A little confused with salsa styles

S

Salsa_SB

Ok, I've been dancing Salsa for a few months now and i'm completely addicted. Thing is, the more I dance socially, the more I notice the different styles that exist. I think i'm learning Cuban (1,2,3 - 5, 6, 7) and am about to start another combination style but can anyone (pretty please) explain the basic difference between LA, NY etc etc.

Any help would be fab!

Thanks guys
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Welcome, Salsa_SB! :D

About the difference in styles, I'd say the best way to clarify it is to try different classes with teachers who teach differing styles.

You know the old saying "One picture is worth a thousand words"? I think when it comes to Salsa that one clear demonstration from a good teacher is worth thousands of words!

The threads on SF are immensely helpful, but I think they'll be even more helpful if you have something concrete to relate them to - that is, demonstrations by a good teacher and your own experiences in class.

Hope that helps,

Rosa :)
 
Hey there - the terms get used interchangably which is where the confusion can come in... but topline the differences are:

Cuban - based on turn patterns, lead turns, follower turns and the couple turns together.

LA - Based around the CBL (Cross Body Lead) which is a series of patterns executed in a straight line. LA is danced on the 1 (on 1).

New York / Mambo - As LA, based around the CBL but danced on the 2 (on 2).

Rueda / Casino - A variation of the cuban style where couples dance in a circle, all dancing the same patterns which are 'called' bu the Rueda leader - these moves lead the couples to interchange partners throughout the dance.

As I said, especially in England you'll find people using the term New York instead of LA and vice versa but this is the technical definitions of the differences, so just because someone uses these terms this might not be exactly what they mean!! :D
 
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