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Our Mission
History Few would disagree that the music and dance forms originate largely in Cuban Son, most agree that Salsa as we know it today is a North American interpretation of the older forms. New York's Latino community had a vibrant musical and dancing scene throughout the '50s but found limited success with the 'Anglo' mainstream. In the 1970s, adoption of the term "Salsa" reduced the linguistic and cultural barriers to mainstream adoption of Latin music and dance. The modernization of the Mambo in the 1950s was influential in shaping what would become Salsa. There is debate as to whether the dance we call Salsa today originated in either Cuba or Puerto Rico. Cuba's influence in North America was diminished after Castro's revolution and the ensuing trade embargo. New York's Latino community was largely Puerto-Rican. Salsa is one of the main dances in both Cuba and Puerto Rico and is known worldwide. Salsa Basic Movements The basic step of all styles of Salsa involves three weight changes, or steps, in each four beat measure. The beat without a weight change might contain a tap, kick, or pause. One of the steps is a "break step", which is a little bit longer than the other two. Different styles of Salsa are often differentiated by the direction and timing of the break step. After six weight changes in eight beats, the basic step cycle is complete. While dancing, the basic step can be modified significantly as part of the improvisation and styling of the dancers. As a Salsa dancer changes weight the upper body remains level and nearly unaffected by the weight changes. Caught in the middle are the hips which end up moving quite a bit; the famous "Cuban hip movement." The arms are used to communicate the lead in either open or closed position. In open position the two dancers hold one or both hands, especially for moves that involve turns, or putting arms behind the back, or moving around each other. In closed position, the leader puts the right hand on the follower’s back, while the follower puts the left hand on the leader's shoulder. Contact Information
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Send mail to
gregorio@homeoflatinmusic.com with questions or comments about
this web site.
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active
and dedicated Salsa community covering the northeast of the United
States, however, there has never been an identical event like ours,
where people can expand their knowledge of dance and enjoy being with
other people of like interests while enjoying the elaborate show that we
provide.