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Welcome to Episode 179 of the Salsa Kings LIVE podcast
We have been featured as #1 in “Top 10 Salsa Podcasts” on FeedSpot.
Hey familia! It’s Andres Fernandez and Pablo Rico Peña, and today we’re diving deep into one of the most debated topics in salsa dancing—Which salsa style is the best? We know this is a subjective topic, and not everyone will agree with us, but that’s part of the fun! We’ll break down the different salsa styles, their origins, strengths, and weaknesses, and rank them based on social dancing and performance value. Let’s get into it!
Key Points
🌍 Salsa’s Origins
- Salsa is a fusion of different musical and dance influences.
- The music has Cuban roots with American jazz influences and was popularized in New York by Puerto Ricans.
- Every country has its own dialect of salsa, just like languages.
🕺 Salsa Styles
There are several different styles of salsa, each with its unique characteristics:
- Casino (Cuban Style)
- Many call it “Cuban-style salsa,” but technically, salsa came after casino.
- It moves in circular patterns instead of straight lines.
- Great for social dancing but not as flashy for performances unless additional elements (like rumba) are added.
- LA Style (On1)
- Also called salsa en línea because it is danced in a straight line.
- Best for performances because it’s choreographed with a clear front direction.
- Socially, it’s a bit harder to learn at first but becomes easier over time.
- New York Style (On2, Mambo)
- Similar to LA style but danced on the second beat of the music.
- Considered more musical and elegant.
- Good balance between social dancing and performance.
- Cali Style (Colombian)
- Known for fast footwork and acrobatics.
- Hard to learn at first but amazing for performances.
- Socially, it can be difficult because it’s very fast.
- Ballroom Salsa
- Often seen in TV dance competitions.
- Technically difficult and not commonly used for social dancing.
- Strong performance style but not practical for social settings.
🏆 Rankings
After debating, we ranked the styles based on social dancing and performance potential.
Best for Social Dancing
- Casino (Cuban Style) – Easiest to pick up and most commonly danced socially.
- Mambo (On2, New York Style) – Very fun and musical.
- Cumbia / Cali Style – Simple for beginners but harder at advanced levels.
- LA Style (On1) – Takes longer to learn but fun once mastered.
- Ballroom Salsa – Not really designed for social dancing.
Best for Performances
- Cali Style (Colombian Salsa) – Fast, high-energy, great for the stage.
- Ballroom Salsa – Dramatic and theatrical.
- LA Style (On1) – Designed for stage performances.
- Mambo (On2, New York Style) – Stylish and smooth.
- Casino (Cuban Style) – Can be visually engaging with added elements.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, there’s no single “best” salsa style—it all depends on your goals! If you love social dancing, Casino is king. If you want to put on a show, Cali style or Ballroom might be for you.
We want to hear your thoughts! Which style is your favorite? Send us your rankings and let’s keep the conversation going. And don’t forget, the Miami Salsa Cruise is coming up soon! Stay tuned for more updates.
Until next time, familia—keep dancing! 💃🔥
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