Salsa is a partner dance. As in most other partner dances, there is a Lead and a Follow. Traditionally, the Lead is a man and the Follow is a woman, but this is not always the case.

Lead

• He or she should be using their body to indicate to the follow which move is coming next.
• The lead must remember many moves and be able to string them together while dancing.
• Lead will start with left foot on first beat.  

Follow 

• This person will be moving according to the direction of the Lead.
• She or he must be willing to be guided in order for this dance to look elegant.
• The Follow must be able to detect slight pressure in the hands, arms, hips, etc. and know what each signal means.
• It is also important for the Follow to develop good balance and flexibility.  
• Follow will start with right foot on first beat.