Salsa Dancers
SALSA-what comes to your mind when you hear the word? A captivating rhythm, dancers with swift, sensuous movements to match the flow of the music, and the vibrant colors of the Caribbean; the sights and sounds of the rich Latin American world!
In the Spanish language Salsa is a spicy sauce but actually it means a “mixture of ingredients”, which helps explain the diverse components that comprise the music and dance we call Salsa. And then there is the vernacular understanding of the root of the word Salsa, which says, “a word with no precise meaning but with vivid associations”.
MUSIC SALSA
The definitive origin of Salsa music is still open to debate. Max Salazar, the Latin music historian, traced it back to the 1930s, when it was defined as a ‘danceable Latin music’. Salazar explained that it was a blend of multiple styles with its closest relatives being Cuban mambo, Son orchestras of the early 20th century and of course Latin Jazz.
Even today Salsa is the most played music in Latin dance clubs, and considered the most popular dance music in Latin communities. The particular style of Salsa that is most popular today is called salsa romantica; a sexy form of couples dancing music with a sensuous beat and very few or repetitive lyrics.
ORIGIN OF SALSA
It’s difficult to define Salsa dance and its origins, but to give it a try; it can be described as a tree with many roots (i.e. origins) and many branches that are the styles evolved over many centuries of time.
People have the misconception that Salsa is Cuban or Puerto Rican. While it is not primarily Latin, it is a form of a French and English country dance that has been infused by Latinos with first the African Rhumba, then later with, Son, a mixture of Spanish Sonero and African drumbeats. Thus, when Latinos poured African elements into the amalgamated blending of music and sound, they created the exotic mix known as Salsa. Technically Salsa is a mix; a distillation of many African, Caribbean and Latin .fundamental elements.
MODERN DAY SALSA
How has Salsa come to have its present face? Bands of musicians from various countries like the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba and others with various styles of music, brought their music to Mexico City and New York. Once reaching these big cities, they various styles were promoted and synchronized and thus the mainstream, modern day Salsa was created.
Today’s Salsa contains many of the mixed elements of Son, Cumbia, Guaracha, and old Merengue; old styles with modernized beats that have morphed with its dancers revealing primary elements with various twists and personalization.
STYLES OF SALSA
Broadly considered as a partner dance, Salsa has also recognized solo forms, line dancing called Suelta, and group dancing Rueda de Casino-in which partners are exchanged. The dance has mostly side to side movements, performed with a set pattern or improvised. The majority of current Salsa steps come from the Son, but the Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Guaracha, Changui, Palo Monte, Rumba, Abakua Comparsan and even Mozambique influences are clearly visible.
The history of Salsa is full of contradiction. It has been reincarnated many times over the years, enjoying world wide recognition and popularity. It’s considered the most dynamic musical phenomena. Today Salsa is a dance oriented genre of music with Salsa music players claiming it as emotionally and culturally genuine since it reflects and projects elements of the vibrant Latin culture.
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