Here is a good video explaining the differences.

Salsa Basic Instruction

Here is discussed the differences between Mambo, Salsa on 1 and Salsa on 2.

The basic step in all the dances is the same.

• Forward with the left
• In place with the right
• Close with left
• Back with the right
• In place with the left
• Close with the right

That is only six steps and there is eight beats to the music. We left out two pauses.

Where you put the two pauses and when you step in relation to the music is the difference between the dances.

Mambo and Salsa on 1 Differences

The pauses in Mambo and Salsa on 1 are the same, coming after the Close step.

The difference is when you take your first break step forward.

• Salsa on 1 starts on the 1 and pauses on the 4 and 8
• Mambo starts on 2 and pauses on the 1 and 5

The dances are typically counted differently.

• Salsa on 1 is counted: One, Two, Three, pause, Five, Six, Seven
• Mambo is counted: pause, Two, Three, Four, pause, Two, Three, Four

Both break forward on the first step. A break step is a change of direction step. If you count Quick, Quick, Slow, you change directions on the Quick, Quick in both dances. This gives both dances the same feel, which is an out and back movement.

Salsa on 1 verses Salsa on 2 the differences

The steps for Salsa on 1 and Salsa on 2 are the same. The pauses are also the same, being on 4 and 8.

The difference is when you take your break step.

• Salsa on 1 - break step is on 1 and 5
• Salsa on 2 - break step is on 2 and 6
• Pauses are still on 4 and 8

You count both dances as: One, Two, Three, pause, Five, Six, Seven

The break step is the change of direction step.

This is the man's footwork. Woman's footwork is the same, but the woman starts on 5.

Salsa on 1

1. Left forward
2. Right home
3. Left home
4. Pause
5. Right back
6. Left home
7. Right home
8. Pause

Salsa on 2

1. Left home
2. Right back
3. Left home
4. Pause
5. Right home
6. Left forward
7. Right home
8. Pause

If you watch how the dances flow, the difference is On 1 you step out and back, out and back.

On 2, you take two steps forward and change directions, then two steps back and change directions.

On 1 is stop and go, while On 2 is continuous movement. You can count them like this.

By Andrew Weitzen, DanceCalendar.info, Bronze Inc. (c) 2010.

Andrew Weitzen is the author of Partnership Dancing™, How to Communicate Every Step in Every Social Dance Unambiguously.