Salsa Dancing

Salsa dancing known as the dance of passion began in the 60’s and is a mixture of jazz and Cuban rhythm. This type of dancing doesn’t have one single origin nor is it easily defined although the Cubans are credited with its beginning. It is the mixture of many cultures and dances. Salsa was termed by New York to mean a variety of types of music from several different countries.


The dance is normally performed with a partner but has been done with one dancer. The basic Salsa step involves 3 weight changes in each 4 beat measure. The only differences in the styles are changes in direction and timing of the basic break step. Salsa movements are from left to right with pauses. During the pauses there is a flourish like a stomp or a kick.

This type of dancing is popular in the US and Latin America and is becoming popular in Europe. Many clubs have salsa dancing and many towns offer salsa dancing classes.