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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)}}]]]
	{{Unreferenced\|date=March 2011}}
			'''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.
	]

			==Origin==
	'''Salsa''' is a ] ] form with origins from Cuba as a major original American meeting point of European and African cultures.
			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>

			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>
	Salsa is normally a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms such as solo dancing "]" and "]" where multiple couples exchange partners in a circle. Salsa can be improvised or ] with a set routine.

			==Description==
	Salsa is popular throughout ] as well as in North America, Europe, Australia, and some countries in Asia and the Middle East. It is fast becoming a global phenomenon.
			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.
	== Origins ==

			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>
	Salsa movements originate from the ] dancing of the 1920s, and more specifically through the beat of ] with strong influences from the dance of ], ], ] and other ] folkloric dancing.
	Today's Salsa dancing is a rich blend of Latin-American and Western influences. Other dance styles that have influenced today's Salsa include Western and Ballroom dancing. Salsa traces a 90-year history in which there are numerous evolutionary paths, sometimes split due to political and social influences. As a result, today there are various distinct styles of Salsa dancing, namely Cuban ("Casino"), New York Style ("Mambo on 2"), Los Angeles Style ("On 1"), Colombian Salsa ("Cali-Style") and Miami-Style Salsa.

			==Venues==
	Salsa is typically a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms, line dancing (]), and ], where groups of couples exchange partners in a circle. Salsa can be improvised or ] with a set routine, choreography and freestyle.
			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.

	==Basic movements==
	]
	]
	There are a few basic steps of Salsa. The most common is the three weight changes (or steps) in each four-beat measure. The beat on which one does not step might contain a tap or kick, or weight transfer may simply continue with the actual step not occurring until the next beat. The option chosen depends upon individual choice and upon the specific style being danced. One of the steps is called a "break," which involves a change in direction. Different styles of Salsa are often differentiated by the timing of the break step (On Beat "Downbreak on 1" or Off Beat "Up beat on 2"). After 6 weight changes in 8 beats, the basic step cycle is complete. While dancing, the basic step can be modified significantly as part of the improvisation and stylings of the people dancing.

	In many styles of Salsa dancing, as a dancer changes weight by stepping, the upper body remains level and nearly unaffected by the weight changes. Caught in the middle are the hips which end up moving quite a bit —- famously known as the "Cuban hip movement." Perhaps ironically, the Cuban Casino style of Salsa dancing actually has significant amounts of movement above the waist, with up-and-down shoulder movements and shifting of the ribcage.

	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 some styles of salsa, such as LA and New York style, the dancers remain in a slot or line (switching places), while in some Latin American styles, such as Cuban style, the dancers circle around each other, sometimes in 3 points.

	Additionally, 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.

	==Rhythm==
	]

	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 African 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 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.

	{{listen\|filename=Son clave.ogg\|title=2-3 Son clave\|description=}}
	There are four types of ], the 3-2 and 2-3 ], 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.

	There are other aspects outside of the Clave that help define Salsa rhythm: the cowbell, the Montuno rhythm and the Tumbao rhythm.

	The cowbell is played on the core beats of Salsa, 1, 3, 5 and 7. The basic Salsa rhythm is quick, quick, slow, quick, quick, slow, in other words, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7, which are very similar to the beats of the cowbell. Recognizing the rhythm of the cowbell helps one stay on Salsa rhythm.

	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.

	Tumbao is a rhythm in salsa that is played with the conga drums. It sounds like: "cu, cum.. pa... cu, cum... pa". It is played with the counts of 8 and 2, & 4 and 6. Tumbao rhythm is helpful for learning contra-tiempo, ("On2" for North American Pundits). The beats 2 and 6 are emphasized when dancing On2 and the Tumbao rhythm heavily emphasizes those beats, as well.

	==Styles==		==Styles==
			]]]
	{{contradict}}
			]
	Salsa's roots are based on many older dance traditions, including but not limited to ] and ] dancing (circa 1920s), and 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.
			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.
	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.

			===New York style===
	Latin American styles originate from ] and surrounding ] and then expanding to ], ], ], ] and the rest of the ]; also heavily influence "Miami" style which is a fusion of Cuban style and North American version. The styles include "Casino", Miami-Style, Cali-style and Venezuelino 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 ], ], ], and ] as well as American dances such as ] and ].
	North American Salsa have different characteristics: Los Angeles style breaks on the first beat "On 1" while New York style breaks on the second beat "On 2". Both have different origins and evolutionary path, as the New York Salsa is heavily influenced by Mambo and Jazz instruments in its early growth stage.

			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.
	===Colombian / Cali Style===
	{{Main\|Salsa (Cali Style)}}

			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.
	Cali-Style Salsa, also known as Colombian Salsa, is based on geographical location of the Colombian City of Cali. Cali is also known as the "Capital de la Salsa" (World's Salsa Capital); due to salsa music being the main genre in parties, nightclubs and festivals in the 21st century.

