Different Styles of Salsa Dance
If you are just a beginner to learning salsa, then you might not know that there is not just one style of salsa dancing; there are a few different styles of salsa dancing that are practiced all over the world.
Although there are a few exceptions, the music to which they are danced is typically the same, but the styles have major differences among them. If you only know one style of salsa, you may find it difficult to dance with someone who is dancing a different style. This article by one of the oldest and best dance studios in Dubai will explain the various types of salsa dancing there are.
Because if you don’t know the differences among the major salsa styles, it may get very confusing for you. By the end of the article, you’ll understand what the various salsa styles look like, perhaps learn about some new ones, and identify the salsa style that’s best for you. Maybe you could learn and specialize in two salsa dancing styles rather than one. If you are wondering what is easier among salsa and bachata, then head over to our blog section, where we have covered a detailed article on it.
Colombian Salsa
Colombian salsa is danced to a different sort of salsa music called “Cumbia,” which has a longer break between the first three and the last three beats but is otherwise identical to salsa. Colombian-style salsa originated in Colombia, hence its name. Cumbia classes are not common because most people who dance this style learn it from family and friends. This salsa style, which is still very common in South and Latin America, can be identified by its circular open-side breaks and tapping on the pauses at 4 and 8.
Cuban Salsa
Cuban salsa is closest to the original salsa style. It is distinguished by Afro-Cuban body movement, which incorporates hip movement and body isolation at the same time. In Cuban salsa, you won’t find many quick spins. Instead of being linear, the movement is largely circular, and partners frequently go around each other. In this salsa style, there are frequent hip movements, and as a result, the pumping of the knees can be a bit obvious. The arm work, which requires the follower to have limber, flexible arms, is highly intricate despite the relatively easy footwork. If you plan on learning Cuban salsa, you will have to enroll in salsa dance lessons in Dubai, as handwork is difficult in this style. You can take private salsa dance lessons at Dance Studios Dubai to get all the benefits of learning ballroom dancing.
Miami Style Salsa
Although it is more challenging and technically complex than Cuban salsa, Miami-style salsa emerged from Cuban salsa. Advanced Miami salsa techniques typically resemble pretzels and are difficult to accomplish without a flexible follower. The approach is still more circular than linear, and many Miami moves are similar to Casino Rueda moves. The most typical basic moves in Miami-style salsa are open breaks or the Guapea basic (leader and follower break back and then push off each other with a tap). Although popular, cross-body lead variants are usually performed more circularly. You will find this version of salsa performed in many Hollywood movies. Although this style may be difficult to learn and perform, you can learn it by taking ballroom dance lessons in Dubai from renowned studios such as Dance Studios Dubai. Another benefit of learning any style of salsa is that you effortlessly stay fit while doing it.
L. A. Salsa (or Dancing on 1)
L.A. salsa can be called a fancier variation of New York-style salsa. L.A.-style salsa is typically danced “On 1”. Dancers perform numerous dips, flips, drops, and other stunts, which makes for an entertaining performance. Again, in a linear motion, the back-and-forth Mambo basic is used, with the leader breaking forward on 1. The dance seems and feels forceful and quick since the dominant beat is the one that is highlighted the most throughout the series. Jazz, hip hop, and ballroom dancing have all been combined into the L.A. form of salsa, making it demanding for the dancers and exciting for the audience. Many of the moves are derived from cross-body lead variations, much like New York-style salsa. Even if this demanding style is too much for you, learning normal salsa at one of the best dance classes in Dubai is always a great idea for your mental and physical well-being.
New York Style Salsa (or Dancing on 2)
A salsa variation known as “Mambo” or “Salsa on 2” was first popularized by Eddie Torres in New York in the 1960s. The beat that the dancers break forward on is referred to as dancing “on 2” in a technical sense. Leaders will break forward on the 6, while followers will do so with their left foot on the 2. Smooth, controlled, highly technical motions that are elegant, graceful, flow nicely, and are not hurried are what set New York-style salsa apart. Many of the turn patterns in this very linear style develop from cross-body lead variations. Afro-Cuban body movement, several spins, complex footwork, and shines are the basics of this salsa style. Although popular, this salsa style is not taught at all ballroom dance classes in Dubai; only specific dance classes teach it.
Salsa Shine
When you enroll in salsa dance classes in Dubai, you will learn that shines are solo movements in which the leader separates from the follower and each dancer is given the chance to freestyle to the beat and accents of the salsa song. Shines require more intricate arm and body movements as well as footwork. Shines are frequently used in New York, Los Angeles, and Puerto Rican dance styles. The Cuban, Miami, and Colombian styles of dancing do not use them as frequently. Having the chance to “shine” on your own is what the word “shine” originally meant. Dancers can take a break from pair work, turn patterns, and freestyle during shines. Salsa Shine helps you discover your hidden talents with Latin dancing.
There are many more styles of salsa, and you can always do salsa styling to add a personal touch to your performance. Contact Team Dance Studios Dubai to enroll and start your salsa classes today.
