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| {{Short description|Dance form}} | |||
| {{For|the musical style|Salsa (music)}} | |||
| {{More citations needed|date=August 2018}}{{Not to be confused with|Salsa (food)}}]]] | |||
| {{refimprove|date=April 2014}} | |||
| '''Salsa''' is the name for ] that are danced to ]. Salsa is one of the most popular types of Latin dance that is practiced worldwide,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Takeshi |title=7 Facts You Didn’t Know About Salsa Dancing |url=https://www.salsavida.com/articles/salsa-dancing-facts/ |website=Salsa Vida |publisher=Salsa Vida |access-date=10 December 2024 |date=22 June 2022}}</ref> and is typically danced with a partner, although there are elements of solo footwork as well. There are several distinct styles of salsa that are danced around the world. | |||
| ], ]]] | |||
| '''Salsa''' is a popular form of social dance that originated in New York with strong influences from Latin America, particularly ], ] and ]. The movements of salsa have its origins in Cuban Son, ], ] and other dance forms, and the dance, along with the salsa music,<ref>Boggs 1992, pp. 187-193</ref><ref>Hutchinson 2004, p. 116. Hutchinson says salsa music and dance "both originated with Cuban rhythms that were brought to New York and adopted, adapted, reformulated, and made new by the Puerto Ricans living there."</ref><ref>Catapano 2011</ref> originated in the mid-1970s in ].<ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=QzX8THIgRjUC&pg=PA488&dq=salsa+origin+new+york&hl=en&sa=X&ei=frmfUqW6M8PVkQeM24HICw&ved=0CEsQ6AEwAzgK#v=onepage&q=salsa%20origin%20new%20york&f=false |title=World Music: Latin and North America, Caribbean, India, Asia and Pacific |author=Simon Broughton, Mark Ellingham, Richard Trillo |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref> | |||
| ==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
| The term "salsa" was coined by ] in the 1960s in New York, as an umbrella term for Cuban dance music being played in the city at the time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Inventing salsa |url=https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/historical-stories/inventing-salsa |website=USPTO |access-date=5 October 2023}}</ref> Salsa as a dance emerged soon after, being a combination of ] (which was popular in New York in the 1950s) as well as Latin dances such as ] and ] as well as American dances such as swing, hustle, and tap.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Salsa Dance |url=https://www.salsavida.com/articles/history-of-salsa-dance/ |website=Salsa Vida |date=26 June 2023 |access-date=5 October 2023}}</ref> | |||
| ] perform at Culture Week]] | |||
| The name "salsa" has been in use to describe the dance since the mid-1970s. The use of the term for the dance started in New York. It evolved from earlier Cuban dance forms such as Son, Son Montuno, Cha cha cha and Mambo which were popular in the Caribbean, Latin America and the Latino communities in New York since the 1940s. Salsa, like most music genres has gone through a lot of variation through the years and incorporated elements of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean dances such as ] and ]. Different countries of the ] and Latin America have distinct salsa styles of their own, such as Cuban, Colombian, Puerto Rican and New York styles. | |||
| As salsa music spread to other countries, different styles emerged.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Djebbari |first=Elina |date=2020-01-02 |title=Dancing salsa in Benin: Connecting the Creole Atlantic |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14788810.2019.1697579 |journal=Atlantic Studies |language=en |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=110–134 |doi=10.1080/14788810.2019.1697579 |issn=1478-8810}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Carwile |first=Christey |date=September 2017 |title="The Clave Comes Home": Salsa Dance and Pan-African Identity in Ghana |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/african-studies-review/article/abs/clave-comes-home-salsa-dance-and-panafrican-identity-in-ghana/43ADD4E3675CDFAF393E3ED9B3F78A12 |journal=African Studies Review |language=en |volume=60 |issue=2 |pages=183–207 |doi=10.1017/asr.2017.6 |issn=0002-0206}}</ref> | |||
| There is some controversy surrounding the origins of the word salsa. Some claim that it was based on a cry shouted by musicians while they were playing their music. Others believe that the term was created by record labels to better market their music, who chose the word "salsa" because of its spicy and hot connotations. Still others believe the term came about because salsa dancing and music is a mixture of different styles, just like salsa or "sauce" in Latin American countries is a mixture of different ingredients. | |||
| ==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| Salsa dance steps can be done individually, but salsa is most popularly known as a partnered dance where the lead takes the follower through a series of spins and turn patterns to music. Salsa's tempo ranges from about 150{{nbsp}}bpm (]) to around 250{{nbsp}}bpm, although most dancing is done to music somewhere between 160 and 220{{nbsp}}bpm.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-08 |title=Salsa vs Bachata: What's the Difference? |url=https://www.salsavida.com/articles/salsa-vs-bachata/ |access-date=2021-09-08 |website=Salsa Vida |language=en-US}}</ref> The basic salsa dance rhythm consists of taking three steps for every four beats of music. Salsa dancers can also break apart to dance solo, known as "shines". | |||
| The two main styles of partnered salsa dancing are linear and circular. In linear salsa, dance couples remain in their "slot", with each dancer switching places from one side of the slot to the other, similar to West Coast Swing—] salsa and ] salsa are both danced this way. The second style of partnered salsa dancing is circular salsa. Here, dancers circle around each other, reminiscent of East Coast Swing. Both ] and ] follow this circular pattern. | |||
| In many styles of salsa dancing, as a dancer shifts their weight by stepping, the upper body remains level and nearly unaffected by the weight changes. Weight shifts cause the hips to move. Arm and shoulder movements are also incorporated. The Cuban Casino style of salsa dancing involves significant movement above the waist, with up-and-down shoulder movements and shifting of the ribcage. | |||
