Styles of Salsa Dance
Cuban style The original salsa style, as considered by most, which has been developing in Cuba since the 1950s. Cuban-style salsa can be danced either “on one” or “a contratiempo” – the latter is often referred to as “on two”. An essential element is the “cuba step” (also known as Guapea), where the leader does a backward basic on 1-2-3 and a forward basic on 5-6-7. The follower does the same, thereby mirroring the leader’s movement. Colombian style This style is common in Latin American countries. The leader and follower do most of the movements while standing in place. It stems from the Cuban style. Los Angeles style Developed in recent years, this is a style of salsa much effected by Hollywood and by the swing and mambo dances, thus being the most flashy style, which is considered “more show than dance” by many. Eddie Torres style The “NY Style” is a combination of the “On 1” and “On 2” systems. The timing of the steps are on the 1-2-3, 5-6-7 as in “On 1” but the breaks (where the b...