			===Los Angeles style===
	The elements of Cali-Style Salsa were strongly influenced by dances done to Colombian rhythms such as ] and ].
			]
			]
			]

			] 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.
	The basic step of Colombian Salsa is the "Atras" or "Diagonal"; breaking backwards diagonally instead of moving forwards and backwards as seen in the New York and L.A. Style. Dancers do not shift their body weight greatly as seen in other styles. Instead, dancers keep their upper body still, poised and relaxed while the feet execute endless intricacies. The dancer breaks mostly On1 (sometimes On3), with short measures of "4" instead of full "8" counts.

			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.
	A major difference of Cali Style and the other styles is the footwork which has quick rapid steps and skipping motions. They do not execute Cross-body Lead or the "Dile Que No" as seen in the other salsa genres. 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 Encuentro de Melomanos y Coleccionistas.

			The "Vazquez Brothers" (Luis Vazquez, Francisco Vazquez, Johnny Vazquez and Rogelio Moreno) are credited for the early development and growth of LA Style.
	===Cuban "Casino" Style===
	{{Main\|Salsa dance (Cuban Style)}}

			<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.
	'''Cuban-style salsa''', also known as '''Casino-style''', 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; Latin Americans consider ''casino'' as part of social and cultural activities centering around their popular music. The origins of the name ''Casino'' are derived from the Spanish term for the dance halls where a lot of social Salsa dancing was done in Cuba during the mid-20th century and onward.

			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}}
	Historically, ''Casino'' traces its origin as a partner dance from Cuban ''Son'' dancing, and its rhythmic body motions from Afro-Cuban '']'' heritage. ''Son'' is considered an older version and ancestor to Salsa. ''Son'' is danced on delay measure upbeat (''contra-tiempo'') following the 2-3 clave (''Son'' Clave) whereas Casino is usually danced on the downbeat break of 1 or 3 (''a-tiempo''). Musically, the beats 1, 3, 5 and 7 are considered downbeats; whereas 2, 4, 6 and 8 are considered upbeats. Casino was popularized in the late 1950s as the Cuban Son received upbeat and quicker arrangements by musicians. Casino has a very independent development, free from external influences such as Puerto Rican and North American dances partly due to the effect of the ].

	====Cuban ~~Solo~~ ~~Dancing=~~===		===Cuban style / Casino===
			{{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.

			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).
	] ("Suelta") is dancing salsa without having a partner. It originates from stage singers and dancers who set up routines during orchestra and live performance. Dance singularly or in a group (usually male facing females on the dance floor) the movements are based on "a-tiempo" or "contra-tiempo" with intricate footwork and lively body movements.

			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.
	====Partner dancing====

	Other partner dancing styles include "Trios" or "Quattros" in which a male lead will dance with two or more female partners in each arm in in intricate patterns. There are also a "Trios" version in which two male leaders share a female partner.

	====Miami-style Casino====		====Miami-style Casino====
	Developed by Cuban ~~migrants~~ to Florida and centered ~~around~~ Miami, this ~~form~~ of ~~Cuban~~ ~~Salsa~~ ~~fused~~ ~~with~~ American culture and ~~LA Style~~. ~~Major~~ ~~differences~~ of Miami-style ~~Casino~~ is ~~that~~ it is ~~exclusive~~ ~~dance~~ to ~~downbeat~~ ~~(On1)~~ ~~and~~ ~~has~~ ~~elements~~ of ~~shines~~ and ~~showstyle~~ ~~added~~ to it ~~following~~ ~~repertoires~~ of ~~North~~ ~~American~~ ~~Styles~~.		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.<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 & ~~Los~~ ~~Angeles-style~~ ~~Salsa~~ ~~and~~ ~~dance~~ ~~routines~~ ~~that~~ ~~reflect~~ American culture (e.g. Coca-~~cola~~, Dedo, Adios) which is not found in the traditional Cuban-style Rueda.		"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.

	===~~Los~~ ~~Angeles~~ style===		===Colombian / Cali style===
	{{Main\|Salsa (LA Style)}}

			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>
	L.A. style is danced on 1, in a slot, with a measure of easiness and adaptability to it. It is strongly influenced by the ], ], ] and ] dancing styles. L.A. style places strong emphasis on sensuousness, theatricality, ] and musicality. The lifts, stunts and aerial works of today's salsa shows are derived mostly from L.A. Style forms with origins in Latin Ballroom and Ballet lifts.

			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>
	The two essential elements of this dance are the forward–backward basic as described above 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.

			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.
	The L.A. style as it is known today was pioneered by what many consider some of the most famous and influential people in dance. Albert Torres, ] and ] rightfully deserve much of the credit for the early development and growth of L.A. Style Salsa. Later, such dancers as ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] are often credited with developing the L.A. style of Salsa Dancing as we know it today.

			== Research situated in salsa dancing ==
	===New York style===
			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>
	{{Main\|Salsa (New York Style)}}

	Like LA-style salsa, New York style is danced in a line. However, unlike LA style, it is danced on the second beat of the music, and the follower steps forward on the first beat, not the leader.