| Incorporating other dance styling techniques into salsa dancing has become very common for both men and women: foot work, arm work, body movement, spins, body isolations, shoulder shimmies, body rolls, hand styling, acrobatics, and even lifts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dance Styles |url=http://salserosmcgill.weebly.com/dance-styles.html |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=Salseros McGill |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| The arms are used by the "lead" dancer to communicate or signal the "follower," either in "open" or "closed" position. The open position requires the two dancers to hold one or both hands, especially for moves that involve turns, putting arms behind the back, or moving around each other, to name a few examples. In the closed position, the leader puts the right hand on the follower's back, while the follower puts the left hand on the leader's shoulder. | |||
| In the original Latin America form, the forward/backward motion of salsa is done in diagonal or sideways with the 3-step weight change intact. | |||
| In some styles of salsa, such as the New York style, the dancers remain mostly in front of one another (switching places), while in Latin American styles, such as Cuban style, the dancers circle around each other, sometimes in 3 points. This circular style is inspired by Cuban Son, specifically to the beat of ] in the 1920s. However, as it is a popular music, it is open to improvisation and thus it is continuously evolving. Modern salsa styles are associated and named to the original geographic areas that developed them. There are often devotees of each of these styles outside of their home territory. Characteristics that may identify a style include: timing, basic steps, foot patterns, body movement, turns and figures, attitude, dance influences and the way that partners hold each other. The point in a musical bar music where a slightly larger step is taken (the break step) and the direction the step moves can often be used to identify a style. | |||
| Incorporating other dance styling techniques into salsa dancing has become very common, for both men and women: shimmies, leg work, arm work, body movement, spins, body isolations, shoulder shimmies, rolls, even hand styling, acrobatics and lifts. | |||
| Latin American styles originate from ], ] and surrounding ] islands. | |||
| ==Venues== | ==Venues== | ||
| Salsa dance socials are commonly held in night clubs, bars, ballrooms, restaurants, and outside, especially if part of an outdoor festival. Salsa dancing is an international dance that can be found in most metropolitan cities in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salsadancecongresses.com/ |title=Salsa & Latin Dance Congresses |publisher=SalsaDanceCongresses.com | |
Salsa dance socials are commonly held in night clubs, bars, ballrooms, restaurants, and outside, especially if part of an outdoor festival. Salsa dancing is an international dance that can be found in most metropolitan cities in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salsadancecongresses.com/ |title=Salsa & Latin Dance Congresses |publisher=SalsaDanceCongresses.com |access-date=2013-12-04}}</ref> Festivals are held annually, often called a "Salsa Congress", in various host cities aimed to attract a variety of salsa dancers from other cities and countries. The events bring dancers together to share their passion for the dance, build community, and share moves and tips. These events usually include salsa dance performers, live salsa music, workshops, open dancing, and contests. On the other hand, salsa dancing is also done in very informal settings, such as parties in a home or backyard. Salsa dancing is often seen as an important cultural expression by persons living in certain Hispanic regions or people whose family heritage comes from those regions. | ||
| == |
==Styles== | ||
| ] | ]]] | ||
| ] | |||
| It generally uses music suitable for dancing ranges from about 150 bpm (beats per minute) to around 250 bpm, although most dancing is done to music somewhere between 160–220 bpm. Every salsa composition involves complex Afro-Cuban percussion based around the ] (which has four types), though there can be moments when the clave is hidden for a while, often when quoting ], ] and ]. The key instrument that provides the core groove of a salsa song is the clave. It is often played with two wooden sticks (called ]) that are hit together. Every instrument in a salsa band is either playing with the clave (generally: congas, timbales, piano, tres guitar, bongos, ] (instrument), strings) or playing independent of the clave rhythm (generally: bass, maracas, güiro, cowbell). Melodic components of the music and dancers can choose to be in clave or out of clave at any point. However it is taboo to play or dance to the wrong type of clave rhythm (see ]). While dancers can mark the clave rhythm directly, it is more common to do so indirectly (with, for example, a shoulder movement). This allows the dancing itself to look very fluent as if the rest of the body is just moving untouched with the legs. | |||
| Over the years, many different styles of salsa dancing have evolved around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-15 |title=Most Popular Types of Salsa Dance – The Modern Dancer |url=https://themoderndancer.com/types-of-salsa-dance/ |access-date=2022-09-27 |language=en-US}}</ref> Many of them are compatible with each other, but others are different enough to make dancing between dancers of different styles difficult. | |||
| Salsa has many similarities with other partner dances, the styles and skills learned in salsa can be applied to another Latin dance like ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Salsa or Bachata, Which is Easier to Learn? |url=https://www.moversandshakersdance.com/post/salsa-or-bachata-which-is-easier-to-learn |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=Movers and Shakers Salsa & Bachata Dance Academy|date=26 September 2023 }}</ref> Incorporating other dance styling techniques into salsa dancing has also become common, with dancers of one style incorporating styles and movements of others to create new fusions of dance styles. | |||
| {{listen|filename=Son clave.ogg|title=2-3 Son clave|description=}} | |||
| For salsa, there are four types of ], the 3-2 and 2-3 ] being the most important, and the 3-2 and 2-3 ]. Most salsa music is played with one of the Son claves, though a Rumba clave is occasionally used, especially during ] sections of some songs. As an example of how a clave fits within the 8 beats of a salsa dance, the beats of the 2-3 Son clave are played on the counts of 2, 3, 5, the "and" of 6, and 8. | |||
