Salsa is a style of Latin dance that originated from the Caribbean where Spanish speaking peoples created it. It is a mix of many forms of music and dance and borrows generously from other traditions. Salsa may involve routine or it may be improvised. It usually involves partners dancing together in a synchronized, rhythmic beat.
All dance shoes, both ladies and men’s have non-slip soles, a metal shank in the arch for support and they are very light-weight and flexible.
It is not advisable because of the delicacy of the non-slip soles, and please do not get the soles wet – you will ruin them.
Colors – black, red, flesh, silver, pink
Open or closed toe
Lace up practice shoes
What is Salsa?
The basic step of all styles of salsa involves 3 weight changes (or steps) in each 4 beat measure. The beat on which one does not step might contain a tap or kick, or weight transfer may simply continue with the actual step not occurring until the next beat, some individuals may insert an actual pause. The option chosen depends upon individual choice and upon the specific style being danced. One of the steps is a “break step” a little bit longer than the other two. Different styles of Salsa are often differentiated by the direction and timing of the break step (“on 1″ or “on 2″ for example). After 6 weight changes in 8 beats, the basic step cycle is complete. While dancing, the basic step can be modified significantly as part of the improvisation and stylings of the people dancing.
As a salsa dancer changes weight the upper body remains level and nearly unaffected by the weight changes. Caught in the middle are the hips which end up moving quite a bit–the famous “Cuban hip movement.”
The arms are used to communicate the lead in either open or closed position. In open position the two dancers hold one or both hands, especially for moves that involve turns, or putting arms behind the back, or moving around each other. In closed position, the leader puts the right hand on the follower’s back, while the follower puts the left hand on the leader’s shoulder.
In some styles, the dancers remain in a slot (switching places), while in others the dancers circle around each other.
Rhythm
Music suitable for dancing ranges from about 150 beats per minute (bpm) to around 250 beats per minute (bpm), although most dancing is done to music somewhere between 160-220 bpm. Every Salsa composition involves complex African percussion based around the Clave Rhythm (which has 4 types), though there can be moments when the clave is hidden for a while, often when quoting Changüí or Bomba.
Salsa dance comes from a variety of influences and countries. Salsa dance is a mixture of many Latin & Afro-Caribbean dances. Today’s salsa dance is the combination and evolution a variety of music from several cultures. It is fun to dance with salsa. Get your salsa shoes now ! The music is intoxicating and the dance is beautiful.