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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SALSA
What actually is the meaning of the word Salsa?
Well if you Google just ‘salsa’ you are going to get lots of yummy looking recipes for a lovely tomato
based dip, great with tortilla chips! So, unless you’ve come here by mistake looking for a new recipe, we’re going to assume you’re looking for lots of juicy details about the world of Salsa Dance.
Why ‘salsa’? Some people believe the dance style got its name for its hot and spicy movements, while others believe that it refers to the dance’s large mixture of influences (similar to all the ingredients that make up salsa). Still others believe that the name was based off of a cry that musicians would shout to increase the energy among a crowd.
Where Was Salsa Born?
There is much debate on the birthplace of salsa. While the movements and style originated from the Caribbean, it was in New York that salsa got its name and started to gain popularity.
As immigrants from Cuba, Puerto Rico Mexico, and South America came to New York, they brought with them their native rhythms and dances. Throughout the years, the music and moves fused and evolved into a number of popular dance styles, including the cha cha cha, rhumba, and salsa!
Different styles of salsa that you can learn at our school:
New York Style Salsa (Salsa on2) this style we give on request
Rinus Cannegieter & Eva Plakwicz
Salsa music as we know it today originated in New York, and New York-style salsa is the style of salsa that originated there. New York-style salsa is sometimes called “linear salsa” or “linea” by dancers of other styles because it is danced in a line (or “in the slot”) similar to Hustle or West Coast Swing, from which it was influenced.
New York-style salsa is often referred to as “Salsa On 2” or “On2 Salsa” because the break step in New York style happens on the second beat of the music. On2 salsa was popularized by Eddie Torres, and on2 dancers argue that their style is more musical because it more closely aligns with the tumbao & clave, two common musical patterns found in salsa music.Salsa On2 has grown in popularity in recent years, and is a popular way of dancing for advanced dancers and at international dance festivals. Because of its similarity to LA Style Salsa, most On2 dancers can also dance On1, although they may prefer the former
LA Style Salsa (Salsa on1) this style we give in our dancing school
LA-style salsa is probably the most popular form of salsa dancing in the world. It is the style of salsa that is taught most broadly, and most dancers of other styles of salsa dancing will have at least some familiarity with it. If you want to learn the most broadly applicable form of salsa, LA-style salsa is a good choice.
LA-style salsa, like its name suggests, orginated in Los Angeles, California, and was popularized by the Vazquez brothers. LA-style salsa is danced in a line, similar to New York style salsa, but dancers break on the first beat of the music (on 1) rather than on 2. Many newer dancers find this timing more intuitive.
Johnny Vazquez & Erica Spirito
Why you shoud learn to dance salsa?
Salsa Dancing is fun, energetic, inclusive and helps with social skills, confidence and literally changes lives. Many students have made lifelong friendships and partnerships through Salsa dance classes.
Salsa dance opens up a whole new social life, it is hard not to become addicted. Salsa dance is a way of life, you will find yourself a member of a whole new social community, not just a dance school.
We look forward to welcome you in our salsa community/family.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BACHATA
🌱 Origins (1960s – Dominican Republic)
Bachata was born in the Dominican Republic as a fusion of bolero (a slow romantic dance) with influences from African and Caribbean rhythms like son, merengue, and guaracha.
In its early years, bachata was considered music of the poor. It was mostly played in bars, the countryside, and working-class neighborhoods, and had a reputation for being linked to heartbreak, drinking, and nightlife.
Because of this stigma, bachata wasn’t played on the radio or in high society at first.
🎶 Evolution & Acceptance (1980s–1990s)
In the 1980s, artists like Juan Luis Guerra and Blas Durán helped bachata gain more respect by polishing the sound and mixing in modern guitar elements.
The dance style also started evolving: from being very close and simple to including turns and patterns influenced by salsa and ballroom dance.
By the 1990s, bachata had become mainstream in the Dominican Republic and began spreading internationally.
🌍 Globalization & New Styles (2000s–Present)
As bachata spread worldwide, dancers and musicians created new styles:
Traditional Dominican Bachata – small steps, syncopated rhythms, footwork, and close partner connection.
Modern Bachata – smoother movements, more turn patterns, influenced by salsa and ballroom.
Sensual Bachata (from Spain, early 2000s) – emphasizes body isolations, dips, waves, and dramatic movements to highlight the music’s emotions.
Fusion Styles – today you’ll also find mixes with hip hop, zouk, tango, and more.