| ===New York style=== | |||
| There are other aspects outside of the Clave that help define salsa rhythm: the cowbell, the Montuno rhythm and the Tumbao rhythm. | |||
| "On 2" style salsa originated in New York and is often referred to as New York style. It is a linear form of salsa, where dancers dance in a slot, similar to LA style salsa. Unlike other styles of salsa, however, New York style is danced on the second beat of the music ("on 2"), and the follower, not the leader, steps forward on the first measure of the music. There is also often a greater emphasis on performing "shines" in which dancers separate themselves and dance solo with intricate footwork and styling—a phenomenon that likely has origins from Swing and New York Tap. | |||
| New York style is first style of salsa to emerge following the birth of salsa music in New York, and is a mixture of Cuban dances, such as ], ], ], and ] as well as American dances such as ] and ]. | |||
| The cowbell rhythm emphasizes the "on-beats" of salsa: 1, 3, 5 and 7 while the conga rhythm emphasizes the "off-beats" of the music: 2, 4, 6, and 8. Some dancers like to use the strong sound of the cowbell to stay on the Salsa rhythm. Alternatively, others like to use the conga rhythm to create a jazzier feel to their dance since strong "off-beats" are a jazz element. | |||
| One of the most influential figures in New York style salsa is ] (known as "the Mambo King"), who is credited with helping to formalize the on 2 salsa timing (based on ]) and helping to popularize it by teaching it in dance studios in New York and through early instructional tapes. | |||
| Tumbao is the name of the rhythm that is played with the conga drums. It sounds like: "cu, cum.. pa... cu, cum... pa". Its most basic pattern is played on the beats 2,3,4,6,7, and 8. Tumbao rhythm is helpful for learning to dance contra-tiempo ("On2"). The beats 2 and 6 are emphasized when dancing On2, and the Tumbao rhythm heavily emphasizes those beats as well. | |||
| New York style salsa emphasizes harmony with the percussive instruments in salsa music, such as the congas, timbales, and clave, since many or all of those instruments often mark the second beat in the music. | |||
| The Montuno rhythm is a rhythm that is often played with a piano. The Montuno rhythm loops over the 8 counts and is useful for finding the direction of the music. By listening to the same rhythm, that loops back to the beginning after eight counts, one can recognize which count is the first beat of the music. | |||
| ===Los Angeles style=== | |||
| The basic Salsa dance rhythm consists of taking three steps for every four beats of music. The odd number of steps creates the inherent syncopation to the Salsa dancing and ensures that it takes 8 beats of music to loop back to a new sequence of steps. Different styles employ this syncopation differently. For "On1" dancers this rhythm is described as "quick, quick, slow, quick, quick, slow." For "On2" dancers this rhythm is "quick, quick, quick, pause, quick, quick, quick, pause." In all cases, only three steps are taken in each 4-beat measure (or 6 total over 8 beats.) | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] style salsa (LA style) is danced "on 1" where dancers break forward on the first beat of the ], in contrast to ] style which is danced on 2. LA style salsa is danced in a line or "slot" with dancers exchanging positions throughout the dance, unlike Cuban salsa which is danced in a more circular fashion. | |||
| ==Styles== | |||
| ]]] | |||
| ] | |||
| Salsa's roots are based on different genres such as Puerto Rican rhythms, Cuban Son, specifically to the beat of Son Montuno in the 1920s. However, as it is a popular music, it is open to improvisation and thus it is continuously evolving. New modern salsa styles are associated and named to the original geographic areas that developed them. There are often devotees of each of these styles outside of their home territory. Characteristics that may identify a style include: timing, basic steps, foot patterns, body rolls and movements, turns and figures, attitude, dance influences and the way that partners hold each other. The point in a musical bar music where a slightly larger step is taken (the break step) and the direction the step moves can often be used to identify a style. | |||
| The two essential elements of this dance are the forward–backward basic step and the cross-body lead. In this pattern, the leader steps forward on 1, steps to the right on 2–3 while turning 90 degrees counter-clockwise (facing to the left), leaving the slot open. The follower then steps straight forward on 5–6 and turns on 7–8, while the leader makes another 90 degrees counter-clockwise and slightly forward, coming back into the slot. In total, the couple turned 180° with the follower and leader switching places. | |||
| Incorporating other dance styling techniques into salsa dancing has become very common, for both men and women: shimmies, leg work, arm work, body movement, spins, body isolations, shoulder shimmies, rolls, even hand styling, acrobatics and lifts. | |||
| The "Vazquez Brothers" (Luis Vazquez, Francisco Vazquez, Johnny Vazquez and Rogelio Moreno) are credited for the early development and growth of LA Style. | |||
| Latin American styles originate from ], ] and surrounding ] islands including the ], and then expanding to ], ], and the rest of ]; | |||
| Also, there exists the "Miami" style, which is a fusion of some Cuban style elements with elements of various North American dances from the USA. | |||
| <ref>{{cite book |last1=McMains |first1=Juliet |title=Spinning Mambo Into Salsa |date=2015 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=9780199324644}}</ref> Luiz Vazquez was the co-founder of Los Angeles's first salsa dance team, Salsa Brava. The Vazquez Brothers drew influence from stage dances such as ] and helped develop LA style's reputation for flashy moves and acrobatics. | |||
| ===Colombian / Cali style=== | |||
| ] in ], Colombia - Dancesport Competition - Salsa Sport, 1st Place - Gold Medal World Champions.]] | |||
| Cali-Style Salsa, also known as Colombian Salsa, is based on geographical location of the Colombian City of ]. Cali is also known as the "Capital de la Salsa" (Salsa's Capital); due to salsa music being the main genre in parties, nightclubs and festivals in the 21st century. | |||
