Why On2?

[dickda1]

Ok, I am a beginner. I am starting this thread because I am mystified. Why On2? It has probably been explored here to the nth degree - so I apologise.

But, I am confused. Is this simply a difference between patterns in one part of the world and the next (or American East Coast and West Coast)?

Is there something here beyond wanting the challenge of learning all the patterns to different steps?

As a beginner, I am struggling with a dozen or more fundamental patterns. I realise that the issue here is for intermediate/advanced dancers. But, I am curious. It seems that there is a certain touch of distinction to someone who dances On2.

-Dick

[peachexploration]

Hi Dickda1. The difference between the two are not the patterns. Essentially, the same patterns you do when dancing On1, you can do them when dancing On2. The main difference it the beat of which you're "breaking" on, hence breaking On1 or On2. :) I also don't think any one is more difficult than the other. The difficulty comes when you are "transitioning" from one to the other. See the following threads:

:arrow: On1 Transitioning to On2 Corner (http://www.salsaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=576)
:arrow: I Will Defeat Operation Setback! (http://www.salsaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=444)
:arrow: Dancing On2 with others who have danced On1 (http://www.salsaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=575)
:arrow: Is On2 harder to learn (http://www.salsaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=151)

[yola]

somehow it has a more 'jazzy' feel..

[simona]

Hi Dick,
It has to do with the music and the connection to it. Dancing on 1 has a different feeling than Dancing on 2 since you're emphasizing a different beat in the music. Both ways have value depending on how you, as a dancer, want to move to a particular song.

[dickda1]

Wow

Thanks guys. Its going to be a while before I try On2, but you cleared up a big mystery for me. Thanks!

-Dick

[pr]

This homepage gives explanations for different timings :arrow: http://www.dancefreak.com/stories/steps.htm :)

[irMaxSALSA]

...the instructor or video is capable of explaining why dancing 'On2' is called dancing 'On2'.

The last thing you want is to invest money in an instructor that is 'faking the funk'.

[peachexploration]

Wow

Thanks guys. Its going to be a while before I try On2, but you cleared up a big mystery for me. Thanks!

-Dick
Great, glad we could help, Dickda1. :)

[dickda1]

OK, it looks like a lot of people (30-50%) learn on1 depending on where they live. Perhaps they just learn salsa and don't really know that on1 or on2 exists.

I must admit from looking over the forums, that many dancers who learn on1 may eventually learn on2 after a while. It looks like a lot of LA dance and American east coast is concerned with on2. When that happens, do you guys stick with on2 forever more? What happens when you encounter a partner who is on1. Do you resort to shines to 'disconnect' from the other person's timing?

-Dick

[peachexploration]

Most of the students attending classes with me now are not really 'converters'. They are learning on2 so that they will have more people to dance with when they go to congresses or visit outside their area, etc.. I, on the other hand plan to convert completely :lol: BUT that doesn't mean I won't dance on1 from time to time whether it be Casino or LA styles. Particularly, since most of the people dance those styles in my area.

[MacMoto]

I'm learning on2 because I would like to visit NY and dance there one day... Also, I like the feel of on2 when the music has a strong mambo feel. Since on2 is a small minority in Scotland, I still dance on1 (LA style) and Cuban/Casino most of the time. I seek out on2 dancers when a good mambo comes on, but it's mainly about music. Some songs suit on1 LA style better, some songs very Cuban... and I also love the different feels of these different dance styles. I don't think I could ever be an "on1-only", "on2-only" or "cuban-only" dancer. I like variety, both in music and dance.

[salcero2005]

Everyone in NYC doesn't dance On2. There are plenty of people that dance On1. Its best to be able to dance on any beat. IMO, if a woman is a good follower she can follow any beat. On2 is the cool thing to do. You know NYC is gonna be unique.

Many people say dancing On2 is more natural, but I think that depends on the song. Certain songs have a strong clave and are conducive to dancing on the clave. Meanwhile, unless you've trained your ear its harder to find the 2 in other songs. Even Eddie Torres, the so-called King of Mambo, starts his count On1. I think this is because the 1 is actually more intuitive.

To tell you the truth, I don't like the whole 1,2,3 thing. We should just be able to go out and have fun. I've danced with women from all over the world. Some have never been to dance school or learned the US versions of salsa, but we addapted and had a good time. I want to reach a point where I can quickly evaluate my partner's style and addapt.

I'm not impressed by regiments or guys that just stand there and spin their partner without even dancing.

[peachexploration]

OK, it looks like a lot of people (30-50%) learn on1 depending on where they live. Perhaps they just learn salsa and don't really know that on1 or on2 exists.

I must admit from looking over the forums, that many dancers who learn on1 may eventually learn on2 after a while. It looks like a lot of LA dance and American east coast is concerned with on2. When that happens, do you guys stick with on2 forever more? What happens when you encounter a partner who is on1. Do you resort to shines to 'disconnect' from the other person's timing?

-DickDickda1, all of this is a matter of either environment or preference. You can stick to just one style or learn them all. If on1 is the predominant style in your area, then you don't have to learn anything else if you don't want to. If you're curious about on2 and just want to learn, then that's fine as well. Nothing is carved in stone. As an individual, you can choose anything you like. :D The good thing about learning different styles is that you'll have more partners to dance with, that's all. If you go someplace where you break on the one instead of the two or three and you've learned them all, it won't matter. You have the best of all worlds, you can adjust to whatever beat and all is well. You asked the original question of "Why On2?" My answer would be, if that's what your preference is and you love it, "Why not?" ;)