The salsa is a Latin dance of Cuban origin. It has spread to encompass many other types of dance, but was initially a blend of African and European styles. Salsa was quick to become popular in Europe, the United States and Mexico. It was in New York City that it officially earned the title "Salsa."
Steps
Like the mambo, the salsa has a repeating pattern of six steps danced over the course of eight music beats. Salsa moves traditionally from side to side and features a lot of spins. The salsa danced today has expanded to include features of a wide variety of dances, including the mambo, rhumba and cha-cha.
Title
The salsa earned its title when the dance was introduced to New York approximately around the time of World War II. The title was first given to the music that was used when dancing the salsa. While the term was first coined in 1933 by the songwriter Ignacio Pinerio, with the song "Echale Salsita," the title didn't catch on until the 1960s, when it was used to describe the Cal Tjader Quintet, a popular salsa band.
History of Salsa
There is little known about the history of salsa, except that it originated in Cuba and is influenced by many, many different kinds of dance and music. It is said that the French, in migrating from Haiti to Cuba, introduced the "social" dance to the Latin country, where it mixed with African rhumbas such as the guaguanco and Colombia. From there, the salsa continued to incorporate other types and styles of dance until its true origin and nature became difficult to define.
Function
Salsa dancing became popular over time in social dancing circles. An energetic, fast-paced dance that can be complex, it requires a strong male lead dancer. Typically the salsa can be danced in any social dance setting and is grouped with ballroom dancing, which also includes swing, foxtrot and waltz.
Costuming
In situations where the salsa is danced competitively, its true Latin roots are revealed by the music and costuming. Bright colors, beading and revealing designs are all characteristic of Latin dance costuming. Men are typically dressed in fitted long pants and an elaborate, colorful top that will match the women's dresses. While dance costumes are constantly evolving in style, a traditional salsa costume for the female dancer will often include dramatic colors and bare the stomach or back.
