291. The Evolution of Salsa (La Evolución de la Salsa): A Multimedia Presentation

 Salsa is a syncretic dance form with origins from Cuba as a major original American meeting point of European and African cultures.

Salsa movements originate from the Cuban Son dancing of the 1920s, and more specifically through the beat of Son Montuno with strong influences from the dance of Danzon, Mambo, Guaguanco and other Afro-Cuban folkloric dancing. Today's Salsa dancing is a rich blend of Latin-American and Western influences. Other dance styles that have influenced today's Salsa include Western and Ballroom dancing. Salsa traces a 90-year history in which there are numerous evolutionary paths, sometimes split due to political and social influences. As a result, today there are various distinct styles of Salsa dancing, namely Cuban ("Casino"), New York Style ("Mambo on 2"), Los Angeles Style ("On 1"), Colombian Salsa ("Cali-Style") and Miami-Style Salsa.

"La evolución de la salsa (click here)" - a terrific multimedia presentation of the history of salsa that a local newspaper from Cali, Columbia put together.

Enjoy!

-- KN