| Other prominent figures in LA style salsa include salsa promoter ], who created the LA Salsa Congress, the first ] in the United States and for many years one of the largest salsa events in the world. Later dancers such as ], Christian Oviedo, and ] are also credited with developing the LA style of dancing as we know it today.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} | |||
| The elements of Cali-Style Salsa were strongly influenced by dances to Caribbean rhythms which preceded salsa, such as ] and ]. | |||
| The basic steles is the footwork which has quick rapid steps and skipping motions. They do not execute Cross-body Leads or the "Dile Que No" as seen in other styles, but rather step in place and displace in closed position. Their footwork is intricate and precise, helping several Colombian Style dancers win major world championships. Cali hosts many annual salsa events such as the World Salsa Cali Festival and the Encuentro de Melomanos y Coleccionistas. | |||
| ===Cuban style / Casino=== | ===Cuban style / Casino=== | ||
| {{Main| |
{{Main|Cuban salsa}} | ||
| In Cuba, a popular dance known as Casino was marketed as Cuban-style salsa or Salsa Cubana abroad to distinguish it from other salsa styles when the name was popularized internationally in the 1970s. Dancing ''Casino'' is an expression of popular social culture; Cubans consider ''casino'' as part of social and cultural activities centering on their popular music. The name ''Casino'' is derived from the Spanish term for the dance halls, "Casinos Deportivos" where much social dancing was done among the better-off, white Cubans during the mid-20th century and onward. | |||
| In Cuba, a popular dance known as '''Casino''' was marketed as '''Cuban-style salsa''' or '''Salsa Cubana''' abroad to distinguish it from other salsa styles when the name was popularized in the 70's. | |||
| Casino is popular in many places around the world, including in Europe, Latin America, North America, and even in some countries in the Middle East such as Israel. Dancing ''Casino'' is an expression of popular social culture; Cubans consider ''casino'' as part of social and cultural activities centering around their popular music. The name ''Casino'' is derived from the Spanish term for the dance halls, "Casinos Deportivos" where a lot of social dancing was done among the better off, white Cubans during the mid-20th century and onward. | |||
| Historically, ''Casino'' traces its origin as a partner dance from Cuban ''Son'', Cha Cha Cha, |
Historically, ''Casino'' traces its origin as a partner dance from ], Cha Cha Cha, Danzón and Guaracha. Traditionally, Casino is danced "a contratiempo". This means that no step is taken on the first and fifth beats in each clave pattern and the fourth and eighth beat are emphasized. In this way, rather than following a beat, the dancers themselves contribute in their movement, to the polyrhythmic pattern of the music. At the same time, it is often danced "a tiempo", although both "on3" (originally) and "on1" (nowadays). | ||
| At the same time, it is often danced "a tiempo", although both "on3" (originally) and "on1" (nowadays). | |||
| What |
What distinguishes this style is the understanding and spontaneous use of Afro-Cuban dance vocabulary within a "Casino" dance. In the same way that a "sonero" (lead singer in Son and salsa bands) will "quote" other, older songs in their own, a "casino" dancer will frequently improvise references to other dances, integrating movements, gestures and extended passages from folk dances. This is particularly true of African descended Cubans. Such improvisations might include extracts of rumba, dances for African deities, the older popular dances such as Cha Cha Chá and Danzon as well as anything the dancer may feel. | ||
| ====Miami-style Casino==== | ====Miami-style Casino==== | ||
| Developed by Cuban immigrants to Florida and centered on Miami, this dance style is a fusion of |
Developed by Cuban immigrants to Florida and centered on Miami, this dance style is a fusion of Casino and elements from American culture and dances. The major difference that distinguishes the Miami-style from other North American styles is the "Atras" or "Diagonal", back breaking steps performed backwards diagonally instead of moving forwards and backwards as seen in the New York style. Dancers do not shift their body weight greatly as seen in other styles. Instead, dancers keep their upper body still, poised and relaxed, focusing on foot movement. The dancer breaks mostly On1. | ||
| A major difference |
A major difference between Cali Style and Miami-style is the latter is exclusively danced on the downbeat (On1) and has elements of shines and show-style added to it, following repertoires of North American styles. Miami-style has many adherents, particularly Cuban-Americans and other Latinos based in South Florida.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-stories/article131785764.html|title=Longtime dance instructor talks salsa, both 'Cuban style' and 'Miami style'|last=Amanda Rosa|website=miamiherald|language=en|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref> | ||
| Miami-style has many adherents, particularly Cuban-Americans and other Latinos based in South Florida. | |||
| ====Rueda de Casino==== | ====Rueda de Casino==== | ||
| {{Main|Rueda de Casino}} | {{Main|Rueda de Casino}} | ||
| In the 1950s Salsa Rueda or more accurately Rueda de Casino was developed in ], ]. Pairs of dancers form a circle ("Rueda" in Spanish means "Wheel"), with dance moves called out by one person. Many of the moves involve rapidly swapping partners. | In the 1950s, Salsa Rueda or more accurately Rueda de Casino was developed in ], ]. Pairs of dancers form a circle ("Rueda" in Spanish means "Wheel"), with dance moves called out by one person. Many of the moves involve rapidly swapping partners. | ||
| "Rueda de Cuba" is original type of Rueda, originating from Cuba. It is not as formal as Rueda de Miami and consists of about 30 calls. It was codified in the 1970s. | "Rueda de Cuba" is original type of Rueda, originating from Cuba. It is not as formal as Rueda de Miami and consists of about 30 calls.{{Citation needed|date=November 2017}} It was codified in the 1970s.{{Citation needed|date=November 2017}} | ||
| "Rueda de Miami" originated in the 1980s from Miami, is a formal style with many rules based on a mix, and is a hybridization of Rueda de Cuba |
"Rueda de Miami" originated in the 1980s from Miami, is a formal style with many rules based on a mix, and is a hybridization of Rueda de Cuba and North American dance styles, with some routines reflecting American culture (e.g. Coca-Cola, Dedo, Adios) which is not found in the traditional Cuban-style Rueda. | ||
