Salsa Dance Styles
Originating in the Afro Caribbean music and dance traditions of Cuba, Salsa took shape in the New York City Latin clubs of the 1940’s and ’50’s during an intense period of engagement with American Swing and Jazz innovations. As it continued to develop, Salsa absorbed influences from Latin communities throughout the Caribbean and South America as well as the vibrant Puerto Rican community in New York.
Although at first called Mambo, a fast dance was sometimes referred to as a Mambo con Salsa (with hot sauce!) and eventually Salsa became the word used for the music and its dance. Sexy, playful, fast and high-spirited, Salsa is the embodiment of joyful rhythm.
Salsa on 1
There are several ways for the dancer to interact with the music. One of the most popular is called dancing “on 1”, and when we dance this way, we accent, or “break” into the music on the first beat (the down beat) of the musical phrase. Rhythmically strong, this is a very clear way to dance the beat!
Salsa on 2
Salsa on Two started in New York City and is becoming increasingly popular in the city’s top Latin clubs. When we dance “on 2” we move the accent from the first to the second beat of the rhythmic phrase, producing a wonderful musicality as we dance. Sophisticated and exciting, Salsa on Two is coming on like a tidal wave and we want you to be able to participate in this important trend.
Merengue
The ultimate party dance, Merengue is a fast dance from the Dominican Republic in which the couple steps together in place with a hip accent to one side. Legend has it that, because of injuries suffered in battle, a great war hero danced with this distinctive accent and, out of respect for him, others would dance this way when he was on the floor! Merengue is happy, fun and playful. Because the basic step is so simple, it is possible to quickly learn many patterns and variations.
Bachata
Like Merengue, Bachata is from the Dominican Republic, but while Merengue is fast and peppy, Bachata is slower and danced to “bluesy” songs of heartbreak and loss. Yet it would be difficult to feel sad while dancing Bachata! The basic step takes the couple three steps to the side followed by a hip accent: simple, sexy and fun!
Zouk Lambada
A slow, sensuous dance developed from the Brazilian Lambada, Zouk creates a mesmerizing, trance-like state. Rather than lead by the hands, Zouk is lead from the body, particularly the hips and the dancers’ bodies create flowing, wave-like movements.
