Salsa
Salsa took shape in New York in the 1960s and 1970s, drawing on Cuban son, mambo, danzón and cha-cha-chá and mixing in American influences such as swing and tap. Immigrant communities from Cuba and Puerto Rico developed it, and Fania Records and its musician Johnny Pacheco are linked with popularising the name and the sound.
The basic pattern takes three steps for every four beats of music, usually at about 160 to 220 beats per minute. Styles differ by place: New York style is danced on the second beat in a linear slot, Los Angeles style on the first beat, Cuban style in a circular partner pattern, and Cali style is known for quick footwork. Clubs and annual salsa congresses keep it alive worldwide.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Salsa (dance)
- Museum of the City of New York: Rhythm & Power: Salsa in New York (2017)
- Smithsonian: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
Organisations connected with this dance
Listed as references; being listed is not an endorsement by or of the organisation.