Salsa Styles

Originally, Salsa was danced in different Latin American countries (Colombia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, etc.), but as a consequence of its expansion to other parts of the world, it is not possible to speak of a single style . Depending on the place, we can talk about a style or variant that, although with a common base, has its own characteristics.

The most danceable Salsa styles are:

• Cuban sauce
• Los Angeles (LA) Style
• New York style
• Puerto Rico style
• Colombia style
• Cuban wheel

Cuban sauce

This type of salsa is danced in pairs around an imaginary circle. It is characterized by being a lively and more informal dance than other types of ballroom dancing and, especially, because the couple has their hands and arms intertwined most of the time, giving rise to complicated figures and knots that are elegantly undone.

Los Angeles (LA) Style

The couple dances staying in an imaginary straight line on which the figures are made. It is a more technical style, less free than Cuban salsa and widely used in competitions since the movements are more clearly appreciated.

New York style

This style emerged in New York City when renowned musicians such as Tito Puente gathered in different venues around the city to play the Mambo.

In the New York style, the dancer begins to dance on the second beat of the beat, and not the first. Keep in mind that in salsa, the musical fragment is divided into 8 rhythmic beats . In addition, your basic step consists of two steps forward or backward in the first and second time, to change direction in the third and seventh time.

Puerto Rico style

As its name suggests, it is the Salsa of the Puerto Rican country.

It is characterized by the following:

• It is danced online.
• It is a more minority style.
• It requires more space than other styles.
• The movements, in general, are smoother than Los Angeles or New York salsa.

Colombia style

Also known as Salsa caleña since it is danced mainly in the Colombian city of Cali. What makes the difference in this style is the speed of leg and hip movements.

Cuban wheel

The Cuban Rueda or Rueda de Casino style salsa is danced in a group. In this group, couples form a circle and dance following the directions indicated by one of the group members. In each phase (basic, intermediate and advanced level) there are different figures, which receive a specific name, for example:

Water, jar, little train, aspirin, give me, butter, hat, padlock, chain, watch, combination, etc.

Discover our offer of salsa classes in Madrid with Superprof. Salsa Styles