The Music Behind Salsa LA: What’s Most Common and Why

Salsa Los Angeles (Salsa LA) is a club Latin American dance. It incorporates Puerto Rican, Colombian, and other Latin rhythms. It originated in Los Angeles thanks to the Vasquez brothers and Luis, the wife of one of them.

They officially formed and named it, but they had been dancing it before, in clubs. Over the last 40–50 years, Salsa has spread worldwide. Salsa came to Russia only about 20 years ago.

Salsa Los Angeles is a type of linear salsa (the basic step is forward and backward, moving strictly along a line; in this style, partners can dance separately and there are frequent turns of the follower on the spot).

Salsa in which steps start on the strong beat 1 is called Salsa Los Angeles (Salsa on 1 is another name).

This linear Salsa has a "romantic style," more sensual and soft. Visually, the dance resembles ballroom. The leader and follower perform many complex turns. Distinctive features are dynamics, energetic combinations, sensuality, and improvisation.

The dance gives an impression of lightness and ease. It is a social dance, so it's a great way to meet and communicate, making new acquaintances. It is by no means a competition. If you want to forget about blues and bad mood, you need to learn this wonderful dance. Salsa parties are held in every corner of the world.

Partners dance along a line, gradually swapping places. The man decides what move comes next. As in any social dance, it's important to be able to follow (for the woman) and lead (for the man).

A special component of Salsa is shines – freedom of expression for both partners, allowing them to step away from their roles and improvise, though harmony and consistency of the whole dance must be maintained.

Salsa, in general, is danced to Cuban music. Cuban son is the foundation of all Salsa. In Salsa Los Angeles, there are many dynamic combinations; the basic step starts on the strongest beat of the music. Movements are performed sharply and fast, so the music must match. Salsa music is a mix of Cuban Son, Son Montuno, and Guaracha.

Interestingly, for a long time there was no Salsa in Cuba itself. There were Mozambique and Mambo. Only after some time did Salsa penetrate through the USA to Cuba. And over time, it merged with Cuban culture so much that they considered it their own.

List of some radio stations broadcasting Salsa online:

— Sky.FM salsa;
— 1club.FM salsa;
— Tropical 100 salsa;
— Latin.FM salsa;
— Salsa AI piso.