Salsa

What Is Salsa?

Salsa is a Latin partner dance rooted in Cuban son and developed through the blend of African and Caribbean rhythms in New York in the 1960s and 70s. It is danced on a syncopated beat with characteristic hip movement and a variety of turn patterns and footwork.

The main styles include New York (On2), Los Angeles (On1) and Cuban salsa (Casino), each with a distinct character and social community. Salsa is also danced in group formations known as rueda de casino.

As a social dance, salsa is improvisational and communicative, relying on a clear lead-follow partnership. As a performance style, it features highly choreographed routines with theatrical flair.

Learning Salsa in London

London has one of Europe's largest and most active salsa communities. Weekly salsa nights run seven days a week in venues across the city, from dedicated Latin clubs in Central London to community events in neighbourhoods with large Latin American populations.

London also hosts major international salsa festivals and congresses that attract dancers from across the world.

Salsa classes in London are among the most widely available in the city. Nearly every major studio offers beginner courses, and the scale of the social dance scene means there is always a practice opportunity available.

Most schools offer courses structured by level, with regular progression from beginner through to advanced, alongside social practice nights that allow students to consolidate what they learn in class.