Dance Styles
1. Salsa Clásica
Salsa Clásica is the original style of the Salsa, which is danced in the Caribbean countries with exception of Cuba and Puerto Rico. This style is a bit easier and further characterized through its liberty, joy and simplicity. Salsa Clásica is danced “on one” in a closed position with less figures and always paying attention to the music. The couple interprets every moment of a song with its movements, passes and figures
Here you can find the Salsa beginner program with Nena Verona: Calendar Salsa Basic 1
2. Salsa Cubana
Salsa Cubana has its origin in Cuba and is usually danced to the Son of Salsa Cubana or Timba. The main characteristic of this style is the turn of the couple around a certain common initial point. Furthermore, the woman does not part from the movements of the man, which gives little space for own interpretations.
Here you can find the Salsa Cubana program with Nena Verona: Calendar Salsa Basic 2
3. Son Cubano
Son Cubano comes from the eastern region of Cuba and was created during the 19th century. It is a mix of the musical tradition from Africa and the Spanish traditions. Thus, the Son was born, a down-to-earth product from Cuba. Son Cubano can be danced “on one” or “on two” in a closed position. The bodies belong to each other, legs loop in each other and the woman moves her hips suensually. The couple does the same passes and movements to a syncope rhythm and the movements of the shoulders, pelvis and hips determine the beat. All these qualities can be found in Salsa, Mambo and other Latin American dances. Example.
Here you can find the Son Cubano program: Calendar Son Cubano
4. Rueda de Casino
Rueda de Casino was developed in the 1950es in Cuba and got its name because this danced was firstly shown in the Club Casino Deportivo.
Rueda is danced from a group of couples who position themselves in a circle and dance the same figures at the same time. These figures are announced by the Cantante (in English: the singer/ the presenter). Thus it is important to know the name of the figures and that all dancers have internalized and understood them. The figures of this style are the figures of Salsa Cubana.
Here you can find the Rueda de Casino program :
Calendar Rueda de Casino Workshops with Norbert
Calendar Rueda de Casino Workshops with Jorge
5. Bachata Dominicana
Bachata was invented in the 1960es in the Dominican Republic. It is a romantic, sensual and rhythmic dancing style, which is danced in a closed position, similar to Bolero Romantico. Bachata differs from other styles because of its accentuated movements of the hips which are mainly done by the women.
The characteristic of Bachata is a very slow rhythm in a 4/4 beat. The basic step consists of three steps and a tap with the sole of the foot. The three steps are danced to the first three steps and the foot is put down with the fourth beat.
Here you can find the Bachata program: Calendar Bachata
6. Kizomba
Kizomba has his heritage in Angola and combines European salon dance elements with the rhythms and movements of African dances. Kizomba is a slow dance with many breaks which is danced closely with the partner and in an erotic manner.
Here you can find the Kizomba program: Calendar Kizomba
7. Chachachá
The rhythm of Chachachá comes from Cuba and was invented in 1953 by the compositor and violinist Enrique Jorrín. The first step of this style is done with the second beat of the music and the basic step always consists of five passes: two slow and three fast steps: 2, 3, Chachachá or 1, 2, Chachachá. The style is danced calmly, lacy and coquettish. The hips move up and down with every step which bears comparison with a very natural movement. Thus, the body weight is relocated from one side to the other by bending and stretching the knees. Moreover, lacy figures are danced. Chachachá is a refreshing and calm dancing style.
Here you can find the Chachachá program: Calendar Chachachá
8. Rueda Chachachá
Rueda Chachachá is danced by a group of dance couples who position themselves in a circle and dance the same figures at the same time, always considering the Chachachá stroke. The figures are commanded by one member of the group, the “Cantante” (in English: the singer/ anchorman). Thus, it is crucial to name the figures, so that everyone knows them.
Here you can find the Rueda Chachachá program: Calendar Chachachá Rueda
9. Salsa L.A. Style
Salsa L.A. Style (or Los Angeles Style) was created between 1990 and 2000 in the US. This style is danced “on one” and characterized because of its figures, which are danced along an imaginary straight line. When changing the position, the man takes the place of the woman and vice versa.
The figures are very broad and visually clean, are done fast and contain also acrobatic elements. Especially the woman performs many turns and movements with the arms. Hence, the velocity, strength, practice and demanding technical requisites are very important.
Here you can find the Salsa L.A. Style program: Calendar Salsa L.A. Style
10. Salsa New York Style/ Mambo
Salsa New York Style or Mambo was created by Edye Torres in New York City. This style is danced “on two” in one line. The woman and the man follow an imaginary line and poften change positions. This is calles “Cross Body Style”. The straight-line figures and elegance are characteristic for Salsa New York Style. As the L.A. style Salsa New York Style is one of the mostly danced styles at international competitions, because it was developed by great and professional dancers. New York Style is a show style, but it is also danced at social dances.
Here you can find the Salsa New York Style program: Calendar Salsa New York Style
11. Pachanga
Pachanga is a very funny dance and a fusion of Merengue and Conga. It gained popularity in 1959 in Columbia. Pachanga is an interaction of free steps and is mostly danced alone – without a partner. Thus, it increases the ability of improving when dancing and the joy of dancing with a partner.
Here you can find the Pachanga program: Calendar Pachanga