The second-most prominent feature in the tumbao moderno is a sharp “crack” sound called the slap stroke. It is particular to the Afro-Cuban drumming tradition, and fulfils a variety of roles in those rhythms.

With respect to the tumbao moderno, we'll learn how to use the sound of the slap stroke as a reference guide for taking salsa steps and how, with the proper alignment, it can help a dancer become more fault-tolerant in terms of timing.