Salsa
By: Soleil Ducusin
What is Salsa?
Salsa is a form of latin music. Salsa's name literally translates into English as "sauce". This is because it "spices" up their lives and represents the cultural connection to their dominant cuisines.
Where did it come from?
Around the end of the 60's-90's salsa began to really develop. Even though some think salsa originates in either Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, or some other latin countries, it actually originates in New York. Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants brought along some of the main influences for the music genre.
What are common characteristics of the music?
Salsa is well-known for beautifully crafted orchestration, Afro-Cuban driven percussion, a very prominent horn section, and if a singer, a very smooth and passionate one. When it comes with instruments, there is a variety including, but not limited to, horns, bongos, congas, timbales, cowbells, pianos, trumpets, guitars, claves, and saxophones.
Dancewear/Costumes?
What is its connection to dance?
Dance is rooted into latin culture. Salsa dancing is one of the main parts of latin culture Americans know best of. When considering the actual dance, the dances definitely vary, but they are almost always consist of two partner. They both follow a simple
8 count beat and there is a dominant lead who brings their partner into spins or other more intricate step. Much more professional or comfortable dancers improvise some steps and add lots of hip and upper body movements.
SALSA DANCING
David and Paulina - 2013 World Latin Dance Cup - Finals
Find the Salsa Beat and Rhythm
People credited with the rise of Salsa
Celia Cruz
Living from 1925-2003, she was a Cuban-American salsa singer/performer
Willie Colón
Born in 1950 and still living today, he is a "Nuyorican" (New York born Puerto Rican) who is a salsa musician and social activist.
Eddie Palmeiri
Born in 1936 and still living today, he is the founder of two bands, he is a Grammy Award-winning pianist, bandleader, and musician.
Marc Anthony - Vivir Mi Vida (Audio)