The history of Salsa Dancing is as hot as its name and widely contested. Salsa Dancing, much like the sauce that so many people enjoy snacking on is a mixture of ingredients, dance styles, and cultures. Though some ballroom dances tend to take an entire stage, Salsa Dancing typically occupies a specific amount of space. In fact, when Salsa Dancing in a social environment it is considered rude to travel while dancing and, as a result, taking up too much space.

Salsa music, in order to be good for Salsa Dancing consists of a central rhythm lasting two measures with four beats per measure. The difference being that in salsa the two measures are actually treated as one with 8 beats. The speed of the beat varies greatly and good Salsa Dancing music can include anywhere from 70 to 140 beats per minute though most dances that are considered to be Salsa in the mainstream hover between 80 and 120 beats per minute.

Much of the controversy over the history of Salsa Dancing centres around where it actually began. There is no small degree of debate as to whether the origins may be traced to Cuba or Puerto Rico though most will readily agree that Salsa Dancing as it is known today is largely a North American interpretation of its original form.

The word “salsa” originally denoted a specific style of music rather than a style of dancing. It was the early musicians in this style of music such as Hector Lavoe and Willie Colon that provided the name though it was Izzy Sanabria and Jerry Massuci that made it popular.

In recent years it has become more closely related to the dance than the music though there are many disagreements over what is and is not Salsa Dancing. The steps that are commonly associated with Salsa Dancing were influenced by dances such as the Cha cha cha, the Mambo, the Rumba, and many others with solo dance steps borrowed from tap dancing and a few moves from swing dancing thrown in. In other words, there is a lot of room for interpretation, which leads to problems when it comes to competition style Salsa Dancing.

To give an example of the wide range of interpretations available beneath the moniker of Salsa Dancing one needs really to look no further than the various styles of Salsa Dancing. There are many different styles of Salsa Dancing. Among them are: Cuban Style, Los Angeles Style, Venezolana Style, Puerto Rican Style, Colombian Style,
Salsa Disco, Mambo, and La Rueda. With so many different styles it is easy to see why there is such a wide argument within the dancing community as to what is and is not a valid “Salsa” move.

It doesn’t really matter so much which style of Salsa Dancing you call your own. One thing is certain; Salsa Dancing is as exciting to watch as it is to dance for many. Sizzling performances to a heavily percussive beat are perfect for those who love the adrenaline and heat of watching an exciting couple pair up on the dance floor. If you are looking to bring a little spice to your relationship or just want to do something fun with your partner then there is absolutely no reason you should avoid giving Salsa Dancing a try.

Check out several of the videos and decide which type of salsa dancing seems to be the most exciting for you. The only thing you need to do after that is be prepared to begin your own exciting Salsa Dancing lessons. What are you waiting for?