Salsa Dance – Dance Class

Hello everyone, welcome back to my blog. Today, I will be discussing salsa dance, what it is, its origins, and various customs associated with it, etc. In today’s dance class, we watched a video featuring different dances from various cultures, which was fascinating to see. From those options, I have chosen to focus on the salsa dance style.

What is Salsa? –

Salsa is an energetic and lively dance style that combines a variety of rhythms and movements. It’s often performed in pairs, where one person leads and the other follows. Salsa dancing is characterised by quick footwork, smooth turns, and expressive body movements. One of the coolest things about Salsa is that it’s not just a dance, it’s a feeling. Dancers often showcase their personalities through the dance, adding their own spins and flair, which makes it a really fun and enjoyable experience.

 

Where is it from? –

Salsa has its roots in the Caribbean, particularly Cuba, but it has also been heavily influenced by other cultures, including African, Spanish, and even American jazz. The dance took shape in the vibrant streets of Havana in the early to mid-20th century. Over the years, it spread to other parts of Latin America and even to the United States, especially in cities like New York and Miami, where it evolved further.

 

How was Salsa dance made? –

The creation of Salsa dance developed over time as different musical genres influenced one another. Originally, Cuban son, mambo, and cha-cha were popular dance styles in Cuba. As these styles mixed with elements of jazz and other sounds in New York during the 1970s, the rhythm and dance of Salsa emerged. It was also during this time that Salsa music became popular, featuring a blend of catchy melodies, percussive elements, and vibrant horns. Dancers started to create new steps and formations, resulting in the dynamic and expressive style of Salsa we see today.

 

History of it –

The history of Salsa is rich and diverse, reflecting the cultural melting pot from which it originated. In the early 1900s, many Afro-Cuban and Spanish musicians began to blend traditional Cuban music with jazz, which was becoming popular in the U.S. This fusion of styles laid the groundwork for what would later become Salsa music. The rhythm and beats caught on quickly, leading to the birth of Salsa dance as dancers began to move and interpret the lively music.

 

As the genre gained popularity, Salsa dance evolved through various social movements and influences. In the 1960s and 1970s, it became a significant part of Latino culture, especially for communities in New York City. Social dance clubs thrived, where people of all ages would gather to dance the night away, creating a sense of community and celebrating cultural heritage. Salsa festivals and competitions began to pop up, showcasing incredible talent and helping to spread the love for this dance even further.

Costume –

Salsa Dance Costumes:

For Women: –

Dresses: Form-fitting and colourful, often featuring ruffles, sequins, or fringe for movement.

Skirts: Paired with fitted tops, usually short to allow for ease of movement.

Footwear: High-heeled dance shoes that provide support and style.

Accessories: Jewelry and hairpieces to enhance the outfit.

For Men: –

Shirts: Fitted, breathable fabric shirts, short or long-sleeved.

Pants: Tailored pants that allow for easy movement.

Footwear: Specialised low-heeled dance shoes for comfort and grip. Salsa costumes are vibrant and expressive, reflecting the lively spirit of the dance while ensuring comfort and mobility on the dance floor!

Videos –

 

Over time, Salsa has continued to adapt, incorporating new styles and influences while maintaining its roots. Today, you can find multiple styles of Salsa, including Cuban Salsa (also known as Casino), LA-style, and New York-style, each with its unique flair. Salsa remains a popular dance worldwide, bringing people together to share the joy of movement and music.

Thanks for reading

Shreeya