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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)}}]]]
{{More footnotes|date=April 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.
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Salsa is a dance form with origins from the Cuban Son (circa 1920s) and Afro-Cuban dance (specifically Afro-Cuban ]).{{Citation needed|date=December 2011}}. It is generally associated with the ] style, although it may be danced under other types of ].{{Citation needed|date=December 2011}} The term salsa was coined in New York City in the mid 70's by the management of the Fania record label. They thought that the American population would have difficulty identifying the many Latin dance rhythms and decided to give them the all inclusive name of salsa. In Puerto Rico, the caribbean island of enchantment the name Salsa began in the southern town of Ponce. There,in 1954 used to live Hector La Voz or "El Cantante" when he was an elementary school student. Nearby a Sugar Cane Mill the laborers that cut the cane listened to the early songs of this genre on the radio at lunch time. That day the station changed the program and played very old classics. One of the laborers called the Radio Station to complain and asked them to play "Salsa" as they named this kind of music that they liked. He used this name because the music programs in the lunch hour 12 to 1 PM were sponsored by american companies to promote the varied brands of tomato sauce. At lunch time for a cane laborman or hombre was necessary to add tomato sauce to the rice and beans to add flavor or sabor. This genre has a narrative of a a local story that the singer and the listeners share because of the Hispanic Caribbean Island culture traditions they live. In this it was preceded by the other local song genre "La Plena" that was also known in the same town Ponce.<Book: The History of Salsa print: SC>


==Origin==
Salsa is normally a ], although there are forms such as ] form "]",<ref></ref> where the dancers dance individually and a ] form "]" where multiple couples exchange partners in a circle. Salsa can be improvised or ] with a set routine.
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 a popular ] throughout the Carribean, Central America, ] as well as in North America, Europe, Australia, and some countries in Asia and the Middle East. It has been strongly influenced and developed in NYC in the 1970's by Puerto Rican's, Cubans and Dominicans, as well as the generation that followed the great Mambo dancers of all backgrounds from the Palladium nightclub, popular in the 50's in NYC.


==Basic movements== ==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".
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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.


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 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.


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.


==Venues==
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.
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==
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. This circular style is especially true for casino rueda<ref>{{cite web|author=Name * |url=http://www.salsadancing.cc/casino-rueda/ |title=Casino Rueda |publisher=Salsadancing.cc |date= |accessdate=2012-08-17}}</ref> dancing.
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]
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.
==Salsa Dancing Locations==
Salsa dances are commonly held in night clubs, 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.worldsalsafestivals.org/ |title=World Salsa Congresses & Festivals |publisher=Worldsalsafestivals.org |date= |accessdate=2012-08-17}}</ref> Festivals are held annually, often called a Salsa Congress, in various host cities aimed to attract variety of salsa dancers from other cities and countries. The events bring dancers together to share their passion for the dance, build community, and to share moves and tips with each other. These events usually include salsa dance performers, live salsa music, workshops, open dancing, and contests.


===New York style===
==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.
]
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.


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 ].
{{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.


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


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 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.


===Los Angeles style===
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.
]
]
]


] 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.
Tumbao is a rhythm in salsa 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.


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.
==Styles==
{{Contradict|date=April 2011}}
] perform at Culture Week]]
]]]
Salsa's roots are based on 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 "Vazquez Brothers" (Luis Vazquez, Francisco Vazquez, Johnny Vazquez and Rogelio Moreno) are credited for the early development and growth of LA 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.


<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.
Latin American styles originate from ] and surrounding ] islands including ], and the ]and then expanding to ], ], and the rest of ]; 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 Venezuelan Style.


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}}
North American styles 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 Jazz instruments in its early growth stage.


===Colombian / Cali style=== ===Cuban style / Casino===
{{Main|Cuban salsa}}
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" (World's Salsa Capital); due to salsa music being the main genre in parties, nightclubs and festivals in the 21st century.
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.

The elements of Cali-Style Salsa were strongly influenced by dances to Caribbean rhythms which preceded salsa, such as ] and ].

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.

