Salsa Los Angeles is a fascinating Latin American dance born in Los Angeles. Its history is rich, blending Cuban salsa with hip-hop, jazz, and breakdance influences.
The first form of this direction can be considered Cuban salsa, which emerged in 1960. Therefore, the emigration of Cubans to America did not go unnoticed. Salsa Los Angeles came into existence when the Vasquez brothers and Luis’s wife (the wife of one of the brothers) founded two dance companies.
We owe them the official name and formalization, but everyone understands that this style originated not in classes but in clubs.
Dancers of this salsa style are characterized by sharp dynamism, precise movements, sensuality, inspiring improvisation, and quick changes between combinations. A variety of acrobatic elements are welcome, adding piquancy and sensuality to the dance.
Like many other styles, this direction is performed by two partners. But! While other social dances often rely on a single partner for better performance, Salsa Los Angeles emphasizes dancing with different people. The interesting twist is the need to adapt to each other from the very first beats of the music.
Since the emergence of Salsa Los Angeles coincided with the birth of styles like hip-hop, jazz, and breakdance, it is no surprise that they heavily influenced it. It might seem that the sub-styles of our salsa would be similar, but they are quite different from each other. The reason lies in the differences in time and place of origin.
The main styles are New York salsa and Casino (Cuban). The first and most important difference is linearity. Partners move in a straight line, not in a circle as in Casino.
Occasionally, 180-degree turns are performed. In New York salsa, the main moves are executed on the weak beat of the music — the two-count, while in Los Angeles — "Salsa on 1," movements start on the first beat. There are also differences in rhythm.
Other styles have a softer step filled with grace, while Salsa Los Angeles is characterized by a lively, sharp, and bold rhythm. Last but not least is the lead-follow dynamic.
In the dance we are discussing, attention is distributed equally between both partners, sometimes with a slight advantage to the leader. Meanwhile, other directions boast more attention to the follower.
This dance style is very effective and impressive both for dancers and spectators. It helps to loosen up and release tension, eliminating stiffness and tightness in movements.
After all, it was created for tired Cubans who, after work, enjoy the music and the corresponding atmosphere, wash away their burdens, and lose themselves in the movements of Salsa Los Angeles, filled with passion and sensuality of rhythm.
You become more flexible, sensual, graceful, and self-confident. Every movement, every gesture will be noticed by people from afar. So don’t hesitate in your choice! Love and be loved.
The GoDance team crafts articles about dance, technique and inspiring stories from dancers.
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