	Though he did not create New York style salsa, Eddie Torres is credited with popularizing it, and for having the follower step forward on the first beat.

	New York style salsa emphasizes harmony with the percussive instruments in salsa music, such as the congas, timbales, and cowbell, since many or all of those instruments often mark the second beat in the music.

	==See also==		==See also==
			* ] – a popular form of salsa dancing from Cuba
	]
			* ] – a dance style which heavily influenced salsa dancing

	*] - a New York City venue that ~~was influential in~~ ~~popularizing~~ Latin music and dance during the 1940s and ~~50s.~~		* ] – a New York City venue that helped popularize Latin music and dance during the 1940s and 1950s
	*] - an ~~Afro-Cuban~~ dance that heavily influenced salsa		* ] – 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 ==
	* Hutchinson, Sydney (2004) "Mambo on 2: The birth of a new form of dance in New York City.” CENTRO Journal 16(2):109-137.
			* {{Wikivoyage inline\|Salsa dancing in Latin America}}
	* Pietrobruno, Sheenagh (2006) Salsa and Its Transnational Moves. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, Inc.
	* Mikko Kemppe (2010) Mastering the Four Most Important Rhythms in the Music

	==External links==
	<!--
	ATTENTION SALSA WEBMASTERS: PLEASE DO NOT POST LINKS TO STUDIO WEBSITES,
	SPONSORED "LEARN THE BASICS" SITES, LOCAL EVENT CALENDARS AND BLOGS, ETC. SEE "WIKIPEDIA:EXTERNAL LINKS" FOR THE REASONS. THANK YOU.
	-->
	* in Cali, Colombia
	*
	*
	* at the Japan Salsa Congress 2010
	* , a documentary about salsa dancing from the Palladium Era (1940s and 50s) to the present day.
	* , a detailed history of salsa music and dance.

	{{Commons category\|salsa}}
	{{Dance}}		{{Dance}}
	{{Street dance}}		{{Street dance}}
			{{Authority control}}

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Latest revision as of 03:14, 13 December 2024

Dance form

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Not to be confused with Salsa (food).

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

Video demonstrating salsa dancing fundamentals

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 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.

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 Casino

In 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.

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

v t e Dance
Index Outline List of dances List of dancers
Participation	Solo Partner close embrace closed position open position slow dance circle contra line round square
Social	Ceremonial Competitive Concert Ecstatic Erotic Go go dance Grinding Hoochie coochie Lap dance Neo-Burlesque Pole dance Striptease Table dance Twerking Folk Novelty and fad Sacred Street War
Styles	Acro Ballet Ballroom formation waltz Belly Boogaloo Breaking Contemporary Country–western Flamenco Hip-hop Historical Jazz Latin Lyrical Modern Polka Postmodern Swing Tap Two-step
Technique	Ballet Choreography Connection Dance theory Graham Lead and follow Moves glossary Musicality Pointe Pole Sequence Spotting Turnout Turns
Regional (national dances)	Africa Albania Arab Armenia Assyrian Australia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Bulgaria Burma (Myanmar) Cambodia Cameroon Canada China Croatia Cuba Denmark Europe Faroe Islands Georgia Greece Hungary India Indonesia Bali Java Sunda Iran Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kiribati Korea Kurdish Malaysia Mexico Middle East Nepal Netherlands Nicaragua Peru Philippines Poland Pontic Greek Romani Russia Serbia Singapore Sri Lanka Thailand Turkey Ukraine United States African-American Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Wallis and Futuna Zimbabwe
Related	Dance and disability Dance and health Dance awards Dance costume Dance etiquette Dance notation Dance in film Dance in mythology and religion Dance occupations Dance on television Dance research Dance science Dance technology Dance troupe Dancing mania History of dance Women in dance

v t e Street dance
Hip-hop	2 step Breakdancing Toprock Downrock Freezes Power moves Boogaloo Bird Walk Cabbage Patch Cat Daddy Chicken Noodle Soup Crank That Crip Walk Cupid Shuffle Dab Dougie Electric boogaloo Gangsta Walking Harlem shake John Wall Jerkin' Krumping Laffy Taffy Lean wit It, Rock wit It Locking Popping Robot Running man Shoulder Lean Stanky Legg Twerking Turfing Uprock Wop Wu-tang
House dance	Footwork Hustle Jacking Vogue
Rave dance	Electro dance Hakken Hard dance Industrial Jumpstyle Liquid and digits Melbourne shuffle Para Para Rebolation Wu-tang X-Outing
Jazz dance	Cakewalk Charleston Lindy Hop Swing Tap dance
Other	Air guitar Azonto Budots Capoeira Dancehall dances Flexing Folk dance Clogging Headbanging Grinding Moshing Moonwalk Novelty and fad dances Pantsula Pogo Salsa Gwoka Tango Waacking

Categories: