|
A Brief History of Salsa Dancing
(Once you've read this, scroll down for extra salsa Information)!
We have music playlists for practice and fun and lots of other awesome salsa tidbits!
Salsa Music, and Salsa Dancing are popular all over the world. From tiny venues hidden deep in the
rural jungles, to huge Salsa nightclubs celebrating Salsa in cities great and small. Here the music is played,
and Salsa dancers rule the night. The dance patterns and movements vary widely from club to club,
city to city, but the same sexy, rhythmic movement unifies them all, and also a love of the music we all refer to as "Salsa".
The origins of this exciting and provocative partner dance form go back all the way to the African continent;
when men and women who had been torn from their homeland to serve as slaves in the New World, brought the music
and style of body movement to the Caribbean and parts of Latin America such as Cuba, Colombia, and Puerto Rico.
The movement was strong and sensual, often closely tied to the old religion of Santeria, or the worship of
older African deities called "Orichas". We now refer to these traditional dance forms as "Afro-Cuban Rumba".
In places like Cuba, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, Rumba was mixed with French
and English country-dances, and what we know as Salsa began to take shape. The music and dance continued
evolving and changing, and took on many different names and titles: Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Bachata, Cumbia,
Danzon, Merengue were just a few. When these forms of music and dancing came to the US early in the 20th
Century, they quickly gained popularity. The word "Mambo", meaning "conversation with the Gods", was used as a
song title by Cuban composer Orestes Lopez, and the dance associated with it became popular at New York's
Park Plaza Ballroom then later at the Palladium. Although the basic steps and patterns were not formalized until
much later, the infectious melodies and sophisticated rhythms of Salsa, made their mark from Brooklyn to Miami
(or from Miami to Brooklyn). The early "Salsa" bands were Big Band ensembles, headed by legendary
names like Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, and Machito. During the 70's these large groups gave way to a newer sound,
spearheaded by a record Label called Fania, where artists such as Hector Lavoe brought a grittier modern sound to the table,
and also the brought the term "Salsa" from the diverse, spicy Latin American food. Since then, many dance forms have
contributed to what we know as Salsa; Ballroom, Jazz, Tap, Hustle, West Coast Swing, and even Hip Hop.
Today Salsa Dancing can be loosely separated into three distinct and popular styles: "On 2" Salsa dancing-
also known as "New York Style", “On1”- sometimes called "LA Style" and "Cuban Salsa", associated with
"Casino", and "Casino Rueda". Dancing Salsa "On 2", started when a young Puerto Rican dancer living in New York
began studying music theory and decided that the dance should follow the "tumbao", a conca rhythm
punctuated by sharp slap on the 2 and 6 beats. Dancing Salsa "On 2", has been around for a long time, and is very popular.
Visually, “On2” often has a distinctive look and feel. The movements are small and precise, with
sophisticated use of redirection and syncopation. Hearing the "2" side of the beat requires focus, and produces
very musical dancers. An example of On2 dancing can be seen here: Dancing Salsa “On1” is certainly the
most common kind of Salsa Dancing, possibly because it is a little easier than“On2.” Latin tunes are often
complex, with numerous instruments interlocking at once and finding the beat is not always easy. Since most pop
melodies focus attention to downbeats, (1, 3, 5, 7), it is often easiest to "find the 1", by listening to the
melodic instruments, such as vocals, horns and piano. Salsa Dancing “On1” is a great way to start out.
The basic pattern of dancing on1 has the Lead stepping forward with his left foot on the 1st beat of the music,
and back on the 5. The Follow does the opposite, stepping backward on the 1 and forward on the five.
Dancers in Los Angeles such as the Vasquez brothers helped to coin the term "LA Style" often characterized by
long powerful steps, and many fancy, flashy patterns and tricks. It should be noted however, that not all “On1”
dancers use this extravagant "LA Style". Two examples of Salsa "LA Style" can be seen here and here.
Dancing Salsa “Cuban Style” is also called "Casino", or "Casino Rueda". It is distinctly different from
both On 1 and On2 in that it flows in circular patterns, rather than the "in line" back and forth approach that both Salsa On1 and
Salsa On2 share. The body posture of “Cuban Style” Salsa Dancing is slightly leaned forward, and there is a somewhat
abrupt feeling to the steps, which bring the dancers side to side and around each other. A form of Salsa
music called "Timba" is often associated with “Cuban Style”. People in Cuba often use the term "Casino" to
describe Salsa dancing, and "Casino Rueda" when it is danced in a group. When danced in a circle Casino Rueda
uses a "caller";a person who calls out each next move, and the Follows move around from Lead, to Lead in a
circle. An example to watch can be seen here. There are obviously more than just these three styles of Salsa Dancing.
