I'm taking salsa on one lessons with a new teacher, who's really trying to clean up my technique. I thought I was doing the inside turns well, but my new teacher pointed out that I look like I'm clomping through it by alternately transferring my weight from foot to foot as I "pass" my feet, "as if walking"...sounds odd but that's the way I was originally taught to do it.

I'll do my best to explain what I've
been doing in the past:

step forward on LF on count 5, weight is on left foot

then "pass" my RF very closely beside and past the LF "as if walking" landing with my right raised heel directly in front of and almost touching my left toe and pivoting 180 degrees, ending with my weight solidly on the RF and facing my partner on count 6

then on 7 "pass" the LF back, closly beside and past the RF "as if walking", landing with my left toe closely behind the the right heel as I pivot 180 degrees ending with my weight solidly on my LF and my back to my partner,

then on count 8 bringing my RF around as I turn 180 degrees on the LF, to face my partner, then step down on count one to begin the basic again.

My new teacher says it should be more of a turning/rotating motion with the feet close together toe to heel, rather than the walking effect I've been doing, but I just don't understand how to do it...how not to look like I'm transferring my weight from foot to foot as if clomping. I came home from my lesson very discouraged, wondering if was approaching the wall of my ability. Regardless of talent, I want to dance very much...not to compete or perform, but for the enjoyment of doing something I've always wanted to do.

Any suggestions form the experts here will be very appreciated.

Without seeing exactly what you are dancing-- I,m guessing that it seems to imply that the teacher is looking to create a more " cuban" style rotation , than the LA style which tends to stay in the " slot ".

Both are correct-- matter of personal preference-- I teach a slot style to beginners and gradually wean them into a more traditional cuban style .

As a follower, it doesnt hurt to be a little more pliable in your variety .

Terence, you are the man!!! I always look forward to your answers! Yes, my new instruction does feel more circular than what I've done in the past, plus I've always wanted to learn Cuban style, as well as LA and on two. It's a relief to know the first technique I learned is NOT wrong, but simply a different style. I've been so frustrated about being taught errors in the past, because I'm very concientious about practicing exactly as taught to the minute detail as much as I'm capable. I practice every spare minute of every day, so it's hard to unlearn what's become so ingrained. If this instructor is simply teaching a different style, I don't need to unlearn the slotted style. It's much easier to think of it, as I will now, as learning something completely new! Now I'm happy! Thank you!

Your very welcome-- enjoy !-- most that get into " Cuban" style, prefer it to the LA .

Ask him if he teaches Cuban Son-- more melodic, and slower more expressive moves -- thats where the original form stems from.

Beuna suerte