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Salsa
History
The history of "Salsa" dance is peppered with hearsay and contradiction. Although few would disagree that the music and dance forms originate largely in Cuban Son, most agree that Salsa as we know it today is a North American interpretation of the older forms. New York's Latino community had a vibrant musical and dancing scene throughout the '50s but found limited success with the 'Anglo' mainstream. In the 1970s, adoption of the term "Salsa" reduced the linguistic and cultural barriers to mainstream adoption of Latin music and dance.[3]
The modernization of the Mambo in the 1950s was influential in shaping what would become salsa. There is debate as to whether the dance we call Salsa today originated in Cuba or Puerto Rico. Cuba's influence in North America was diminished after Castro's revolution and the ensuing trade embargo. New York's Latino community was largely Puerto-Rican. Salsa is one of the main dances in both Cuba and Puerto Rico and is known worldwide.
About the Dance
The basic step of all styles of salsa involves 3 weight changes (or steps) in each 4 beat measure. The beat on which one does not step might contain a tap or kick, or weight transfer may simply continue with the actual step not occurring until the next beat, some individuals may insert an actual pause. The option chosen depends upon individual choice and upon the specific style being danced. One of the steps is a "break step" a little bit longer than the other two. Different styles of Salsa are often differentiated by the direction and timing of the break step ("on 1" or "on 2" for example). After 6 weight changes in 8 beats, the basic step cycle is complete. While dancing, the basic step can be modified significantly as part of the improvisation and stylings of the dancers.
Class Descriptions
Salsa 101
- Instructor: Sonyo
- Level: 1
- Prerequisite: None
- Type: Series Class
- Dates: See schedule for details
Details to come.
Salsa Patterns
- Instructor: Bernard
- Level: 2 & 3
- Prerequisite: Level 1 or Instructor Approval
- Type: Series Class
- Dates: See schedule for details
Details to come.
Salsa Footwork & Partnering
- Instructor: Bernard
- Level: 2 & 3
- Prerequisite: Level 1 or Instructor Approval
- Type: Open
- Dates: See schedule for details
Details to come.
Salsa Footwork & Partnering
- Instructor: Alejandra
- Level: 1
- Prerequisite: None
- Type: Open
- Dates: See schedule for details
Details to come.
Salsa Partnering
- Instructor: Bernard
- Level: 2 & 3
- Prerequisite: Level 1 or Instructor Approval
- Type: Open
- Dates: See schedule for details
Details to come.