Many more are constantly evolving as Salsa dance competitions become popular around the globe.
Competition fosters the desire to refine, define and create new structure. Fresh and innovative interpretations
of salsa spring up everywhere, from Sydney to Bombay, from Cali Colombia to San Francisco. Whether we’re
dancing salsa On 1, On 2 or Cuban, Salsa is here to stay, creating tight knit communities and connecting dancers
from all cultures and demographics. Whoever we are, we all share at least one thing in common: are all Kings
and Queens on the dance floor.
Thanks for reading,
Vassili
And a little more Salsa Information!
MUSIC:
Our students often ask us “what Salsa music should I practice to” What
movies should I watch Etc.This is a difficult question to answer because
there are so many salsa artists to choose from! We have our own personal
salsa music play list which we use at our salsa dance events The SCT Part
Play list, these songs are a mixture of Salsa, Bachata Cha Cha, and Zouk,
once you’ve checked these wonderful songs out, scroll down to see some
other salsa musicians, movies and dancers:
SCT Salsa Party Play list!
Bilongo
Tito Rodríguez Estoy Como Nunca Latin
Africando
Africando, Sama Thiel (moliendo Cafe)
El Día de Mi Suerte ,
Marc Anthony, El Cantante
Todo Tiene Su Final
Marc Anthony , El Cantante
Vocales De Amor
Joan Soriano, Vocales De Amor
Barco a la Deriva
Marc Anthony, Marc Anthony - Libre
Te Va Mal
Óptimo , Óptimo FDL Pop Latino
Maria Maria
Santana, Supernatural
Conmigo
Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta Orchestra, Sugar Daddy Latin 100
Fragile
Massimo Scalic, Salsauk Festival 2004
Vocales De Amor
Joe Veras
Que Pasara Manana
Joan Soriano, Vocales De Amor
Barrunto
Willie Colón,
Sin Tu Amor No Soy Feliz
Joan Soriano, Vocales De Amor
Bajo Con Tumbao
Eddie Palmieri, Maestros del Sabor Vol 1 Salsa
Aguanile
Marc Anthony, El Cantante
Sedúceme
La India, Song Bird
Smooth
Oriente
Joe Cuba, Salsa y Bembé
Acabo De Llegar
El Negro Bembon
Carambola
Chico O'Farrill Joe Cuba
Bueno Y Pico
Wuelfo, El Sonido de la
La Vida Es Un Carnaval
Celia Cruz
Guaglione
Perez Prado, Fiesta Latina (Bacardi)
El Shing-A-Ling
Poncho Sanchez, Putumayo Presents - ¡Salsa!
Angelito
Aventura,
Bilongo
Eddie Palmieri
Aguacero
El Gran Combo
El Sonero Del Barrio
Los Soneros Del Barrio, Martin Arroyo, Frankie Ruiz
Otro dia sin ti
Joe veras
Dejame LLorar
Johm Martinez Con El Alma Fria
Chango Ta' Beni
Machito Enciclopedia De La Salsa Vol. 03
Anhelo
Adolescent's Orchestra Salsa Favourites V1 Latin
Aicha
Africando
Dime Si Te Gusto
Aventura Generation Next
Asi Es La Humanidad
Orquesta Revolucion
Avisale A Mi Contrario
Orquesta Tabaco Y Ron Salsa De Verdá
Ay Valeria!
Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, Putumayo Presents - ¡Salsa!
Ay Mami
Aventura
El Gran Combo - La Muerte
El Gran Combo
Ladron De Tu Amor
L Ramirez & R De La Paz Exitos
Aqui Al Que Baila Gana
Mixed Salsauk Festival 2004
Sonido Bestial
Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz Un Sonido Bestial Salsa y Tropical
El Matatán
Teodoro Reyes The Rough Guide To Merengue & Bachata
Dame Un Poco Mas
Adolescentes Persona Ideal
La Palomilla
Joe Cuba Best For Boys 2
Yo Vine Pa'Ver
Joe Cuba
Alafia
Joe Cuba Sextet
Joe Veras - Me decidi
Joe veras
Amor En La Arena
Johnny Pacheco, Pete Rodriguez Viva Sa(Disc
Dímelo
Marc Anthony
contracorrient
Caridad
Orese Vilato
Salsa Masters - Best Of
Adelante Siempre Voy
Ray Barretto Salsa Caliente En N.Y.
