Salsa is an energetic, festive, and fun Latin dance, very similar to mambo. It is characterized by small steps, fast moves, turns, spins, and Cuban hip motion.
Salsa has break steps forward and back with a slow beat in between in which there is no weight change. It is a compact dance so is great for a crowded dance floor.
Just as Salsa music developed from multiple cultures, Salsa dancing likewise developed from a fusion of dances, especially from Cuba. Some even claim that Salsa is a product of New York.
In the last half of the 20th century, Salsa took the world by storm and increased in popularity to become one of the most favorite of Latin dances, eventually making it to the competition scene. As it made its way across the United States, different regions added their own flavor and distinctive style to Salsa so it evolved. In New York, where the hustle (or disco) was big in the 1970s, hustle moves were incorporated into the Salsa lending a New York distinctive to their Salsa.
Popular Salsa Music
- Marc Anthony- Vivir Mi Vida
- La Sonora Ponceña- Fuego En El 23
- Ray Barretto- Indestructible
- Celia Cruz- Quimbara
- Rubén Blades- Plastico
Salsa History
Salsa music grew out of a mixture of musicians from Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and South America who visited New York, performed there and collaborated bringing their own sounds and incorporating the jazz sounds of New York. Cuban musicians played a large role during the 1940s and 1950s in the development of the music until Cuba was essentially closed down when Fidel Castro came to power. Puerto Ricans then filled the gap with their musical influences.
Contact The Dancing Duo today about Salsa Lessons! Also check our calendar to see if this is currently being taught!