Shine vs freestyle

Ok, does anyone know where the the word shine comes from ? I suspect is becouse someone "steals the thunder" of the other half of the dancing couple.

I personally prefer calling it freestyle salsa, altough i am not sure if it can be acceptable (by my fellow dancers )

what is your knowledge/views about this ?

There are a few schools of thought on this here are a couple (quotes pulled from various sources):

"Most people don't know the history behind the phrase "shines" which came from the nickname given to shoe shine boys who tapped in the 50s and 60s for a nickel."

"The LA style "shines" have their roots in Latin Ballroom. Couples break away from each other in the middle of a dance to start "shining". Women will extend their arms to strike a pose, then play with stylised hip and hair movements. Men’s shines tend to focus on tricky footwork based on Puerto Rican style salsa."

Hope this helps

Claire xx

so nobody knows for sure

Basically.....no...or yes - depending which way you look at it!