Salsa has many different influences. It is the result of a musical evolution of various Latin and Afro - Caribbean rhythms. It began in New York in the 30's taking influences along the way from different Latin music styles and afro jazz.

Cuba plays a large part for the origin of Salsa with its mix of African and Spanish ancestry. Other countries like the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Puerto Rico also influenced the development of Salsa. Bands of these countries took their music to Mexico City in the era of the famous films of that country.

It was New York however who created the term "Salsa", but it did not create the dance. Salsa literally means 'sauce'. The term became popular as a nickname to refer to a variety of different music, from several countries of Hispanic influence: Rumba, Són Montuno, Guaracha, Mambo, Cha cha cha, Danzón, Són, Guguanco, Cubop, Guajira, Charanga, Cumbia, Plena, Bomba, Festejo, Merengue, among others. Many of these have maintained their individuality and many were mixed creating "Salsa".

If you are listening to today's Salsa, you are going to find the base of són, and you are going to hear Cumbia, Guaracha and other rhythms built in. You will hear many of the old styles somewhere within the modern beats. Salsa varies from site to site. In New York, for example, new instrumentalization and extra percussion were added to some Colombian songs so that New Yorkers - that dance mambo "on the two" - can feel comfortable dancing to the rhythm and beat of the song.

Salsa has many roots and many branches, but one trunk that unites us all. The important thing is that Salsa is played throughout the Hispanic world and has received influences from many places. It is a sample of our flexibility and evolution. We can't give credit to a single place for the existence of Salsa.

It doesn't matter what style you dance. No one style is better then the rest. Only different…..

Let the rhythm take hold, connect with your partner and most importantly enjoy the dance!