The Salsa originated in the 1940’s in the Caribbean and Latin America. Later it found its way to New York and the rest of the USA. There are 2 main Salsa styles danced right now. Salsa “on 1” which is known as Los Angeles Style Salsa and Salsa “on 2” which is known as New York Style Salsa. The main difference between these two styles is what beat of music you dance on.
In “on 2,” you pause on 1, but break forward and back on counts 2 and 6. Both styles are lots of fun, however many believe Salsa on 1 is the easiest style to start with for beginners because it feels natural to dance on the first beat of a phrase. Many dancers (especially advanced dancers) prefer to dance “on 2” because of the different instruments that are highlighted in those counts.
No matter what style of Salsa you prefer, the character of this dance has a “quick, quick, slow” feel to it, and incorporates lots of footwork patterns and spins. This dance also has a lot of rib cage isolation and hip action which is achieved by bending and straightening the knees.
