Learn how to dance Salsa

Salsa music and roots

The roots of Salsa Dancing and music originated in Eastern Cuba from the Cuban Son and Afro-Cuban dance in the 1900s. In the 1950s many Cubans and Puerto Rican musicians had settled in the U.S, they were influenced especially by Latin Jazz and Salsa as we know it was born.

Variety of styles in Salsa

There are many styles of Salsa dancing. Salsa has become an international dance. Today people from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, South and Central America dance Salsa. Three of the most popular Salsa dance styles are Salsa On 1, Salsa On 2, Casino Rueda.

Salsa On 1 or LA of Los Angeles style

This style is known to be the easiest style to start with for beginners. LA style breaks on count 1 in the music. It’s the easiest to hear in the song. Salsa on1 or LA style has an exciting feel to it, with multiple spins, variety of turn patterns, sharp directional changes and dips.

Salsa On 2 or New York Style (also known as Mambo)

New York Salsa has a smooth, polish and jazzy sound. It is strongly Puerto Rican influenced. This style puts an emphasis on smooth body movement and fast flash footwork. New York style breaks on count 2 in the music.  

There is also a strong Latin Hustle influence in New York Salsa dancing that is visible in the turn patterns used in this style.

When Salsa started to move into the Manhattan-based clubs in the 80s, many ex-Hustle dancers brought their disco moves into their Salsa. 

Casino Rueda or Cuban Salsa

The main difference between Cuban Salsa and Salsa On 1 or Salsa On 2 is that Cuban Salsa is circular rather than linear. The man constantly moves around the woman in a circular dynamic.

Why is it called the Casino? Back in the day in Cuba, gambling haunts had the money to hire big-name bands, so people would go to dance in the Casinos. After the revolution casinos were closed but the dance continued and the name stuck. 

What style of Salsa do we teach at DanceNest?

At DanceNest we teach Salsa On 1 or LA style which is the easiest one to get started with.

We are planning on adding Salsa On 2 or New York style as well, so stay tuned. Our instructors enjoy all three styles and dance them Salsa On 1 or LA, Salsa On 2 or New York, Cuban Salsa or Casino Rueda.