Amor Pa' Que
Rubén Blades Salsa Caliente De Nu York
Amor A Medio Tiempo
como olvidar
Ciego de Amor (Featuring Anthony Santos)
Aventura & Anthony Santos God's Project Salsa y Tropical
La Vida Es Un Carnaval
Celia Cruz
Brinda Por Mi
Cheo Feliciano Salsa Caliente de Nu York!
Que Problema
Joe Cuba & Cheo Feliciano
El Titere
L Ramirez & R De La Paz Exitos
El Musico
Ray Olan y su Sason Sugar On Sunday
Si Tu Carino No Esta
Aqui Esta La Bachata Aqui Esta La Bachata
Alabacua
Conjunto La Realidad (Canta: Ivan Rivera) Asi Es Mi Tierra
Bailemos Otra Vez
José Alberto "El Canario" Mis Mejores Canciones
Hoja En Blanco
Monchy & Alexandra
Aprende a Querer
Spanish Harlem Orchestra Un Gran Dia En El Barrio (2002)
Algun Dia
Tito Allen Salsa Masters - Best Of
Una Mujer Como Tu
Aqui Esta La Bachata Aqui Esta La Bachata
El Preso
Fruko Y sus Tesos Salsa Favourites V1
Al Mana
Joe Arroyo Salsa/Joe Arroyo/30 Pegaditas De Oro
Que Va
Joe Cuba Salsa y Bembé
Mujer Divina
Joe cuba
Calma Tu Llanto
Brooklyn Sounds Libre-Free
Ave Maria Morena
Joe Cuba y Cheo Feliciano Joe & Cheo Compilation
Discúlpeme Señora
José Alberto "El Canario" Mis Mejores Canciones
Como Fue Capaz
Kevin Caballo Salsa 2001 Vol. 4
Africando - Yay Boy
Putumayo World Music Afro-Latino
No Te Puedo Perdonar
Luis Miguel Del Amargue
Mi Bajo Y Yo
Oscar D'León El Verdadero
Gracias Señor
Sonora Ponceña Back to the Road
Maestro De Rumbero
The Spanish Harlem Orchestra Across 110Th Street
The following songs and singers are all well known in the salsa community.
No Me Hace Falta" - Victor Manuelle
Andy Montañez - Casi te envidio
Celia Cruz - Qumbara
Cuco Valoy - Juliana
DLG - La quiero a morir
Eddie Palmieri - Vámonos Pal Monte
Eddie Santiago - Lluvia
Eddie Santiago - Sobredosis
Edgar Joel - Hasta el Sol de hoy
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico - Brujería
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico - Me liberé
Fania All Stars - Descarga Fania
Frankie Negrón - Comerte a Besos
Fruko y sus Tesos - El Preso
Gilberto Santa Rosa - La Conciencia
Gilberto Santa Rosa - Que nadie me diga
Grupo Niche - Cali Pachanguero
Grupo Niche - De Amor ya no se muere
Grupo Niche - Sin Sentim
Grupo Niche - Una Aventura
Hansel y Raúl - María Teresa y Danilo
Hector Lavoe - El Cantante
Hector Lavoe - Llegó la Banda
Hector Lavoe - Mi Gente
Hector Lavoe - Todopoderoso
Hector Rey - Te propongo
Henry Fiol - Picoteando por ahí
India - Vivir Lo Nuestro
Ismael Rivera - Caras Lindas
Jerry Rivera - Casi un hechizo
Jerry Rivera - Que hay de malo
Joe Arroyo - La Noche
Joe Arroyo - La Rebelión
Johny Rivera - No vale la pena enamorarse
Johny Rivera - Por eso está conmigo
Jose Alberto El Canario - Bailemos otra vez
Lalo Rodríguez - Devórame otra vez
Larry Harlow - La Cartera
Latin Brothers - Buscándote
Latin Brothers - Las Caleñas son como las flores
Latin Brothers - Sobre Las Olas
Los Adolescentes - Aquel Lugar
Los Adolescentes - Arrepentida
Los Adolescentes - Clase Social
Los Adolescentes - Hoy aprendí
Los Adolescentes - Persona Ideal
Luis Enrique - Así es la Vida
Luis Enrique - Mi Mundo
Maelo Ruiz - Te va a doler
Mark Anthony - Te conozco bien
Mark Anthony - Y hubo alguien
Melcochita - Mi Madre
Mickey Taveraz - A pesar del tiempo
Nino Segarra - Porque té amo
Orquesta Guayacán - Invierno en Primavera
Orquesta Guayacán - Oiga mire vea
Orquesta La Sabrosura - Quédate conmigo
Orquesta La Sabrosura - Tu amigo o tu amante
Orquesta La Solución - La Rueda
Oscar de León - Llorarás
Paquito Guzmán - 25 Rosas en Vivo
Puerto Rican Power - Juguete de nadie
