Salsa styles explained: Cuban, LA, New York, Colombian and more

Salsa isn't one dance. It grew up in Cuba, New York, Los Angeles and Colombia, and each place made it its own. There are lots of styles today, and they can feel like quite different dances on the floor. This guide explains the main types of salsa, how they differ, what "on1" and "on2" mean, and how to choose a style to start with.

The main types of salsa at a glance

There are many more styles of salsa than we can cover here, and each has its own history and community. These four are the ones you're most likely to come across when you start:

• Cuban (casino): circular, usually on1. Playful, social and grounded.
• LA style: linear, on1. Energetic, with lots of spins.
• New York style: linear, on2. Smooth, elegant and musical.
• Colombian (Cali style): mostly on the spot, usually on1. Very fast, intricate footwork.

"Linear" means the couple dances along an imaginary line on the floor, swapping places along it. "Circular" means partners move around each other. That one difference changes how a whole style looks and feels.

Cuban salsa (casino)

Cuban salsa, often called casino, takes its name from the social clubs of 1950s Havana where it was danced. Partners circle around each other rather than along a line, with lots of arm-tangling turns and a relaxed, grounded way of moving.

It's a very social style. You'll also come across rueda de casino, where several couples dance in a circle while a caller shouts out moves and partners swap around the ring. It's one of the most fun ways to learn, because you dance with everyone.

Good for you if: you like a playful, sociable dance.

LA style salsa

LA style developed in Los Angeles. It's energetic, dynamic and built around spins. It's danced in a line, or "slot", and breaks on the first beat of the music (on1), which most beginners find the easiest timing to hear.

LA style is a type of crossbody salsa. The name comes from the crossbody lead, the move at its heart, where the leader steps out of the line to let the follower cross past. You'll often see classes simply called "crossbody" or "on1".

Good for you if: you love spins and dancing with lots of energy.

New York style salsa

New York style is also danced in a line, but it breaks on the second beat (on2). It grew out of the mambo danced in New York's ballrooms in the 1950s and was later shaped into the style taught today.

It's known for being smooth and elegant, with clean spins and plenty of shines: footwork that partners dance apart, side by side. Dancers often say on2 sits more closely with the rhythm of the percussion, which gives the style its laid-back, musical feel.

Good for you if: you care about musicality and like a smoother, more controlled dance.

Colombian salsa (Cali style)

Colombian salsa comes from Cali, a city that calls itself the world capital of salsa. Cali style is all about the feet: very fast, small, intricate steps, often danced on the spot rather than travelling across the floor, and usually to fast music.

There are fewer of the big turns you see in other styles, and more footwork, kicks and flicks. It's also famous for spectacular show dancing.

Good for you if: you love fast music and want a real footwork challenge.

Other styles you'll come across

These aren't the only styles. You'll also hear about Puerto Rican style, which is closely related to New York style and also danced on2, and regional styles from places like Venezuela and Miami. Many dancers end up mixing styles as they get more experienced, so don't worry about learning the "right" one. Each school's listing says which style it teaches.

On1 vs on2: what's the difference?

Salsa music is counted in eights: 1, 2, 3, (pause), 5, 6, 7, (pause). The "break" is the step where you change direction.

• On1: you break on beat 1. It lines up with the strongest beat in the music, so most people find it easier to hear at first. LA style and most Cuban and Colombian salsa are danced on1.
• On2: you break on beat 2. It takes a little longer to hear, but many dancers find it smoother. New York and Puerto Rican style are danced on2.

Neither is better. Plenty of dancers learn on1 first and switch to on2 later, and many schools run classes to help with the change.

Which salsa style should you learn first?

The best style to start with is the one you'll actually go to every week. A few things help you decide:

• What's taught near you. It's easier to keep going with a class that's close by, and a style that has plenty of classes and socials locally.
• What you enjoy watching. Look up a few videos of each style. Most people know quickly which one makes them want to dance.
• Try a taster. A single drop-in class costs little and tells you more than any guide.

Whichever you pick, stick with it for a few months before trying another. The basics you learn carry over to every style. If you're completely new, read How to start salsa dancing for what to expect in your first class.

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