Common turns
The following turns are used in almost all salsa dancing regardless of the basic used or style employed.
- Outside Turn (Underarm Turn) – similar to the "arch turn" in swing and many other dances, follower turns clockwise
- Inside Turn – follower turns counterclockwise (to her left)
- Spot Turn – either, or often both, partners turn 360° remaining in the same spot
- Extension – partners break in opposing directions to build arm tension between them. Often leads into a spot turn or an in-and-out.
- In-and-Out (Copa) - From a cross-hand hold (left over right), leader creates an extension, then pulls the woman in with the right hand while leading the left hand over her head to the other side of her, causing her to turn 180° to her left. The follower is then pushed back out, and will do at least another half left turn to return her to facing the lead.
- Cross Body Lead – follower is led to opposite side of lead, causing them to swap positions in a counter-clockwise fashion. Exists in other Latin dances such as Cha-cha-cha.
- Reverse Cross Body Lead – same as Cross Body Lead, but couple exchanges positions in a clockwise fashion.
- Basket – A type of extension where the leader is behind the follower and holds the follower's arms wrapped around her shoulders while she breaks forward and the leader breaks backward.
- Windmill – A type of lead for a turn where rather than leading the turn from above the follower's head, the leader loops the arm widely down and up, so that the movement appears more vertical than horizontal.