Salsa is a vibrant and energetic dance style that originated in Cuba and has evolved over the years into various styles. Each style has its unique characteristics, rhythms, and music.
In this article, we will explore the Cuban, New York, and LA styles of Salsa, so that you can select which style you want for your salsa dance lessons.
Cuban Salsa
Cuban Salsa, also known as Casino, is the oldest style of Salsa and is the most traditional form of Salsa. It originated in Cuba in the 1950s and has its roots in the Afro-Cuban dance and music culture. Cuban Salsa is danced in a circular motion, with partners facing each other, and features a lot of hip movement, footwork, and body rolls. The music that accompanies this style is known as Timba, which is a fusion of Cuban Son, Rumba, and other Afro-Cuban rhythms.
New York Salsa
New York Salsa, also known as Mambo, is a style of Salsa that originated in the 1960s in New York City. This style is more linear than Cuban Salsa and features a lot of fancy footwork, turns, and spins. The music that accompanies this style is known as Salsa Dura, which is a fusion of Cuban Son, Mambo, and Jazz.
LA Style Salsa
LA Style Salsa, also known as On1, is a style of Salsa that originated in Los Angeles in the 1990s. This style is also linear, like the New York style, but is more flashy and acrobatic, with a lot of dips, drops, and lifts. LA Style Salsa is danced on the first beat of the music, hence the name On1. The music that accompanies this style is known as Salsa Romantica, which is a fusion of Salsa Dura, Bachata, and other Latin rhythms.
Differences Between The Styles
Cuban, New York, and LA styles of Salsa may all share the same basic steps, but each style has its unique characteristics that set it apart from the others. The most significant differences between the styles are the footwork, body movement, and musicality.
Footwork:
Cuban Salsa is known for its intricate footwork and body rolls, which are often performed in a circular motion. New York Salsa is more linear, with partners moving forward and backward, and featuring more intricate footwork, spins, and turns. LA Style Salsa is also linear, but is more acrobatic and features a lot of dips, drops, and lifts.
Body Movement:
Cuban Salsa features a lot of hip movement and body rolls, which are essential elements of the dance style. New York Salsa features more upper body movement, such as arm styling, shoulder shimmies, and head movements. LA Style Salsa features more acrobatic movements, such as dips, drops, and lifts.
Musicality:
Each Salsa style has its unique musicality. Cuban Salsa is danced to Timba music, which is a fusion of Cuban Son, Rumba, and other Afro-Cuban rhythms. New York Salsa is danced to Salsa Dura music, which is a fusion of Cuban Son, Mambo, and Jazz. LA Style Salsa is danced to Salsa Romantica music, which is a fusion of Salsa Dura, Bachata, and other Latin rhythms.
Learning Salsa Dance
Learning Salsa can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, there are many Salsa classes and workshops available that can help you improve your skills and learn new techniques. Salsa classes are typically offered in group settings or private lessons, and you can choose a style that best suits your interests and skill level.
Cuban salsa dance lessons often focus on footwork, body movement, and timing, and may include elements of Rumba, Son, and other Afro-Cuban rhythms. New York Salsa classes often focus on footwork, spins, and turns, and may include elements of Mambo and Jazz. LA Style Salsa classes often focus on acrobatic movements, dips, drops, and lifts, and may include elements of Bachata and other Latin rhythms.
Salsa Classes in Orange County
If you’re looking for Salsa classes in Orange County, you have many options to choose from. There are many dance studios and instructors in the area that offer Salsa classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Some popular Salsa studios in Orange County include OC Salsa, Salsa Caliente, and Salsa Power Dance Academy.
Conclusion
Salsa dance is a vibrant and energetic dance style that has evolved over the years into various styles, including Cuban, New York, and LA styles. Each style has its unique characteristics, rhythms, and music, and learning Salsa can have many physical and mental health benefits.
If you’re interested in taking salsa dance lessons, there are many workshops available in Orange County that can help you improve your skills and have fun dancing. So why not give it a try and discover the joy of Salsa dance?
Vivek Kumar Singh