Salsa dancing is so much more than just a dance—it’s a celebration of culture, rhythm, and connection.
While we often think of salsa as a single style, there are actually several variations of this energetic, joyful dance, each with its own unique flair and history. These different salsa styles grew out of various cultural and regional influences, and they each have their own flavor. Let’s dive into the main salsa styles—Cuban, LA, New York, Colombian, and Rueda de Casino—and explore what makes each of them stand out.
Cuban Salsa (Casino)
Cuban salsa, also called “Casino,” is where it all began. This style comes from Cuba, the birthplace of salsa music and dance. The key feature of Cuban salsa is its circular motion. Dancers move around each other, almost like they’re in a spinning wheel, which creates a fluid, flowing feeling. It’s a very social style, with lots of room for improvisation. In Cuban salsa, the lead guides the follow in turns and circular steps, making the dance feel spontaneous and relaxed. The moves are often connected to the rhythms of Afro-Cuban music, which is full of energy and complex rhythms.
Cuban salsa also includes a group form of dancing called “Rueda de Casino,” where couples form a circle and exchange partners while following a set of calls and commands. This adds a whole other layer of fun, as everyone is constantly switching partners and keeping in sync with each other. The vibe here is all about having fun and going with the flow.
LA Style Salsa (On 1)
LA-style salsa is all about precision, showmanship, and flair. This style, which originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s, is typically danced in a straight line (called linear style), unlike Cuban salsa’s circular patterns. The “On 1” timing is a big feature here—meaning dancers start their movements on the first beat of the music, creating a sharp and clear rhythm. LA salsa is known for its fast footwork, dramatic turns, and eye-catching dips and lifts.
In LA salsa, there’s often a focus on performance. Dancers love to incorporate complex tricks, spins, and flashy moves that grab attention. It’s a style that’s built for the stage, and it often feels more like a show than just a social dance. The energy is high, the moves are sharp, and it’s a great choice for dancers who want to stand out with a little extra pizzazz.
New York Style Salsa (On 2)
New York-style salsa, or “On 2,” has its roots in the mambo traditions of the early 20th century. What sets New York salsa apart is its focus on rhythm and smoothness. Dancers here start their footwork on the second beat of the music, which gives the dance a slightly different groove compared to the LA “On 1” style. It makes the movement feel a little more grounded, and the flow is smoother, almost like the dancers are gliding through the music.
New York salsa is known for its intricate footwork, musicality, and sophisticated styling. Eddie Torres, one of the most influential figures in salsa, helped popularize this style. It’s often danced in a linear fashion, similar to LA salsa, but with a deeper connection to the music’s subtle rhythms. This style feels a little more connected to the mambo tradition, and it tends to be more about rhythm and timing than about performing flashy tricks. It’s elegant, smooth, and incredibly musical.
Colombian Salsa (Cali Style)
Colombian salsa, or “Cali style,” is probably the fastest-paced salsa style. Originating from Cali, Colombia, this style is known for its quick footwork and rhythmic intensity. Dancers move fast—really fast—and the steps are sharp and precise, with a lot of footwork happening in a small amount of space. Unlike the other salsa styles that involve big turns or spins, Colombian salsa focuses on staying in place or making tiny, rapid movements.
Cali style is often seen as one of the most energetic styles of salsa. Dancers here emphasize rhythm, keeping their feet tapping out the music’s complex beats, often in perfect synchronicity with the group. This style is less about partner interaction and more about individual flair. It’s the style that will really get your heart pumping—fast footwork, quick shifts, and non-stop movement. For those who love a challenge and can keep up with the lightning-fast pace, Colombian salsa offers the ultimate workout.
Rueda de Casino
Rueda de Casino isn’t so much a style of salsa as it is a way of organizing a group dance. This form of Cuban salsa involves multiple couples dancing in a circle, and the leader (often called the “caller”) shouts out different commands that dictate the moves. It’s like a giant salsa dance party where everyone is working together to keep the rhythm while switching partners and performing synchronized steps. The commands are usually in Spanish, but dancers are familiar with the moves, so they can respond without missing a beat.
Rueda de Casino is full of laughter and energy. It’s a social form of salsa that really emphasizes fun and teamwork. Because the partners constantly switch, everyone gets a chance to dance with different people, and the whole group moves in harmony. It’s a joyful and inclusive way to experience salsa, and it has a bit of a playful, spontaneous vibe.
So, What’s the Difference?
Each salsa style has its own unique qualities that make it stand out. Cuban salsa is all about circular movement and improvisation, with a lot of emphasis on social connection. LA salsa is sharp, structured, and highly performance-driven, with lots of big, flashy moves. New York salsa focuses on rhythm and musicality, with a smooth, grounded feel, while Colombian salsa is fast, energetic, and precise, with a huge focus on footwork. Finally, Rueda de Casino adds a playful, communal aspect to salsa by encouraging group dancing and partner switching in a circle.
So, if you’re considering getting into salsa, think about what excites you the most: Do you like the idea of spontaneous, circular movement? Or maybe you’re more into sharp, exciting performances with lots of dramatic turns? Each style offers a different way to experience salsa, and that’s part of what makes it such a diverse and vibrant dance form. No matter what style you choose, the important thing is to have fun, feel the rhythm, and enjoy the connection with your partner and the music. Salsa isn’t just a dance; it’s a celebration of life, movement, and culture.
