What is Salsa?
The intoxicating rhythms of salsa started with the powerful beats of the african drums that would later be mixed with the Spanish guitar. These would travel to the islands of Cuba and blend together to create el Son Cubano with the influence of the tres guitar, clave and vocal styling.
Here is a musical breakdown of how instruments blend together all these influences into what we call "Salsa" today.
Salsa Cubana
Salsa music origins can be traced back to different parts of the world earlier in our history.
The foundational components of Salsa music were brought by African slaves, during the colonizing of Cuban and other Central and South American countries. By combining Danzón dance of French and Haiti immigrants, Rumbas of African slaves, Són of the Cuban people, troubadour music of Spanish people (mostly Flamenco) and various musical instruments of Africa, Salsa became first performed for the first time during final years of 19th century. It was during that time that visitors to Cuba first became aware of this new musical and dance style.
Salsa dance entered into peak of its popularity in 1970s when the new dance styles were popularized with the exploits of the musical stars Johnny Pacheco, Fania All-Stars, Willie Colon and Reuben Blades.
As decades went on, several distinct styles of Salsa appeared.
Here at Abanico dance we focus on 3 specific styles of Salsa.
Cuban Salsa - Casino
Rueda de Casino - Cuban Casino danced in a circle
New York Style - Salsa On2