While salsa dancing did not stem from a specific person or region, a significant part of the dance originated in Cuba. Born of Latin and Afro-Caribbean roots, the dance is now celebrated all over the world and has varied defining characteristics most notably in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and New York. It too has grown and taken on distinctive styles that vary by region. Much like salsa music, salsa dancing developed through various collaborations and cultural influences. Puerto Ricans embodied a classic polished sound following jazz structure and showcasing lengthy instrumental solos. As Cubans became shut out of the U.S., Puerto Ricans and NuYoricans (New Yorkers of Puerto Rican descent) took on the New York music scene.
prohibited Cubans from traveling to the United States and banned Cuban recordings from receiving airtime in the States. When diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States fell out, the U.S. They heavily shaped the sound of salsa music until Fidel came to power. Even today, Cuban, New York, Colombian, and Puerto Rican salsa all have their own distinctive sounds.ĭuring the 1940s and 50s, Cuban musicians played a big role on the development of music in New York. These musicians traveled back and forth between their home countries and New York with their newfound musical fusion hence generating different styles of salsa music in different places. They also incorporated in American Jazz influences. As musicians from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico and South America came to New York to perform, they collaborated their native musical styles. Some of the styles of music have maintained their distinctive individuality while others were mixed, creating salsa. The nickname once referred to an assortment of different music including Charanga, Cumbia, Plena, Bomba, Guaracha, Mambo, Festejo, Meregnue, Rhuma, Són Montuno, Cha cha cha, Danzón, Són, Guguanco, Cubop, Guajira, and others. Salsa, meaning “sauce,” conveys feelings of spicing things up and enlivening the moment. The term “salsa” was created in New York in the 1960’s and is now used to describe both the popular style of music and it’s matching dance. Salsa dancing has an intricate and debated history that very much mirrors the development of its counterpart, salsa music. Salsa dancing has many fast turns, exciting footwork, rhythmic hip movements, and lively music. This fun and energetic dance is the most popular of all the Latin dances because it is easy to learn and is fantastic for all ages and dancing abilities.