Salsa
by: Margarita and Isabel
What country did the Salsa dance originate from?
The Salsa is a popular form of social dance that originated in New York with intense influences from Latin America, particularly Cuba and Puerto Rico.
Characteristics of Salsa Dancing
1) It is a partner dance where the man leads and the woman follows
2) The music has 4 beats per measure but the dancers only take steps on 3 of the beats pausing for one beat. This is often confusing for first timers. You could count it like step, step, step, pause or some people say "quick, quick, slow"
3) The dance includes both turn patterns as well as moments where the couple may separate and dance apart for a short time before retuning to dance together.
4) The hips of the dancers, both man and woman, are always moving.
2) The music has 4 beats per measure but the dancers only take steps on 3 of the beats pausing for one beat. This is often confusing for first timers. You could count it like step, step, step, pause or some people say "quick, quick, slow"
3) The dance includes both turn patterns as well as moments where the couple may separate and dance apart for a short time before retuning to dance together.
4) The hips of the dancers, both man and woman, are always moving.
Famous Salsa Dancers
Frankie Martinez
Frankie Martinez is one of the salsa world’s most well know names as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and founder of the ABAKUA Afro-Latin Dance Company. Martinez grew up in Forest Hills, New York and is of Puerto Rican descent.
Juan Matos
The young boy was raised in Santa Domingo, Juan Matos or better known as Juan “Pachanga”
Eddie Torres
He was raised by his Puerto Rican parents in Spanish Harlem in New York City. He started dancing when he has 12 years old. Due to a crush he had on a girl who could dance Latin, he was determined to learn the moves.