Salsa Styles

Cuba and Miami

Danced in Cuba and Miami, but also popular in Europe and China; there are many dedicated small communities all over the world often organized to dance Rueda as well. Cuban-style salsa (also called Casino) can be danced either on the down beat ("a tiempo") or the upbeat ("a contratiempo"). Beats 1, 3, 5 and 7 are downbeats and 2, 4, 6 and 8 are upbeats. An essential element is the "Cuba step" (also known as Guapea), where the leader does a backward basic on 1-2-3 and a forward basic on 5-6-7. Usually the fourth beat is not counted. The follower does the same, thereby mirroring the leader's movement. Another characteristic of this style is that in many patterns the leader and follower circle around each other.

Los Angeles

In Cuban based rhythms, the strong beats are on 1 and 3. L.A. style is danced on 1, in a slot. It is highly influenced by both the Mambo and Swing style of dancing. L.A. style emphasizes sensuousness, theatricality, aerobics, and most importantly, musicality. The two essential elements of this dance are the forward/backward basic, and the cross-body lead. In this pattern, the leader steps forward on 1, steps to the right on 2-3 while turning 90 degrees counter-clockwise (facing to the left). The follower then steps forward on 5-6, and turns on 7-8, while the leader makes another 90 degrees counter-clockwise. After these 8 counts, the leader and follower have exchanged their positions.

The LA. style as it is known today was pioneered by what many consider some of the most famous and successful people in dance. Albert Torres, Laura Canellias and Joe Cassini rightfully deserve

much of the credit for the early development and growth of L.A. Style Salsa. Later, such dancers as Alex Da Silva, Liz Lira, Edie Lewis, Joby Martinez, Thomas Montero, Rogelio Moreno, Josie Neglia, Liz Rojas, Francisco Vazquez and Janette Valenzuela are often credited with developing the LA style of Salsa Dancing as we know it today. Tony Cordero and Robert Menache helped spread the influence of the LA style to Long Beach and Orange County.

New York and Puerto Rico

Found on the East Coast of North America, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. New York style emphasizes efficiency of movement, elegance, and body isolations. By focusing on control, timing, and precision of technique, dancers aim for smooth execution of tightly woven complex patterns.

In New York City this style is danced strictly On 2, although dancers around the world often integrate elements and repertoire from New York into their dancing On 1.

On 2 timing emphasizes the conga drum's tumbao pattern[citation needed], and encourages the dancer to listen to percussive elements of the music. Advocates of New York Style consider this to more accurately reflect the Afro-Caribbean ancestry of the music.

Many also refer to this style as "Mambo" since it breaks on beat 2 of the measure, though there are other dance forms with a more legitimate claim to that name.

Mambo has been taught in ballroom schools throughout the world since the 1950's. For years ballroom competitions have featured Mambo as a competition dance. N.Y. style salsa therefore, has dominated Mambo and Salsa competitions over the years,

although other styles are gaining respect and are sometimes danced as alternate competition categories. The etiquette of New York style is strict about remaining in the "slot" and avoiding traveling.

New York style tends to place a greater emphasis on performing "shines" where dancers separate and dance solo for a time. While the New York style is the predominant style found in the eastern United States, the style finds favor with professional salsa dancers and salsa teachers the world over. Thus, it can be seen at salsa congresses all around the world.