Salsa is a dance style that follows a circular pattern and places great emphasis on arm movements.
The salsa we know today is the result of centuries of musical and cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the history of Latin American and Caribbean societies. The word “salsa” means “sauce” or “spice,” referring to the complexity of the musical style and the combination of different rhythms.
Its origins date back to the 16th century. Over the years, Cuban music incorporated influences from the songs of Spanish traveling performers, Western European music, and jazz. The salsa widely known today emerged in the 1960s, when large numbers of Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants arrived in New York, where they preserved their culture and traditions.
Traditional salsa is characterized by fast-paced, dynamic, energetic, and rhythmically complex music. The dance itself is playful, lively, passionate, and full of energy. It is characterized by playful movements, back-and-forth arm turns, and a wide variety of step combinations.
Instructor: Mónika Kovács