It Has African and Caribbean Roots. Salsa dancing is a mixture of several Latin dances, including tango, mambo,, and flamenco, with each region adding its own flavor to the dance.

What is unique about salsa dance?

Salsa is a partnered dance where the lead leads the follow through a series of spins and turn patterns to music. Salsa dancers can also break apart during a dance to dance solo, known as shines. There are two main styles of salsa: linear and circular.

Why is salsa dance so popular?

Salsa continues to grow in popularity because of its fast pace and the lively music that accompanies this Caribbean-based dance. Latin dances build to a crescendo, creating tension and release. That makes salsa a wonderful partner dance, a very social one and one that we love to teach at Fred Astaire Dance Studios.

What does salsa dance signify?

Salsa is a syncretic dance form with origins from Cuba as the meeting point of Spanish (European) and African cultures. Salsa is normally a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms such as solo dancing suelta and Rueda de Casino where multiple couples exchange partners in a circle.

How many types of salsa dance are there?

6 different styles There are 6 different styles of salsa danced around the world. Salsa dancing originated in New York, but has evolved into different forms in different countries. You can learn more about the different styles of salsa below.

What are the basic salsa moves?

The basic salsa steps are: start with both feet together, step forward with your left foot, shift your weight to your right foot, step backward with your left foot, then pause. Then, reverse the actions and use your right foot. Step backward with your right foot, shift your weight, step forward, then pause.

Is LA style salsa 1 or 2?

LA-style salsa is danced in a line, similar to New York style salsa, but dancers break on the first beat of the music (on 1) rather than on 2. Many newer dancers find this timing more intuitive.