! You can’t get it wrong – this is about play and joy. How can yo have fun with it?
Now wave goodbye to your partner – give them a smile!
Transitions:
No set transitions. It’s important that you start the dance with them dancing alone, getting into the groove and rhythm. When they partner up, be aware that they don’t stay with the same partner too long. You observe, and let them know when to change partner. You can have them dance a bit on their own before finding a new partner.