| === |
===Colombian / Cali style=== | ||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| The Los Angeles dance style (LA style) is danced strictly on1, in a slot \ line, using elements of various North American and stage dances. It is strongly influenced by the ], ], ] and Latin ] dancing styles.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} LA style places strong emphasis on sensuousness, theatricality and ].{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} The lifts, stunts and aerial works of today's salsa shows are derived mostly from LA style forms with origins in Latin Ballroom and Ballet lifts.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} | |||
| The two essential elements of this dance are the forward–backward basic step and the cross-body lead. In this pattern, the leader steps forward on 1, steps to the right on 2-3 while turning 90 degrees counter-clockwise (facing to the left), leaving the slot open. The follower then steps straight forward on 5-6 and turns on 7-8, while the leader makes another 90 degrees counter-clockwise and slightly forward, coming back into the slot. After these 8 counts, the leader and follower have exchanged their positions. | |||
| Albert Torres, Laura Canellias, Joe Cassini and Francisco Vazquez are credited for the early development and growth of LA Style {{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}. Later, such dancers as ], Edie Lewis, Joby Martinez, Josie Neglia, ] and Janette Valenzuela are often credited with developing the LA style of dancing as we know it today {{Citation needed|date=September 2011}}. | |||
| ===New York style=== | |||
| New York style is danced in an ellipse or a "flat figure 8" on the floor, with the partners facing each other most of the time. Unlike other styles of salsa, New York style is danced on the second beat of the music ("on 2"), and the follower steps forward on the first measure of the music, not the leader. The etiquette of New York Style is strict about remaining in the close dance space, and avoiding traveling dancing in a sandbox area with a lot of spins, turns and styling. There is greater emphasis on performing "shines" in which dancers separate themselves and dance solo with intricate footwork and styling for a time—suspected origins from Swing and New York Tap. | |||
| Though he did not create New York style salsa, ] is credited with popularizing it, and for having the follower step forward on the second beat of the first measure. | |||
| Cali-Style Salsa, also known as Colombian Salsa and Salsa Caleña, is based around the Colombian City of ]. Cali is also known as the "Capital de la Salsa" (Salsa's Capital); due to salsa music being the main genre in parties, nightclubs and festivals in the 21st century. It is also worth noting that Cali's style of Salsa has been heavily influenced by the nature of its social scene, where in the 90s most nightclubs, named Disoctecas after the record discs used to play older Salsa music, had a period of time where they would transform into a Viejoteca, a nickname for point of time in which nightclubs would play the Salsa equivalent of Golden Oldies.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Waxer |first=Lise Aerinne |title=The city of musical memory: salsa, record grooves, and popular culture in Cali, Colombia |date=2002 |publisher=Wesleyan University Press |isbn=978-0-8195-6441-2 |series=Music/culture |location=Middletown, Conn}}</ref> | |||
| There are two distinct developments of New York salsa as a music and dance genre: | |||
| The elements of Cali-Style Salsa were strongly influenced by dances to Caribbean rhythms which preceded salsa, such as ] and ]. Cali has the highest number of salsa schools and salsa teams in the world. Many of the competitions are held in Colombia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.salsavida.com/sf/colombian-style-salsa/|title=Colombian Style Salsa|website=Salsa Vida SF|access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> | |||
| #Primary evolution from ] era was introduced to New York due to influx of migrating dissidents from all the ] and other Latin migrants during Pre/Post Cuban Revolution in the 1950s and 1960s This era is known as the "Palladium Era". At this time, the music and dance was called "Mambo" — connoting the general term without being specific. The most famous dancer during this era was Puerto-Rican descendant ],<ref>http://www.salsapower.com/cubanpete/legend/</ref> also known "The King of Latin Beat". | |||
| #Secondary evolution during the late 1970s, Latin Puerto Ricans migrants, contributed a lot to the New York salsa development during the "NuYorican" era of ] which greatly popularized salsa and modern Latin music throughout the world. Puerto Rican salsa superstars were the most important musicians during the era, such as ] ("The Godfather") and many others. There are also salsa artists that transcend both periods, notably the legendary Puerto Rican ] ("The Mambo King"). | |||
| The central feature is the footwork which has quick rapid steps and skipping motions called "repique". Colombian style may execute Cross-body Leads or the "Dile Que No" as seen in other styles, but would rather step in place and displace in closed position. They include various acrobats such as partnered flips to entertain with these stunts. Their footwork is intricate and precise, helping several Colombian Style dancers win major world championships. Cali hosts many annual salsa events such as the World Salsa Cali Festival and the Encuentro de Melomanos y Coleccionistas. | |||
| These two developments create a fusion of a new salsa music and dance genre, different from its Latin American and Caribbean counterparts. | |||
| == Research situated in salsa dancing == | |||
| New York style salsa emphasizes harmony with the percussive instruments in salsa music, such as the congas, timbales, and clave, since many or all of those instruments often mark the second beat in the music.<ref>http://www.salsatraveler.com/list-your-dancing-event/</ref> | |||
