Salsa
Spice it Up
Type of Music
Where is salsa played, listened, and danced to? Salsa dance socials are held at night clubs, bars, ballrooms, restaurants, and outdoor festivals. Many different salsa festivals are held internationally. It is the music primarily played at Latin dance clubs.
Who is Associated with Salsa?
The History of Salsa
Where did Salsa Originate?
Salsa began as a fusion of other genres of music
It is thought to have originated from meshing different types of music like Cuban son and Puerto Rican bomba. “Salsa” was orignially marketed in New York City during the 1970’s.
Musical Influneces
Characteristics of Salsa
Major Characteristics
Most Salsa music follows the son montuno model of a verse section followed by a call and response section in the chorus known as the montuno. The tempo may gradually increase during the montuno in order to build excitement. The montuno section can be divided into various sub-sections sometimes referred to as mambo, diablo, moña, andespecial. Salsa also features many instrumental breaks and jazzy solos.
Main Instruments and Vocals
Main instruments used are the bongos, botijuela, claves, conga drums, cowbells, guiros, marimbulas, quijadas, and timbales. The chorus of the song tends to follow a call and response format. This is known as the montuno. tempo may gradually increase during song. Verses tend to be short but can be elongated.
Social and Cultural Events
Costumes
Famous Salsa Musicians
Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, Willie Colón, Hector Lavoe, Tito Puente, Ruben Blades, Oscar D’Leon
Celia Cruz
Willie Colón
Tito Puente
Connection to Dance
Dances Associated With Salsa
Salsa is its own popular form of dance. It also has origins of other dances such as Cuban Son, Chachachá, and the mambo. Salsa dancing evolved from the earlier forms of dance. Salsa dancing also has elements of swing dancing incorporated in.
Characteristics of Salsa Dance
Salsa is danced by stepping on 3 consecutive beats, pausing for a beat then repeating. The dancer shifts weight by stepping causing their hips to move while keeping the upper body level. The lead dancer uses arms to signal the follower of which position to be in.