The History of Salsa Dance

[gloria reid]

Salsa dancing has a very distinct dance style. It has a pattern step
style encompassing six steps that are danced over eight counts in a
musical beat.
Salsa is the combination of many cultural genres including Afro-
Caribbean and Latin sounds.
Although the exact origin of salsa cannot be interpreted, many believe
that Cubans created this explosive dance style that has won the world
over. It is in this place where Contra-Danze or "country dance" of
England and France later known as Danzon that was brought over by the
French who had fled from Haiti. Their experience with the French music
traditions and the distinctive drum beat influences of Rhumbas of
Africa and partner dance style helped influence the development of the
very distinctive salsa style of music and dance that we are all
familiar with today.
However, regardless of who originally founded salsa, it's
collaborative cultural flavor of Afro-Caribbean and Latin influences
have been successful in making it one of the most popular dance and
music styles recognized all over the world.
Salsa dance moves are very distinct. Salsa moves more from side to
side, putting much emphasis on turns, which are carefully synchronized
with the strategic side stepping of the dancer.
Although the countries I just mentioned have helped influence salsa
dance and music, several other countries have also influenced it like
Columbia, Puerto Rico the Dominican, Mexico and several other Latin
American countries.
Many bands from these countries took their music to Mexico City during
the famous film era and then later brought their musical style to New
York where it started a movement through cultures that had never heard
this unique style of music, or seen this magical and explosive dance
style. New York picked up salsa music and dance almost instantly which
helped to promote the salsa movement but New York was also the city
that coined it as "salsa".
If you listen to salsa music carefully, you will hear influences of
Merengue, Cha Cha, Mambo and several other Latin American and African
musical styles. You'll hear many of the classic old-styles built into
the salsa rhythms.
Salsa's evolution has been explosive and only continues to evolve!
Want to learn how to dance to salsa music? Learn the easy steps by
visiting www.salsadancedvd.com. This is the best site on the web for
learning how to dance salsa. Taught by real professional salsa
dancers. It's toxic!