| Academic researchers have used salsa dancing as a productive research site in the ] and ]s. For example, researchers in the natural sciences studied the mathematics of salsa dancing moves.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=von Renesse |first1=Christine |last2=Ecke |first2=Volker |date=2011-03-01 |title=Mathematics and Salsa dancing |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/17513472.2010.491781 |journal=Journal of Mathematics and the Arts |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=17–28 |doi=10.1080/17513472.2010.491781 |s2cid=120939987 |issn=1751-3472}}</ref> In the social sciences, researchers have studied salsa dancing to understand, for example how the Latino identity is connected to salsa dancing.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Dormani |first=Carmela Muzio |date=2020-07-07 |title=So You Think You Can Salsa: Performing Latinness on Reality Dance Television |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpcu.12929 |journal=The Journal of Popular Culture |language=en |volume=53 |issue=3 |pages=720–738 |doi=10.1111/jpcu.12929 |s2cid=225829802 |issn=0022-3840}}</ref> The study of salsa dancing has been studied as a ] to understand emotional and ].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hewer |first1=Paul |last2=Hamilton |first2=Kathy |date=2010-03-29 |title=On emotions and salsa: some thoughts on dancing to rethink consumers |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cb.308 |journal=Journal of Consumer Behaviour |language=en |volume=9 |issue=2 |pages=113–125 |doi=10.1002/cb.308}}</ref> Salsa dancing has been shown to manifest "moments of luxury" in which people use hedonistic ] to leave momentarily the constrains of ordinary normal life.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Holmqvist |first1=Jonas |last2=Diaz Ruiz |first2=Carlos |last3=Peñaloza |first3=Lisa |date=2020-08-01 |title=Moments of luxury: Hedonic escapism as a luxury experience |journal=Journal of Business Research |language=en |volume=116 |pages=503–513 |doi=10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.10.015 |s2cid=211427257 |issn=0148-2963|doi-access=free }}</ref> and, researchers have also used salsa dancing to study the ] of social groups.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Diaz Ruiz |first1=Carlos A. |last2=Penaloza |first2=Lisa |last3=Holmqvist |first3=Jonas |date=2020-01-01 |title=Assembling tribes: An assemblage thinking approach to the dynamics of ephemerality within consumer tribes |url=https://doi.org/10.1108/EJM-08-2018-0565 |journal=European Journal of Marketing |volume=54 |issue=5 |pages=999–1024 |doi=10.1108/EJM-08-2018-0565 |s2cid=216399732 |issn=0309-0566}}</ref> | |||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| * ] – a popular form of salsa dancing from Cuba | |||
| *] – a New York City venue that was influential in popularizing Latin music and dance during the 1940s and '50s | |||
| *] – |
* ] – a dance style which heavily influenced salsa dancing | ||
| * ] – a New York City venue that helped popularize Latin music and dance during the 1940s and 1950s | |||
| *] | |||
| * ] – a ballroom dance that heavily influenced salsa | |||
| *] | |||
| * ] – the music to which salsa is danced | |||
| * ] – a list of international competitions for salsa dancing | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| {{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
| == External links == | |||
| * {{Wikivoyage inline|Salsa dancing in Latin America}} | |||
| {{Dance}} | {{Dance}} | ||
| {{Street dance}} | {{Street dance}} | ||
| {{Authority control}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
Latest revision as of 03:14, 13 December 2024
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Salsa is the name for Latin American dances that are danced to salsa music. Salsa is one of the most popular types of Latin dance that is practiced worldwide, and is typically danced with a partner, although there are elements of solo footwork as well. There are several distinct styles of salsa that are danced around the world.
Origin
The term "salsa" was coined by Johnny Pacheco in the 1960s in New York, as an umbrella term for Cuban dance music being played in the city at the time. Salsa as a dance emerged soon after, being a combination of mambo (which was popular in New York in the 1950s) as well as Latin dances such as Son and Rumba as well as American dances such as swing, hustle, and tap.
As salsa music spread to other countries, different styles emerged.
Description
Salsa dance steps can be done individually, but salsa is most popularly known as a partnered dance where the lead takes the follower through a series of spins and turn patterns to music. Salsa's tempo ranges from about 150 bpm (beats per minute) to around 250 bpm, although most dancing is done to music somewhere between 160 and 220 bpm. The basic salsa dance rhythm consists of taking three steps for every four beats of music. Salsa dancers can also break apart to dance solo, known as "shines".
The two main styles of partnered salsa dancing are linear and circular. In linear salsa, dance couples remain in their "slot", with each dancer switching places from one side of the slot to the other, similar to West Coast Swing—New York–style salsa and LA-style salsa are both danced this way. The second style of partnered salsa dancing is circular salsa. Here, dancers circle around each other, reminiscent of East Coast Swing. Both Cuban and Colombian salsa follow this circular pattern.
Incorporating other dance styling techniques into salsa dancing has become very common for both men and women: foot work, arm work, body movement, spins, body isolations, shoulder shimmies, body rolls, hand styling, acrobatics, and even lifts.
Venues
Salsa dance socials are commonly held in night clubs, bars, ballrooms, restaurants, and outside, especially if part of an outdoor festival. Salsa dancing is an international dance that can be found in most metropolitan cities in the world. Festivals are held annually, often called a "Salsa Congress", in various host cities aimed to attract a variety of salsa dancers from other cities and countries. The events bring dancers together to share their passion for the dance, build community, and share moves and tips. These events usually include salsa dance performers, live salsa music, workshops, open dancing, and contests. On the other hand, salsa dancing is also done in very informal settings, such as parties in a home or backyard. Salsa dancing is often seen as an important cultural expression by persons living in certain Hispanic regions or people whose family heritage comes from those regions.
Styles
Over the years, many different styles of salsa dancing have evolved around the world. Many of them are compatible with each other, but others are different enough to make dancing between dancers of different styles difficult.
