2 January 2025
Salsa is the most popular partner dance in the world - but how much do you know about it? Keep reading to discover the origins and styles of salsa music and dance.
Salsa is a general term for a style of partner dancing that is performed to Latin-American music. As a dance and musical style, modern salsa is younger than you might think. It originated in Cuba in the early 20th century, combining elements from several earlier dance forms. The word “salsa” translates to sauce and implies a mix of different influences. The word was commonly used as a cry during songs to spur the dancers and musicians into a more energetic and faster pace. The name salsa has been attributed to a marketing effort by record labels and producers who wanted to promote the spread of the genre. Once salsa music started to gain popularity in Cuba and Central America, salsa spread to the United States and from there to the rest of the world. Salsa dance styles developed as people expressed themselves to the music in different ways. For a long time, it was a street dance without any formal rules.
Developed by the Vasquez brothers, this style is the most widely taught worldwide. Extremely popular, LA salsa is known for being sharp, flashy and acrobatic.
It is danced in line and uses the cross-body lead structure.
This style uses the same linear structure as LA but is more relaxed and laid back with fancy turn patterns. This style is influenced by original mambo as well as ballet, jazz, tap and modern.
Known as salsa cubana or casino, it is danced in a circular motion similar to East Coast Swing and features intricate turn patterns and body isolations. The dancers emphasise the movement of their hips and torso more than in other forms of salsa. It is usually danced in a couple but it can also be danced in a large circle where couples perform moves in unison to the instructions of a “caller”. This is called Salsa Rueda.
Salsa caleña is very unique, using simple turn patters and very fast footwork. This type of salsa isn’t danced widely outside of Colombia but in the city of Cali it’s huge. They even have an annual salsa festival called Feria de Cali.
If you’re interested in salsa, there are many places in Melbourne to hear the music live and learn some moves.
It can be a great way to complement your Spanish language learning.
Not sure which course is right for you? We’ve got you – answer a few questions to find the right class for you. Select the option that’s closest to your level of experience.
What's your experience with learning Spanish?
We heart absolute beginners. No matter the reason for wanting to learn, we have a class style for you.
Let’s build on those fundamentals! Progressing focuses on increasing grammar and vocabulary while building your speaking confidence.
Here’s where you learn to become fluent and begin to build natural interactions.
Join El Patio teacher Patricio for a captivating introduction to Latin American culture - from food to artists and much more!
Penny
Australia's best-loved Spanish language school, now teaching in Melbourne CBD, Northcote, and Online. Learn Spanish socially - whoever and wherever you are.
Phil
Every language has it's nuggets of wisdom - those bite-sized proverbs that pack a punch of truth, wit and life lessons. In Spanish, they say: decir refranes es decir verdades - 'to speak proverbs is to speak truth'. When it...
Phil & Penny
“
You can't do better than this school! It's a very well organised school. They have so many levels you will find the right class for you. Great teachers, fun and just the right amount of challenge.
“
After becoming frustrated at my lack of progress with their competitor, I received a recommendation for the classes at El Patio. Since enrolling I have never looked back.
“
I never shut up about how much I like my classes, pretty sure my colleagues and all my friends are getting sick of hearing about it.
“
After finding another company frustrating and unenthusiastic, El Patio has reinvigorated my excitement for learning Spanish...
“
The teachers are welcoming and seem to love what they do, which brings passion to each class. The homework and resources are highly organised and professional. I would highly recommend El Patio Spanish
“
As a retired teacher, I know good teaching when I see it, and the teachers at El Patio are absolutely wonderful - caring, professional and fun.
Heart Spanish as much as we do? Join our newlsetter to hear of stories, school updates and all things Spanish.
We learn, teach and gather on Wurundjeri Land of the Kulin Nation. El Patio acknowledges and celebrates the stories, culture and heritage of the Traditional Owners of this land and we pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.