History of the Salsa
Salsa is found in perhaps more places than any other Caribbean dance. While salsa is generally accepted as originating in Cuba, it actually has elements from dances all over Latin America. In it, you can find elements of many places and dances including the French Danzo’n, the Cuban Rumba, the Dominican Merengue, American jazz, the Columbian music, and the Spanish ‘son’ and flamance. When American soldiers encountered salsa after the Cuban war in 1898, they brought it back to the United States. However, dancers can be found dancing various forms throughout Latin America. Even though it was introduced before the 20th century, it didn’t become popular in the United States until a flux of migrants from Puerto Rico occurred in the 1970s.
About the Dance
Today, there are so many versions of salsa found throughout the United States and Latin America, that it is difficult to point to one consistent basic or style. Depending on the area you live in, people will dance the salsa differently, so it is important to have an instructor understand the different styles or the style you want to learn so you are able to join the local communities. Both the steps and the music can be vastly different depending on what style you learn. The only widely accepted form is the mambo, which was standardized by passionate ballroom dancers. For this reason, and the fact that most of the basics are fast, it is not the first dance a beginner learns.
Common versions of the salsa danced include, New York Style Salsa, LA style salsa, Puerto Rican salsa, Colombian salsa, salsa on 1, salsa on 2, and Cuban salsa; however, there are many more versions.
Recommended Music List for Beginners
- Tributo al Bravo, Jose Alberto
- Coquetonia, Sonora Carruseles
- Cali de Rumba, Fruko Tesos
- Puras Mentiras, Sonora Carruseles
- Cali Ole, Charlie D’ Cali
- Sarabanda, Jose Alberto
- Cada Dia Que Pasa, Guayacan
- Tata Masamba, Ricardo Lemvo
- Muchachita, Guayacan
- Acabo de Llegar, Alex Leon