Of the many traditional dances tied to various cultures throughout the world, one of the most widely recognized is the salsa dance. This is an elegant and upbeat dance that has spread throughout the world, but has its roots in the Western hemisphere. A combination of other dances and cultural influences, salsa is a blend that is highly enjoyable and entertaining.
Origin
Salsa has its roots among the Spanish-speaking communities in the Caribbean, as well as among immigrants from these countries who transplanted themselves to the Unites States.
Basic Steps
Salsa steps are based on four-beat measures. Three of the beats involve a shift of movement, while the fourth beat is for a pause, a kick or a tap of the foot.
Influences
Various musical influences and dances from Europe and Africa came together to create salsa. These include the mambo, bomba, plena, guaracha and boogaloo.
Types
Salsa is mainly a two-person dance, but other styles also exist. Solo forms are taken partly from tap dancing, and a line dancing style is known as suelta.
Geography
Certain types of salsa vary depending on the region it is danced in. New York and Puerto Rican salsa developed in New York City, while Cuban salsa is danced in that country as well as in Europe and China.
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