What is “tiempo”?
“Tiempo” is a Spanish term that translates to “time” or “beat” in the context of music and dance. In Rueda de Casino and other forms of Cuban salsa, “tiempo” refers to dancing on the beat, which means stepping in sync with the music’s primary beats.
What defines “tiempo”?
- Connection to Music: In Cuban music, which is typically written in a 4/4 time signature, the beats are evenly spaced and are counted as “1, 2, 3, 4.” Dancing on “tiempo” involves stepping on these strong beats, usually the “1” and “3” beats, which are emphasized in the music. In salsa, it often means stepping on the “1” and “5” counts over two measures of music.
- Rhythmic Precision: Dancing “a tiempo” requires precise timing and coordination with the music. Dancers synchronize their movements directly with the rhythm, ensuring that their steps align perfectly with the beats of the song.
- Musicality: Dancers who dance “a tiempo” are closely connected to the music, as their movements reflect the underlying rhythm and pulse of the song.
Example in Practice:
- In a basic salsa step, the dancer steps forward on the “1” beat, back on the “2,” and back on the “3,” with a pause on the “4.” This pattern is then repeated in the next measure of music.
Connection Between Tiempo and Contratiempo:
- Both “tiempo” and “contratiempo” are integral to understanding and mastering the rhythm and musicality of Rueda de Casino. “Tiempo” provides the foundation by aligning with the strong beats, while “contratiempo” adds complexity and depth by incorporating the off-beats.
- Mastery of both concepts allows dancers to fully engage with the music, offering a rich and varied dance experience that reflects the full range of Cuban musical rhythms.
