Dance to the beat of Salsa! The Salsa fever is certainly alive today as it was when it started. Its popularity spread across the world as evident in how it has been modified. Variations of salsa steps are seen in the dancing studios of New York, Los Angeles, China, Philippines and other countries. The Salsa Dance is definitely an interesting fusion of dances, much like is “sauce” or combination of ingredients. Connoting spicy sauce, this upbeat music certainly appeals to the senses with its mixture of African and European influence particularly Son, Guaguangco, Rumbaa, Boogaloo, Pachanga, Guaracha, Plena and Bomba.

Salsa originated in the Carribean, with Puerto Rico and Cuba claiming the credit. The popularity of Mambo in the 1950s was instrumental in paving the way for Salsa. When the dance was formally given the name “Salsa” in 1970s, it has gained the acceptance of Latin music and dance in the mainstream, reducing the barrier of language and culture in the music world.

You can exhibit your salsa prowess alone, with a dancing partner, with a group, or be in group pairs. A salsa will never be boring because there are various ways of performing it. In fact, there are different styles of salsa dancing that reflect the cultural and geographical location of the dancer. Different styles accent different beats in the accompanying music. Step timing is very important, this is how the dance steps fit into the music and what gives fluidity to the dance. Just like any dance, you have to listen intently and go with the rhythm of the music. In its traditional form, the man leads while the woman follows. The man gives the woman “claves”  or tugs, pushes or checks which guide the woman when to perfectly turn, dip, cross – body as well as other movements. Both partners maintain a “European Position”, where the man closely faces the woman. All Salsa dances have common basic steps which start with forward movement done by tapping left on the first beat, then the same foot moves forward, the right foot rocks back and the left steps back to complete the sequence. Basic back movement follows. While the man makes forward movements the woman mirrors with back movements and then they reverse steps.

The New York Style gives much attention to efficiency of movement, composure and body isolations. Dancers keep perfect timing and control as well as fluidity of movement. New York Style emphasizes dancing with the tumbao pattern of conga drums. This clearly shows the Afro-Carribean origin of the dance. It also emphasizes remaining in the “slot” or minimize travelling. Dancers are given each a chance to shine in solo performance.

Also known as Casino, the Cuban style is either danced on the down beat (a tiempo) or the upbeat (a contratiempo). Down beats refer to beats 1,3,5,7 while the upbeats correspond to 2,4,6,8. Here, the leader makes basic backward movement on 1-2-3 and does forward basic on 5-6-7.  The 4^th beat is often not included. The follower does the leader’s movement in reverse while circling constantly around each other. There is also cross-body lead or “Salida Cubana” which adds sexiness to the dance.

In contrast to Cubano style which moves to beats 1 and 3, the LA style dances on beat 1, in a slot. It has the elements of Mambo and Swing and shows sensuality, aerobics, drama and musicality. It uses the basic forward and backward steps as well as the cross – body lead. The movements follow with the leader stepping forward on 1, then steps right on 2-3 while making 90 degrees counter-clockwise turn, facing left. The follower makes a forward step on 5-6, makes a turn on 7-8. The leader on the other hand, makes another 90 degree counter-clockwise. After the count of 8, both partners must have already exchanged in place.

Salsa is definitely one of the activities which is not only good for burning fats but most importantly it allows expression of body language and feelings. So the next time you hit the dance floor, heat it up with a Salsa!