Although Salsa seems like it has been around forever, it was originated in Eastern Cuba around 1920 and later was discovered being spread globally. The Latin music we hear today has its origins in Cuba where the blending of African drum rhythms and Spanish guitar evolved into a variety of Latin American music consisting of Son, Danzón, the rhythms of Carnival, Cha cha, Mambo, Salsa, and even Tango. Cuba has been through a lot of leadership problems in the past involving Spain, France, England, and the US. Many refugees came from Cuba to places like Miami during the reign of Fidel Castro bringing new dances with them and making them popular in America as well. Before Columbus arrived in the new world, the indigenous people called Guanajatabey, …show more content…
Salsa dancing is an international dance that can be found in most metropolitan cities in the world. One of the many things that makes salsa so fun is its global appeal. Salsa is danced in the Caribbean, in North America, and even in Europe. Festivals are held annually, sometimes called a Salsa Congress, in various host cities aimed to attract variety of salsa dancers from other cities and countries. Salsa is one of the most dynamic and important musical phenomena of the 1900's. In many Hispanic communities, it remains today the most popular style of dance music. L.A. style salsa is said to be danced “on 1” that is, the leader steps off on the first measure. It is often danced in a slotted format, with the follower generally moving in an imaginary rectangular slot in relation to the leader, who remains relatively stationary. The New York-Style Salsa, like its L.A cousin, is danced in a line. However, unlike LA style, it is danced on the second beat of the music ("on 2") and the follower, not the leader takes the first steps forward. Also known as “Cuban” salsa, Casino formed quickly and this style originated as a partner dance to the Son. Casino developed in the late 1950s as musicians added upbeat and quicker arrangements to traditional Son accompaniments. It was developed in relative isolation since the imposition of the American trade embargo, many adherents consider Casino the “purest” form of