Hello everyone, I started taking salsa classes this year and am already on my sixth month. When I started I didn't know that there are different kinds of salsa. I just went with what was taught at the studio which is on1. Now I'm not sure if I 'm studying the right salsa. From what I've heard on2 seems to be a more beautiful dance. Are there any of you who dance both on1 and on2? I'm not sure of I should switch. Which one is the most popular and is it true that with on2 you are more connected with the music than with the on1?
on1 or on2
- Thread starter salseroito
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Hi BuddingSalsero. Welcome to the SF. 
I always tell beginners to do research about the different styles of salsa before you actually start classes. In your research, talk to friends, join a few forums (like this one :wink: ) and talk to a few instructors about what they teach. Always good to have an idea about what you're learning before you start.
You're already halfway there. :lol: Now, to move on, they are other things to take into consideration. Firstly, it depends on the area in which you live. If you're mainly in an area where On1 is most popular, you may run into a few problems like not be able to progress because you will be quite limited in the ability to practice/discover your On2 or any other style because it is not done in your area. It wouldn't be impossible, but difficult. Personally, I think both styles are equally beautiful. It just depends on the individuals preference. I'm just learning On2 and love it. But I also love On1 & Casino Rueda. If you really feel comfortable with On1 and find On2 interesting, take a class or a workshop just to see how it feels and then make your choice or even do both. You don't have stick to one style. Hope this helps.
I always tell beginners to do research about the different styles of salsa before you actually start classes. In your research, talk to friends, join a few forums (like this one :wink: ) and talk to a few instructors about what they teach. Always good to have an idea about what you're learning before you start. You're already halfway there. :lol: Now, to move on, they are other things to take into consideration. Firstly, it depends on the area in which you live. If you're mainly in an area where On1 is most popular, you may run into a few problems like not be able to progress because you will be quite limited in the ability to practice/discover your On2 or any other style because it is not done in your area. It wouldn't be impossible, but difficult. Personally, I think both styles are equally beautiful. It just depends on the individuals preference. I'm just learning On2 and love it. But I also love On1 & Casino Rueda. If you really feel comfortable with On1 and find On2 interesting, take a class or a workshop just to see how it feels and then make your choice or even do both. You don't have stick to one style. Hope this helps.
Heya buddingsalsero, welcome to the Salsa Forums!
As far as what style to dance, I'd say your best bet is just to dance a style that is popular in the area and venues you are most likely to frequent. Aside from that, although on2 seems to be expanding a bit, on1 is by far the most common form worldwide. As for aesthetics, everyone has their own preference, but no style can really be any more "beutiful" than any other... on1, on2, NY2... they all use the same number of steps, across the same number of beats, to the same music after all.
As far as what style to dance, I'd say your best bet is just to dance a style that is popular in the area and venues you are most likely to frequent. Aside from that, although on2 seems to be expanding a bit, on1 is by far the most common form worldwide. As for aesthetics, everyone has their own preference, but no style can really be any more "beutiful" than any other... on1, on2, NY2... they all use the same number of steps, across the same number of beats, to the same music after all.
sagitta
Changui
All the various dance styles just give you some of the tools to express yourself. It's not the particular style, but how you use the tools that make you a dancer. So I would go with the style popular in your area as you will have the opportunity to obtain the tools necessary to become the dancer that you want to be.
Hiya Lucy, and welcome to the Salsa Forums!
Although I am definately in the camp that considers it all variations of the same thing, the typical convention generally used is on1 = salsa and on2 = mambo.
Although I am definately in the camp that considers it all variations of the same thing, the typical convention generally used is on1 = salsa and on2 = mambo.
Hi Lucy. Welcome to the SF.
Hi Danoo! Welcome to the SF Family.
I just attended the Philly congress. Philly dances mainly on 1, with the exception of a group fo very advanced dancers. Most of the guys that asked me danced on 2, and I had to follow. They were awesome dancers! Most congresses are now dancing a lot on 2 and have the workshops there to support this. I have an easier time when the music is "Mambo", but a very fast Salsa is difficult. New York congress is in August and will be offering a lot of beginner on 2 workshops. That is what I will be attending. There is so much more that I can do on 1. I want to do the right dance with the right music and people. We all need to know both!
Hi buddingsalsero,
I live in a two-centre salsa scene, with Glasgow predominantly Cuban style and Edinburgh strongly LA oriented. Although you can learn both styles in either city (and I dance both), a few Glasgow-based LA style leaders have told me that they feel they need to start learning Cuban style because many girls in Glasgow (well, beginners anyway) haven't got a clue about how to follow LA style.
Ah, the "dancing on clave" argument! Perhaps this article by Edie the Salsafreak may interest you.
http://www.dancefreak.com/stories/dancing_on_clave.htm
In my opinion, the "right salsa" is the style most popular in your area. Find out what style is commonly danced in your local salsa scene and learn that style -- that ensures that you will never be short of partners to dance with. If you learn NY on2 and everybody else in your area dances Cuban (Casino) style, then you will face a very confused partner every time you dance.buddingsalsero said:
I live in a two-centre salsa scene, with Glasgow predominantly Cuban style and Edinburgh strongly LA oriented. Although you can learn both styles in either city (and I dance both), a few Glasgow-based LA style leaders have told me that they feel they need to start learning Cuban style because many girls in Glasgow (well, beginners anyway) haven't got a clue about how to follow LA style.
buddingsalsero said:
Ah, the "dancing on clave" argument! Perhaps this article by Edie the Salsafreak may interest you.
http://www.dancefreak.com/stories/dancing_on_clave.htm
JaneMas, my personal opinion is that you're a dancer that chooses a particular style of salsa. Salsa has many facets but the dancer chooses a particular area or all facets of Salsa. To me, it's all the same. You're not designated a "salsa" dancer per se if you dance to a particular beat. Depending on where you are in the world, Salsa is dance to different beats, On1, On2, On3, etc. Anyone else?
Agreed, PeachE 8) !
The ability to dance on different beats is nothing more then tools which you used to convey yourself in motion to the music.
Salsa, mambo, call it what you wish. You are the kind of dancer you choose to be........and the definition of that is how you connect with your partner & music.
Learn the tools, as if you are learning a language (ok, there might be a need to learn a few variation within the same language). Then how you use that language to communicate, it's entirely up to you.
*btw, I'm in the process of learning 'a second dialect' (ie on2 :wink: ) for better communication*
The ability to dance on different beats is nothing more then tools which you used to convey yourself in motion to the music.
Salsa, mambo, call it what you wish. You are the kind of dancer you choose to be........and the definition of that is how you connect with your partner & music.
Learn the tools, as if you are learning a language (ok, there might be a need to learn a few variation within the same language). Then how you use that language to communicate, it's entirely up to you.
*btw, I'm in the process of learning 'a second dialect' (ie on2 :wink: ) for better communication*
Its all mambo or its all salsa... either way its all the same.