Salsa has developed into various styles, each with its own unique flavor and techniques. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular Salsa styles around the world:
1. Cuban Salsa (Casino)
Cuban Salsa, also known as Casino, is one of the original forms of Salsa, deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban culture. It is characterized by:
- Circular movements: Partners dance around each other in circular patterns rather than in a straight line.
- Partner work: Cuban Salsa involves a lot of arm movements, including turns and wraps, creating intricate and dynamic patterns.
- Playful energy: The style is lighthearted, often featuring improvised moves, and it emphasizes social interaction and fun.
Rueda de Casino is a popular variation of Cuban Salsa, where couples form a circle and dance in synchronization, with one caller giving cues for moves. Partners are frequently exchanged, adding a communal and lively feel to the dance.
2. Salsa On1 (Los Angeles Style)
LA-style Salsa is one of the most widely recognized forms, known for its sharp, flashy moves and theatrical appeal. Some key characteristics are:
- Linear style: Danced in a straight line, with dancers traveling forward and backward in a slot.
- Break on 1: Dancers step on the first beat of the music, which gives it a more energetic feel.
- Fast spins and dips: This style emphasizes clean, crisp turns and spins, making it popular in performances and competitions.
- Showmanship: LA-style is highly influenced by the Hollywood entertainment scene, with a focus on dramatic flair, sharp footwork, and synchronized moves.
3. Salsa On2 (New York Style)
Salsa On2, also known as Mambo or New York Style Salsa, is known for its smooth, elegant quality. Popularized by the legendary Eddie Torres, this style features:
- Break on 2: Dancers step on the second beat of the music, giving it a more relaxed and flowing rhythm.
- Smooth and grounded: New York Style focuses on fluid, smooth movements, with less emphasis on showy spins and more on body motion and musicality.
- Linear style: Like LA-style, On2 is also danced in a slot, but with a softer, more subtle energy that fits well with jazz and mambo-influenced music.
- Connection and timing: The style is known for its precision in timing and connection between partners, making the dance feel seamless and intuitive.
4. Colombian Salsa (Cali Style)
Cali Style, originating from Colombia’s Salsa capital, Cali, is known for its speed and dazzling footwork. Key characteristics include:
- Fast-paced music: Often danced to faster rhythms, Colombian Salsa is very energetic and upbeat.
- Intricate footwork: Cali Style is characterized by rapid, intricate foot movements, known as “shines”, with minimal upper-body movement.
- Compact dancing: Unlike other Salsa styles, which use large, dramatic steps, Colombian Salsa is typically danced in close quarters, making it popular in crowded social settings.
5. Puerto Rican Salsa
Puerto Rican Salsa shares many similarities with New York Style but carries its own distinct flair:
- Timing: It can be danced on either the first or second beat of the music (On1 or On2), giving dancers flexibility in timing preferences.
- Elegance and fluidity: Puerto Rican Salsa is known for its smoothness and elegance, blending fast footwork with controlled spins.
- Incorporation of shines: Solo footwork and shine patterns are an integral part of this style, allowing dancers to show off their personal flair when not in a closed partner hold.
6. Miami Style Salsa
Miami Style Salsa is closely related to Cuban Salsa but has its own distinct traits:
- Casino-like moves: It incorporates a lot of circular movements and turns similar to Cuban Salsa.
- Frequent dips and drops: Miami Style adds a layer of excitement with dramatic dips, lifts, and drops.
- Social focus: Like Cuban Salsa, it’s often danced socially in group settings, with an emphasis on partner connection and improvisation.
7. Timba Salsa
Timba Salsa is a newer, high-energy style that emerged from the Cuban Timba music scene. It’s more fast-paced and athletic compared to traditional Cuban Salsa:
- Funky and contemporary: Timba Salsa includes moves influenced by hip-hop, reggaeton, and other modern styles.
- Creative body movement: There’s more freedom of movement with the entire body, not just the feet and arms, making the dance highly expressive and energetic.
