Salsa Dancing Information
Salsa is a well-revered style of dancing from Cuba. As the Free Dictionary explains, Salsa is characterized by Afro-Caribbean rhythms, mixed with a soundtrack that is predominantly Cuban big-band melodies, jazz and rock. Salsa is very popular in Latin-America, and is regularly featured on TV dancing shows. Salsa credits its style and rhythm to Cuban culture as well as outside influences.
French Influence
Although Salsa is widely recognized as a Cuban style of dance, the style was not entirely created by Cubans. Central Home notes that Salsa owes much of its rhythms and techniques to outside influences, which includes French influence. Central Home explains that Cuba was introduced to Country Dancing by French immigrants who had fled Haiti. Just Salsa explains that Country Dancing became the national dance of Cuba in 1879, as it was a partner-based ballroom dance. In Cuba, Country Dancing was known as Contra-Danze. Country Dancing eventually mixed with the the Cuban Són.
The Cuban Són
Understanding the Cuban Són is essential to understanding Salsa. Just Salsa credits the Cuban Són as the root of Salsa music and Havana as the home of the Cuban Són. The Cuban Són began at the height of Country Dancing's popularity in 1917. Central Home defines the Cuban Són's style as incorporating elements of African drumbeats, partner dancing and Spanish troubadour. Percussion and rhythmic instruments form the foundation and basis of the Cuban Són's music, according to Just Salsa. Country Dancing and the Cuban Són share similar elements, but the Cuban Són was distinguished for placing more emphasis on African instruments and orchestras. As a result, Cuban dancing was exposed to more African influences.
African Influence
Through the Cuban Són, Cuban dancing eventually blended with the Rumba, an African-style of dance. Rumba was the culmination of outside influences for Cuban dancing, which was previously dominated by Country Dancing and the Cuban Són. Cinema Ballroom notes that Rumba is based on a slow-to-mid tempo, and defined by provocative movements, Latin-style hip motion and flirting between the dancing couple. National Geographic explains Rumba as having three different styles, which includes yambú, guaguancó and columbia. All three styles are energetic, African-beat driven and for couples.
The Main Instruments of Salsa
As a result of the Cuban, French and African influences blending together, Salsa's music features a variety of instruments. Just Salsa briefly details all of the instruments, which includes the bongos, the botijuela, the claves, the Cowbell and the Marimbula. Bongos are drums, which are placed in between a player's knees and played by hand. Botijuela is a former oil bottle, which Just Salsa explains was formerly used as bass by original Són bands. Claves dictate the rhythm and guide a dancer's feet. Marimbula is a piano, which Just Salsa explains was brought to Cuba by slaves.
Patterns and Movements
According to Central Home, Salsa's pattern consists of six steps danced over eight counts of music. In addition, Salsa's turns are focused on a side-to-side motion. Ballroom Dancers details the footwork of the dance, explaining that steps begin with the ball of the foot, followed by the heel. Ballroom Dancers also notes that hip movements should be subtle, while the arms are held above waist level. In addition, arm movements should coincide with the body's movement because the movements will look more natural. Ballroom Dancers lists Salsa basic, underarm turn to right, underarm turn to left, man's underarm turn to right and cross body lead as the primary steps.
Tags: Country Dancing, Just Salsa, Central Home, Ballroom Dancers, Cuban Cuban