Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing to "Night and Day" from the Musical "The Gay Divorcee " (1934, RKO Radio Pictures).

Salsa is a partner dance, so it seems to me that we should be able to learn something from one of the greatest dance couples in the history of dance. I have myself created several Salsa figures from this one routine.

When you watch Fred and Ginger dance, notice their connection to each other, their postures, how Fred leads a move and how Ginger follows it, the way they execute each move with both grace and style... There is so much to learn from watching great dancers in any dance.

Go to the Salsa Congress and you will see more comtemporary dancing, more athletic dancing, even more entertaining dancing.... But you won't see better dancing.

If you are a beginning dancer, watch this clip and take notes. Leaders should study how Fred leads a crossbody, how he leads a turn, how he always keeps himself centered and balanced. Followers should note how Ginger executes spins, how she uses arm tone to follow and know when (and when not) to turn, how she uses her arms for styling.

Yes, yes, I know it's choreography. But, what do you think your current Salsa instructor is doing when he demonstrates the pattern to you that he is going to teach you?

If you are an Intermediate to Advanced dancer, you should be able to watch this clip and get from it at least one good pattern you can execute in Salsa. I dare you. I double-dog dare you.

Enjoy!