Salsa dancing has been around for nearly 100 years and today it’s enjoyed by people around the world. From salsa dancing competitions to salsa festivals and salsa classes in dance studios like Fred Astaire of Raleigh, we think it’s safe to say salsa isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!
Despite it being so popular, most people don’t know a lot about it. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about salsa dancing:
1.) Salsa Originated in the 1920s in Eastern Cuba
While salsa music had been popular since the 1910s, the dance didn’t come about until the 1920s. In the 1970s, salsa dancing got a big boost in popularity from Cuban & Puerto Rican musicians in New York, where it spread to the rest of the US.
2.) It Has African and Caribbean Roots
Salsa dancing is a mixture of several Latin dances, including tango, mambo,, and flamenco, with each region adding its own flavor to the dance. Because of this, there are several styles of salsa, including Cuban, Miami style, Afro-Latino, and Colombian salsa.
3.) The Origin of the Name “Salsa” is a Mystery
The dance was named after the style of music but no one quite knows why it was named “salsa.” Some suggest the name comes from the food since it has elements from many cultures much like salsa has many ingredients. Others say it’s because the dance’s movements are hot and spicy, like salsa.
4.) Salsa is All in the Lower Body
During the entire dance, the upper body is level, all movement takes place in your lower body. This leads to the swinging hip movements salsa in known for.
5.) Salsa is an Excellent Workout
In addition to being an effective and fun form of cardio, the movements being concentrated in the lower body make it a great workout for your hips, legs, and glutes.
Are You Ready to Learn to Salsa Dance?
Take our highest rated Salsa Dance Experience that features 1 hour Salsa Dance Lesson at a cool dance studio and right after going to an Exclusive Cuban Bar for practicing Salsa and enjoying some delicious cocktails and amazing Latin Jazz Burlesque Show.
*ref Carolinadance.com