The History of Salsa

Latin America Cultural Project and Festival They are not sure who invented the Salsa but it is a mix of many Latin and Afro-Caribbean dances. Similar to the Mambo, Salsa has a pattern of six steps danced over eight counts of music. The dance has a side to side feel and the turns and twists are an important feature. Also the dancers move all around the floor where the Mambo is much more linear were …

…kept gentle and light, since the dance is about the lead looking after his lady and not flinger her around the dance floor. Legs and arms should interweave as if becoming one to keep the flow. Breakaways do happen, but the movements of the man should show a flirtatious atmosphere, with the women playing hard to get. Props are sometimes used, a scarf is the most popular, but sometimes a hat is used on occasion.