"Shines refers to the sequence of solo footwork syncopations and patterns performed by the salsero or salsera to the rhythm and accents of salsa.

Fundamentally Shines takes the salsa basic step to another intrinsic level as you are given the freedom to move and interpret the music as you see fit.

Shines usually involve more complex footwork combinations, syncopations and patterns than the standard salsa basic steps.

As shines gives the individual a chance to "shine" it enables you to express your own individuality while at the same time complimenting your partner. As a result today there are many, many different shine patterns and variations with new ones being created every day.

And each salsero and salsera will usually have their own preference of tailored shine steps and sequences that they commonly use when "breaking" into a shine.

Shines are commonly done when the leader lets go of the follower while dancing salsa and when the music breaks into a sequence of hits and combinations on the conga beat of the music. They then each perform their own solo sequence of shine patterns and moves.

There is no rule of how long you should shine or not shine and is simply a matter of personal preference. Some dancers like to shine often, and some prefer not to shine at all.

As salsa is a highly mutable rhythm and uses the most common time signature of all (4/4 time), it is quite common to see shines incorporating influences across a wide range of dance genres. Shine sequences more commonly includes influences from Rumba, Jazz and Tap but can also include Samba and more lately Hip-hop and funk among others.

Other than being a break after completing turn pattern after turn pattern, shines are a great way to improve your footwork speed, co-ordination, timing, precision, sharpness, body movement and how you overall listen to the music.

With practice you will learn how to "play" and dance to the music as well as incorporating elements of shines as part of your turn patterns.

Shines is first introduced in Salsa Beginners 2 and is a core element of Salsa Intermediate 1 & 2, Intermediate/Advanced 1 & 2 and Advanced salsa levels."