The popularity of salsa dancing has increased immensely over the past five to six years here in the Washington, DC area. As shows like Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance and others showcase dancing, people are encouraged to give it a go. However, many jump into classes without being fully informed as to what salsa dancing is, what it includes, and even that there are different styles of salsa dancing.
There are different styles?
People are often surprised to find out that there is more than one way to dance salsa. Although all salsa music is built on the same foundation of the clave, many people interpret how to dance to that clave differently. Some will dance ‘On2,’ some will dance ‘On1,’ and others will dance Cuban style or what is called ‘Casino.’ None are wrong – all are wonderful. However, before someone enters into classes, they should know what they will be learning. When starting a class, feel free to ask the teacher, “What style do you teach?” They should be able to explain if they teach On2, On1, or Casino. What does all of that mean?
Which style?
The 1 or the 2 in the music means which beat of the song you will ‘break’ on. Breaking is stepping to the front or the back while dancing. On2 dancers will break on the 2nd beat of the song while On1 dancers will break to the 1st beat. While one may think that you have to really understand music to figure this out, it really isn’t necessary if you have a professional teacher. Listening to the music will help you figure out the beats.
On1 and On2 dancing are both consider ‘slot’ or ‘linear’ styles of salsa dancing. Linear salsa is danced in a line. Partners face each other and their moves most often include moving along a line and changing places. This can be helpful on a crowded dance floor if everyone keeps their line.
The other style most often danced is Casino, or Cuban salsa. Although Cuban salsa can be danced on the 1 or the 2 (called contra-tiempo in Cuba), it is not danced in a linear style. Partners move around each other in a circular way while executing moves and turns. Also popular is ‘Rueda,’ which is Cuban salsa danced in a group format with a leader who calls out moves for the group to dance.
How to decide?
Deciding which style to learn is often just a matter of watching people dance, seeing what you like, and then asking around to see who teaches that style. Going on YouTube can be very helpful as well, but it may be difficult to figure out who is dancing which style. Selected below are some videos to help showcase the different styles.
Where to take classes?
Classes are offered throughout the Washington, DC Metro area. Searching online will give you many results, but it can still make it hard to decide which lessons are best. Many clubs/bars will offer low-cost or free lessons before a night of salsa dancing. Some clubs that offer these classes are: Barking Dog in Bethesda (Tuesdays), Lima in DC (Mondays), The Salsa Room in Arlington (Thursdays-Saturdays), Rio Cantina in Sterling (Thursdays).
Additionally, there are socials held almost weekly on Saturdays, where lessons are offered in a dance studio setting. The most popular ones in DC are the Mr. Mambo Socials held the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month at the DC Dance Collective, and the Salsaholic Saturdays held the 2nd Saturday of every month in Falls Church, VA. Casino and Rueda de Casino classes are held at the Dance Place on Tuesdays and Chevy Chase Ballroom on Sundays.
I’ve found a class, what now?
Practice! So many students take a class one or two times and never practice. Repetition is the key to mastering the footwork and timing. Move along in your classes at a good pace. Although many places will offer a beginner lesson followed by an intermediate lesson, do not take the intermediate lesson unless you are ready. Bad habits form when students are trying to keep up with a class before they are ready.
Listen to salsa! Many people go to a class, hear the music, and then go home and never listen to salsa again. To be able to feel the music, you must listen to the music. Go to Best Buy, iTunes, or your favorite music store and buy some salsa. Listen to it daily and you’ll soon be able to pick out the congas, the clave, and feel the music.
Learning salsa is a rewarding experience. You are able to learn a new skill while having fun, getting exercise, and meeting new people. Relationships and friendships are formed and a whole new world is opened to salsa dancers. From there, you can move on to the cha cha cha and other Latin dances. If you have more questions, please feel free to leave a comment.
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