Salsa has many similarities with other partner dances, the styles and skills learned in salsa can be applied to another Latin dance like Bachata. Incorporating other dance styling techniques into salsa dancing has also become common, with dancers of one style incorporating styles and movements of others to create new fusions of dance styles.
New York style
"On 2" style salsa originated in New York and is often referred to as New York style. It is a linear form of salsa, where dancers dance in a slot, similar to LA style salsa. Unlike other styles of salsa, however, New York style is danced on the second beat of the music ("on 2"), and the follower, not the leader, steps forward on the first measure of the music. There is also often a greater emphasis on performing "shines" in which dancers separate themselves and dance solo with intricate footwork and styling—a phenomenon that likely has origins from Swing and New York Tap.
New York style is first style of salsa to emerge following the birth of salsa music in New York, and is a mixture of Cuban dances, such as mambo, son, pachanga, and rumba as well as American dances such as swing and tap.
One of the most influential figures in New York style salsa is Eddie Torres (known as "the Mambo King"), who is credited with helping to formalize the on 2 salsa timing (based on mambo) and helping to popularize it by teaching it in dance studios in New York and through early instructional tapes.
New York style salsa emphasizes harmony with the percussive instruments in salsa music, such as the congas, timbales, and clave, since many or all of those instruments often mark the second beat in the music.
Los Angeles style
Los Angeles style salsa (LA style) is danced "on 1" where dancers break forward on the first beat of the music, in contrast to New York style which is danced on 2. LA style salsa is danced in a line or "slot" with dancers exchanging positions throughout the dance, unlike Cuban salsa which is danced in a more circular fashion.
The two essential elements of this dance are the forward–backward basic step and the cross-body lead. In this pattern, the leader steps forward on 1, steps to the right on 2–3 while turning 90 degrees counter-clockwise (facing to the left), leaving the slot open. The follower then steps straight forward on 5–6 and turns on 7–8, while the leader makes another 90 degrees counter-clockwise and slightly forward, coming back into the slot. In total, the couple turned 180° with the follower and leader switching places.
The "Vazquez Brothers" (Luis Vazquez, Francisco Vazquez, Johnny Vazquez and Rogelio Moreno) are credited for the early development and growth of LA Style.
Luiz Vazquez was the co-founder of Los Angeles's first salsa dance team, Salsa Brava. The Vazquez Brothers drew influence from stage dances such as tap dance and helped develop LA style's reputation for flashy moves and acrobatics.
Other prominent figures in LA style salsa include salsa promoter Albert Torres, who created the LA Salsa Congress, the first salsa congress in the United States and for many years one of the largest salsa events in the world. Later dancers such as Alex Da Silva, Christian Oviedo, and Liz Lira are also credited with developing the LA style of dancing as we know it today.
Cuban style / Casino
Main article: Cuban salsaIn Cuba, a popular dance known as Casino was marketed as Cuban-style salsa or Salsa Cubana abroad to distinguish it from other salsa styles when the name was popularized internationally in the 1970s. Dancing Casino is an expression of popular social culture; Cubans consider casino as part of social and cultural activities centering on their popular music. The name Casino is derived from the Spanish term for the dance halls, "Casinos Deportivos" where much social dancing was done among the better-off, white Cubans during the mid-20th century and onward.
Historically, Casino traces its origin as a partner dance from Cuban Son, Cha Cha Cha, Danzón and Guaracha. Traditionally, Casino is danced "a contratiempo". This means that no step is taken on the first and fifth beats in each clave pattern and the fourth and eighth beat are emphasized. In this way, rather than following a beat, the dancers themselves contribute in their movement, to the polyrhythmic pattern of the music. At the same time, it is often danced "a tiempo", although both "on3" (originally) and "on1" (nowadays).
What distinguishes this style is the understanding and spontaneous use of Afro-Cuban dance vocabulary within a "Casino" dance. In the same way that a "sonero" (lead singer in Son and salsa bands) will "quote" other, older songs in their own, a "casino" dancer will frequently improvise references to other dances, integrating movements, gestures and extended passages from folk dances. This is particularly true of African descended Cubans. Such improvisations might include extracts of rumba, dances for African deities, the older popular dances such as Cha Cha Chá and Danzon as well as anything the dancer may feel.
Miami-style Casino
Developed by Cuban immigrants to Florida and centered on Miami, this dance style is a fusion of Casino and elements from American culture and dances. The major difference that distinguishes the Miami-style from other North American styles is the "Atras" or "Diagonal", back breaking steps performed backwards diagonally instead of moving forwards and backwards as seen in the New York style. Dancers do not shift their body weight greatly as seen in other styles. Instead, dancers keep their upper body still, poised and relaxed, focusing on foot movement. The dancer breaks mostly On1.
A major difference between Cali Style and Miami-style is the latter is exclusively danced on the downbeat (On1) and has elements of shines and show-style added to it, following repertoires of North American styles. Miami-style has many adherents, particularly Cuban-Americans and other Latinos based in South Florida.
Rueda de Casino
Main article: Rueda de CasinoIn the 1950s, Salsa Rueda or more accurately Rueda de Casino was developed in Havana, Cuba. Pairs of dancers form a circle ("Rueda" in Spanish means "Wheel"), with dance moves called out by one person. Many of the moves involve rapidly swapping partners.
"Rueda de Cuba" is original type of Rueda, originating from Cuba. It is not as formal as Rueda de Miami and consists of about 30 calls. It was codified in the 1970s.
"Rueda de Miami" originated in the 1980s from Miami, is a formal style with many rules based on a mix, and is a hybridization of Rueda de Cuba and North American dance styles, with some routines reflecting American culture (e.g. Coca-Cola, Dedo, Adios) which is not found in the traditional Cuban-style Rueda.
