RF Dance
12 Little-Known Facts on Salsa Dancing
Posted on - 14 November 2024
Salsa dancing is a popular Latin dance style enjoyed all over the world—you’ve probably seen it in movies or at your local club.
But there’s more to salsa than just the moves you see! Here are twelve fun salsa dance facts you might not know:
Salsa Is The Most Popular Partner Dance in the World
Salsa isn’t just popular—it’s the world’s favorite partner dance!
More than 200 million people around the globe enjoy salsa dancing. That’s more than the combined total of the next three popular dances. Well, those are bachata, swing, and tango.
Salsa schools and clubs can be found everywhere—not just in the U.S. and Latin America, but also across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Almost every major city around the world has a vibrant salsa scene!
Salsa Has Arisen From the United States
While salsa has Latin roots, the well-known term “salsa” first became popular in New York City.
The U.S. is home to some of the world’s best salsa dancers, with major salsa hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Salsa Began in the 1960s
The term “salsa” was created in 1964 by Fania Records, a label founded by Dominican-born musician Johnny Pacheco and Italian-American lawyer Jerry Masucci.
Fania brought together various Latin music styles being played in New York and marketed them under the name “salsa,” helping the music gain worldwide fame.
The dance style soon followed, with pioneers like Eddie Torres and Johnny Vazquez formalizing the steps and teaching them in dance schools.
Salsa is a Blend of Different Dances
The word “salsa” means “sauce” in Spanish, and just like a sauce, salsa dancing is a mix of many different elements.
It draws inspiration from several dance styles, including mambo, pachanga, swing, hustle, Cuban son, cha-cha-cha, jazz, and Afro-Cuban rumba.
Today, salsa continues to evolve as dancers incorporate moves from ballet, gymnastics, hip-hop, and other styles, pushing the boundaries and keeping the dance fresh and exciting.
There Are Six Styles of Salsa Dancing
Many beginners don’t realize that salsa isn’t just one type of dance. In fact, there are six different styles danced around the world!
The six styles are: New York style, LA style, Colombian salsa, Cuban salsa, Rueda de Casino, and Salsa Choke.
Some styles are similar enough that dancers can easily switch between them, while others are completely different and require learning new moves.
Salsa Dancing Is Great for Your Health
Salsa is one of the fastest-paced social dances, making it a fantastic workout!
With salsa music ranging from 150 to 220 beats per minute, you can burn 300-400 calories per hour while dancing.
Beyond burning calories, salsa helps improve flexibility, strength, and even mental sharpness as you learn and practice new moves.
The Word “Salsa” Means “Sauce” in Spanish
The Aztecs were using salsa as a condiment long before it had a name. It wasn’t until 1571 that a Spanish priest, Alonso de Molina, gave it the name “salsa,” which simply means “sauce” in English.
So, if you’re ever in a Spanish-speaking country and ask for salsa to pair with your taco, you’re really just asking for the ingredient “sauce.” But don’t worry—they’ll know exactly what you mean. With a sauce this tasty, it doesn’t need a fancy name!
The Salsa Dance Was Named After the Dip
Whether you’re enjoying salsa as a dip or a dance, it’s guaranteed to be hot and spicy.
The salsa music and dance we know today started in the 1960s as a mix of different styles, coming together to create something lively and full of energy—just like the tasty dip it’s named after!
There Are Different Styles of Salsa Music
Just like salsa dancing, salsa music also comes in a variety of styles.
These include Salsa Dura (hard salsa), Salsa Romántica (romantic salsa), Latin Jazz, Timba (Cuban salsa), pop salsa, and Salsa Choke. Each style has its own unique rhythm and feel, which can influence how the dance is performed.
The Origin of "Shines"
In salsa dancing, "shines" are solo moves where dancers can show off their creativity and style.
They first appeared in the New York salsa scene during the 1960s and ’70s, when dancers would use breaks in the music to perform unique steps and add their own flair.
Today, shines are a big part of salsa, letting dancers express themselves and connect with the music in a more personal way.
Salsa in the Movies
Salsa dancing has lit up the big screen in many movies, bringing its exciting energy to audiences everywhere. Some popular films that showcase salsa include Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, Dance with Me, and Cuban Fury.
These movies don’t just entertain—they often inspire people to give salsa dancing a try for themselves!
Salsa is for the Celebrities, Not Just for the Pros
Salsa dancing isn’t just for professional dancers—it’s a favorite among many celebrities too!
Stars like Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and Vanessa Williams are well-known for showing their love of salsa, while others like Hugh Grant, Will Smith, and Jamie Foxx have also been seen showing off their moves.
It proves that salsa’s charm goes beyond the pros, attracting people from all walks of life.