Cuban Salsa vs L.A. Salsa
Considering learning salsa? You may have noticed that people dance salsa in different ways. You’re not wrong – there are actually different styles of Salsa.
I will show you how to decipher between them and then choose which one is right for you!
First question. Are they dancing in a linear or circular fashion?
The LA style of salsa dances in a more linear fashion as if the couple were constantly moving up and down a skinny path, changing directions, and switching the direction they face. You will also notice they are ‘breaking’ or stepping on the ‘1’ count of the music: 1,2,3 – 5,6,7.
The Cuban style of salsa, the original style, moves in a more circular fashion. The couple dancing will also be stepping or breaking on the 1 count of the music but you will notice men engaging in playful little pauses and changes in timing with their feet.
Which style is best for me?
LA style, as the name suggests, was designed in Los Angles for westerners who didn’t start salsa dancing whilst still in their nappies! LA style is a fantastic starting point for those with or without prior dancing experience.
The narrow path aspect of LA style makes easy to keep track of where you are in-and-among all of those spins and turns you will very quickly be mastering! LA style traditionally has more lifts, dips and drops as these entered the genre from the more traditional ballroom/Latin styles.
Cuban style is great if you are looking for a more earthy, primal form of salsa. It fits really tightly confined spaces such as traditional and modern salsa clubs. If you are planning on attending salsa nights, it is a good idea to have a splash of Cuban salsa in your repertoire.