Salsa Styles and Their Characteristics

Some of us might already know that there are different kinds of salsa out there. Others will probably come across the various styles once they venture out to social events. Let's get an idea or refresh our memory by taking a look at some of the different styles listed below.

Linear /Cross-Body

In linear salsa styles, couples move forwards and backwards on a line and include Shines (individual freestyle, styling elements) into their performance. Examples are New York, L.A. and Puerto Rican style salsa.

N.Y.-Style (Mambo style):

Danced on 2
Mixes Cuban and Puerto Rican dances, strongly influenced by mambo
Includes elements from other North-American couple dances such as swing and hustle

L.A. Style:

Danced on 1
Has more show character
Moves are fast and acrobatic (dips, lifts, drops, spins)
Elements of other dances such as hustle, jazz and rock’n’roll

Puerto Rican Style:

Danced on 1 or on 2 (if danced on 2, the leader goes forward on 2, not the follower as opposed to N.Y. Style)
Danced more openly than N.Y. Style, more space needed
Simpler, slower movements than N.Y. or L.A. style but more styling elements

Circular

Circular styles are danced around the partner. Examples are casino, cumbia or cali style salsa.

Casino:

Danced on 1 (can also be danced on 2 or on 3)
Influenced by Afro-Cuban dance moves
Has a natural flow
Has less turn patterns, but more “wrapping” figures
Lots of hips movement (as a styling option) as hands are connected most of the time
Leader dominates

Rueda de Casino:

Various couples dance in a circle
“Cantante” calls out the figures that all the couples in the group have to perform simultaneously or indicates them by hand signals
Partners switch
The couples usually have a common knowledge of the moves and their names so joining a “foreign” rueda might turn out to be tricky

Colombian/Cumbia Style:

Based on Colombian cumbia dance
Danced to cumbia music (similar to salsa rhythm)
Includes acrobatic elements and fast foot work
Danced in open position, mostly leading with one hand

Cali Style:

Involves fast leg and foot movement
Has many acrobatic elements
Linear and circular

In a Nutshell…

As we can see, there are many different styles of salsa that have their own characteristics. The main difference lies in the orientation, linear or circular, followed by the amount of technique and styling that applies.