Colombian / Cali style
Cali-Style Salsa, also known as Colombian Salsa and Salsa Caleña, is based around the Colombian City of Cali. Cali is also known as the "Capital de la Salsa" (Salsa's Capital); due to salsa music being the main genre in parties, nightclubs and festivals in the 21st century. It is also worth noting that Cali's style of Salsa has been heavily influenced by the nature of its social scene, where in the 90s most nightclubs, named Disoctecas after the record discs used to play older Salsa music, had a period of time where they would transform into a Viejoteca, a nickname for point of time in which nightclubs would play the Salsa equivalent of Golden Oldies.
The elements of Cali-Style Salsa were strongly influenced by dances to Caribbean rhythms which preceded salsa, such as Pachanga and Boogaloo. Cali has the highest number of salsa schools and salsa teams in the world. Many of the competitions are held in Colombia.
The central feature is the footwork which has quick rapid steps and skipping motions called "repique". Colombian style may execute Cross-body Leads or the "Dile Que No" as seen in other styles, but would rather step in place and displace in closed position. They include various acrobats such as partnered flips to entertain with these stunts. Their footwork is intricate and precise, helping several Colombian Style dancers win major world championships. Cali hosts many annual salsa events such as the World Salsa Cali Festival and the Encuentro de Melomanos y Coleccionistas.
Research situated in salsa dancing
Academic researchers have used salsa dancing as a productive research site in the social and natural sciences. For example, researchers in the natural sciences studied the mathematics of salsa dancing moves. In the social sciences, researchers have studied salsa dancing to understand, for example how the Latino identity is connected to salsa dancing. The study of salsa dancing has been studied as a metaphor to understand emotional and cultural economies. Salsa dancing has been shown to manifest "moments of luxury" in which people use hedonistic escapism to leave momentarily the constrains of ordinary normal life. and, researchers have also used salsa dancing to study the ephemerality of social groups.
See also
- Cuban salsa – a popular form of salsa dancing from Cuba
- Mambo – a dance style which heavily influenced salsa dancing
- Palladium Ballroom – a New York City venue that helped popularize Latin music and dance during the 1940s and 1950s
- Rhumba – a ballroom dance that heavily influenced salsa
- Salsa music – the music to which salsa is danced
- World Salsa Championships – a list of international competitions for salsa dancing
References
- Young, Takeshi (22 June 2022). "7 Facts You Didn't Know About Salsa Dancing". Salsa Vida. Salsa Vida. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
- "Inventing salsa". USPTO. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
- "History of Salsa Dance". Salsa Vida. 26 June 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
- Djebbari, Elina (2020-01-02). "Dancing salsa in Benin: Connecting the Creole Atlantic". Atlantic Studies. 17 (1): 110–134. doi:10.1080/14788810.2019.1697579. ISSN 1478-8810.
- Carwile, Christey (September 2017). ""The Clave Comes Home": Salsa Dance and Pan-African Identity in Ghana". African Studies Review. 60 (2): 183–207. doi:10.1017/asr.2017.6. ISSN 0002-0206.
- "Salsa vs Bachata: What's the Difference?". Salsa Vida. 2021-08-08. Retrieved 2021-09-08.
- "Dance Styles". Salseros McGill. Retrieved 2023-03-14.
- "Salsa & Latin Dance Congresses". SalsaDanceCongresses.com. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
- "Most Popular Types of Salsa Dance – The Modern Dancer". 2020-04-15. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
- "Salsa or Bachata, Which is Easier to Learn?". Movers and Shakers Salsa & Bachata Dance Academy. 26 September 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- McMains, Juliet (2015). Spinning Mambo Into Salsa. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199324644.
- Amanda Rosa. "Longtime dance instructor talks salsa, both 'Cuban style' and 'Miami style'". miamiherald. Retrieved 2019-06-26.
- Waxer, Lise Aerinne (2002). The city of musical memory: salsa, record grooves, and popular culture in Cali, Colombia. Music/culture. Middletown, Conn: Wesleyan University Press. ISBN 978-0-8195-6441-2.
- "Colombian Style Salsa". Salsa Vida SF. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
- von Renesse, Christine; Ecke, Volker (2011-03-01). "Mathematics and Salsa dancing". Journal of Mathematics and the Arts. 5 (1): 17–28. doi:10.1080/17513472.2010.491781. ISSN 1751-3472. S2CID 120939987.
- Dormani, Carmela Muzio (2020-07-07). "So You Think You Can Salsa: Performing Latinness on Reality Dance Television". The Journal of Popular Culture. 53 (3): 720–738. doi:10.1111/jpcu.12929. ISSN 0022-3840. S2CID 225829802.
- Hewer, Paul; Hamilton, Kathy (2010-03-29). "On emotions and salsa: some thoughts on dancing to rethink consumers". Journal of Consumer Behaviour. 9 (2): 113–125. doi:10.1002/cb.308.
- Holmqvist, Jonas; Diaz Ruiz, Carlos; Peñaloza, Lisa (2020-08-01). "Moments of luxury: Hedonic escapism as a luxury experience". Journal of Business Research. 116: 503–513. doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.10.015. ISSN 0148-2963. S2CID 211427257.
- Diaz Ruiz, Carlos A.; Penaloza, Lisa; Holmqvist, Jonas (2020-01-01). "Assembling tribes: An assemblage thinking approach to the dynamics of ephemerality within consumer tribes". European Journal of Marketing. 54 (5): 999–1024. doi:10.1108/EJM-08-2018-0565. ISSN 0309-0566. S2CID 216399732.
External links
Salsa dancing in Latin America travel guide from Wikivoyage
