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  • Writer's pictureYesica Bello (SCNYC)

SALSA CLASSES NYC: LET'S TALK ABOUT THE RISE OF SALSA & ITS ORIGINS

Updated: Feb 24, 2020


What Is Salsa?

Salsa is a musical style that originates from the Caribbean and African roots emerged as a dance in New York City. Popular in Latin America and within the Latino communities in the United States, Salsa dancing has gained popularity almost all over the world.

Although salsa rhythm is a catchy, and fun dance, it does take practice to reach a level of mastery. In New York City, there are several academies dedicated to teaching salsa, such as, Salsa Classes NYC. Outside of NYC, there are academies throughout the world to teach the basic foundations. You can take your salsa skills into worldwide competitions.

Although salsa rhythm is a catchy, and fun dance, it does take practice to reach a level of mastery. In New York City, there are several academies dedicated to teaching salsa, such as Salsa Classes NYC. Outside of NYC, there are academies throughout the world to teach the basic foundations. You can take your salsa skills into worldwide competitions.


Origins & History of Salsa

The origins of salsa date back to the 1900s in Eastern Cuba, where musical elements and rhythms from various styles were infused. Cuban son and Afro-Cuban rumba, are musical styles infused to create a unique musical rhythm that would later be known as salsa.


After 50 years, this new rhythm landed in Havana. From here on out salsa continued to evolve through the many influences from other local Cuban music and from American jazz. During the time of the Revolution in Cuba, many musicians traveled to the United States, especially to New York City. The musicians found themselves within the Latino community that gave birth to the development of their rhythm into what is known in salsa today as “El Barrio”, also known as Spanish Harlem.


Salsa music is a mix of various Caribbean rhythms and instruments. Over the years salsa dance has evolved leading to the creation of different regional styles of salsa. Some of the most popular regional styles are:


  • Salsa Casino (Cuban style)

  • Salsa Casino (Miami style)

  • Afro-Latino style

  • Cali style (Colombian Salsa)

  • Rueda de Casino

  • New York style

Instruments commonly used are bongos, congas, timbales, maracas, and cowbells. Among the string instruments, we see the bass guitar, guitar, piano, violin, and electric guitar. The trumpet, trombone, flute, and saxophone are brass instruments commonly used.


The influence of salsa grew rapidly to become popular all over Latin America and within Latin communities worldwide.


If you ever find yourself living or visiting New York City.

Definitely take a salsa class with Salsa Classes NYC, New York's #1 quality salsa on2 dance school dedicated to breaking down every step for you to feel the origins echo as you learn to dance, sweat and have fun!


Follow us on Social Media via Instagram or Facebook @salsaclassesnyc


WWW.SALSACLASSESNYC.COM


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