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 Leads or the "Dile Que No" as seen in LA/New York-style and Cuban-style salsa, respectively. 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 "Casino" style===
{{Main|Salsa dance (Cuban Style)}}

'''Cuban-style salsa''', also known as '''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. 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'', fused with partner figures and turns. As with the Son, Danzon and Cha Cha Cha, it is traditionally, though less often today, danced "a contratiempo". This means that, distinct from subsequent forms of salsa, no step is taken on the first and fifth beats in each clave pattern and the fourth and eighth beat are emphasised. In this way, rather than following a beat, the dancers themselves contribute in their movement, to the polyrythmic pattern of the music. 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).


What gives the dance its life, however, is not its mechanical technique, but understanding and spontaneous use of the rich 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 the folkloric and popular heritage. 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 Cha and Danzon as well as anything the dancer may feel. 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 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 exclusively danced on the 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===
]


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 ], ], Argentine Tango and Latin ] dancing styles.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} L.A. style places strong emphasis on sensuousness, theatricality, ] and musicality.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} 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.{{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 ]. 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.
Albert Torres, Laura Canellias and Joe Cassini are credited for the early development and growth of L.A. Style Salsa {{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}. Later, such dancers as ], Edie Lewis, Joby Martinez, Josie Neglia, Liz Rojas, Johnny and Francisco Vazquez and Janette Valenzuela are often credited with developing the L.A. style of Salsa Dancing as we know it today {{Citation needed|date=September 2011}}.


== 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>
New York style is danced in a line similar to LA Style Salsa. However, unlike LA style, it 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 "slot" 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, Eddie Torres is credited with popularizing it, and for having the follower step forward on the second beat of the first measure.

There are two distinct developments of New York Salsa as a music and dance genre:

#Primary original evolution from ] era when Cuban music was introduced to New York due to influx of migrating Cuban dissidents and 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" or "Rhumba" -- 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 migrants, particularly Puerto Ricans, contributed to the New York Salsa development during the "NuYorican" era of ] which greatly popularized salsa as a term and modern Latin music throughout the world. Salsa superstars were "discovered" during the era, such as ] ("The Godfather") and ] ("The Queen of Salsa"). There are also salsa artists that transcend both periods, notably the legendary Puerto Rican ] ("The Mambo King").

These two developments create a fusion of a new salsa music and dance genre, different than its Latin American and L.A. Style counterparts.

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>www.salsabeatmachine.org</ref>


==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==
{{Commons category|salsa (dance)}}
{{Wikivoyage|Salsa dancing in Latin America}}
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* - an article on the development of North American style salsa, particularly New York style.
* - an academic article on salsa dancing.
* , a detailed history of salsa music and dance.
* - a trailer of a documentary about the African roots of salsa music and dance, especially Afro-Cuban rumba.


{{Dance}} {{Dance}}
{{Street dance}} {{Street dance}}
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Latest revision as of 03:14, 13 December 2024

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Find sources: "Salsa" dance – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Not to be confused with Salsa (food).
Salsa training in Ecuador

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

International Salsa Congress, 2004 at Bangalore
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

Basic step for LA style, with leader's steps in blue
LA SALSA STYLE PIONEERS
Luis Vazquez, Rogelio Moreno & Francisco Vazquez
Salsa show dancing

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.

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

  1. Young, Takeshi (22 June 2022). "7 Facts You Didn't Know About Salsa Dancing". Salsa Vida. Salsa Vida. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
  2. "Inventing salsa". USPTO. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  3. "History of Salsa Dance". Salsa Vida. 26 June 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. "Salsa vs Bachata: What's the Difference?". Salsa Vida. 2021-08-08. Retrieved 2021-09-08.
  7. "Dance Styles". Salseros McGill. Retrieved 2023-03-14.
  8. "Salsa & Latin Dance Congresses". SalsaDanceCongresses.com. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  9. "Most Popular Types of Salsa Dance – The Modern Dancer". 2020-04-15. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  10. "Salsa or Bachata, Which is Easier to Learn?". Movers and Shakers Salsa & Bachata Dance Academy. 26 September 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  11. McMains, Juliet (2015). Spinning Mambo Into Salsa. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199324644.
  12. Amanda Rosa. "Longtime dance instructor talks salsa, both 'Cuban style' and 'Miami style'". miamiherald. Retrieved 2019-06-26.
  13. 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.
  14. "Colombian Style Salsa". Salsa Vida SF. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.

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