Raulin Rosendo - Uno se cura
Rey Ruiz - Creo en al amor
Rey Ruiz - Mi Media Mitad
Rey Ruiz - No me acostumbro
Richie Ray - Sonido Bestial
Rubén Blades - Decisiones
Rubén Blades - Pedro Navaja
Salsa Kids - Déjame un beso
Salsa Kids - La magia de tus quince años
Salserín - Una Fan Enamorada
Sonora Carruseles - Micaela
Tito Gómez - Página de Amor
Tito Nieves - Fabricando fantasías
Tito Rojas - Condéname a tu amor
Tommy Olivencia - Lobo Domesticado
Tommy Olivencia - No me tires la primera piedra
Tony Vega - Esa Mujer
Victor Manuelle - Apiádate de mí
Victor Manuelle - He tratado
Willie Colón - El Gran Varón
Willie Colón - Gitana
Willie Colón - Idilio
Willie Colón - Oh que será
Willy Chirino - Los Campeones de la Salsa
And here are some well known dancers. . .
Alex Da Silva
Ana Hovanessian
Edie Lewis
Francisco Vasquez
Josie Neglia
Liz Lira
Mario Hazarika
April Genovese
David Stein
Eddie Torres
Ismael Otero
Juan Matos
Nelson Flores
Olivia Dasso
Shaka Brown
Felipe Polanco
Jayson Molina
Famous Salsa Dance Couples:
Jai and Candy
Victor and Burju
Some well known Salsa dance teams:
Caribbean Soul
Clavekazi
Los Rumberos
Salsa Y Control
Salsa Brava
Salsa Movies: These movies are not all necessarily about salsa, some are
simply focused on LatinDancing or Ballroom Dancing (Take the Lead,
Strictly Ballroom), some are about the Salsa scene (Born Romantic) in
particular part of the world, and some, (like Dirty Dancing Havana Nights)
are only ostensibly about salsa. But most of them have a few wonderful
dance sequences, watch them for the dancing, not the story line! To see
truly great Salsa dancing, we suggest you check out a Salsa Congress, or a
Salsa Dance club . But just for fun, you might want to check out a few of
these films as well!
Salsa (1988
Starring: Robby Rosa, Rodney Harvey Director: Boaz Davidson Rating: PG (Parental
Dance with Me (1998)
Starring: Vanessa Williams, Chayanne Director: Randa Haines Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Format:
Shall We Dance? (2004, we also suggest the original Japanese version).
Starring: Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez Director: Peter Chelsom
Black Orpheus: (1959)
Starring: Breno Mello, Marpessa Dawn Director: Marcel Camus
Born Romantic: (2000) British film directed by David Kane.
Strictly Ballroom (1993)
Starring: Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice Director: Baz Luhrmann
Take the Lead (2006)
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Rob Brown Director: Liz Friedlander
Dirty Dancing (1987) Starring: Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze Director: Emile Ardolino
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights
Famous Salsa artists: You’ve probably heard of a few of them. . .
Marc Anthony
Tito Puente
Hector Lavoe
Celia Cruz
Jerry Rivera
Willie Colon
Frankie Ruiz
Victor Manuelle
Fania All-Stars
India
Israel "Cachao" Lopez
Tito Nieves
Eddie Santiago
Ruben Blades
El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico
Cheo Feliciano
Mongo Santamaria
Oscar D'Leon
Fruko
Los Van Van
Tito Rojas
Eddie Palmieri
Joe Arroyo
Malo
Ray Barretto
La Sonora Carruseles
Johnny Pacheco
Lalo Rodriguez
Andy Montanez
Jose Alberto "El Canario"
Johnny Rivera
Nestor Torres
Daniel Santos
La Sonora Matancera
Ismael Rivera
Tony Vega
Luis Enrique
Salsa Passion
Ismael Miranda
Michael Stuart
Notice: Undefined index: image in /home4/salsaco1/public_html/salsahistory.php on line 183
Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /home4/salsaco1/public_html/salsahistory.php on line 183
|
