History of Salsa

When was Salsa born? Where? How has it evolved? We are going to answer all these questions in this section about the history of Salsa .

Salsa, as a musical style, was born on the island of Cuba around the seventeenth century when African slaves and French and Spanish settlers merged their music to create new rhythms that, over time, would lead to what is currently known as Sauce.

Afro-Cuban rhythms came to New York due to the large number of Latinos who emigrated to “the capital of the world” after World War II, seeking a better life. But, in the decade of the 30s and until the 50s, Afro-Cuban music in this part of the world was consumed mainly by Cubans, Venezuelans or Puerto Ricans, among other Latinos. It was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s that Salsa, as a musical style, enjoyed recognition and success in the US , especially in El Barrio , an area east of Harlem. Later, at the end of the 70s, and during the 80s and 90s, Salsa spread to other parts of the planet, reaching Europe and even Asia.

Salsa, like other musical genres, has undergone variations and has also incorporated instruments throughout its existence until it reaches today’s Salsa, which includes Romantic Salsa, Timba and Hard Salsa.

As a dance style, it could be said that Salsa has evolved in parallel with the musical style. From the typical Cuban dances of the seventeenth century, through those of the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, to the present day.

Focusing on Salsa as a dance , we will see below its evolution through the different styles and steps that characterize this Latin rhythm. History of Salsa