Latin Dance Styles at Salsa Magic
Salsa
Salsa is a style of Latin street dance and music. Like Salsa the food it is a delicious, rich mix of flavours, deriving from many different cultures. Salsa originated in Cuba in the early twentieth century and then developed and evolved in New York City in the 50s and 60s to become popular around the world.
Today there are various styles of Salsa danced globally including throughout New Zealand. At Salsa Magic we teach a linear-based style of Salsa drawing from the New York and LA Salsa styles. Salsa music utilises a 4/4 musical time signature, and we dance to those beats focusing on the counts 1,2,3 5,6,7 using a quick quick slow rhythm. We love Salsa, it’s Magic!
Mambo
Mambo is a lively Latin dance born in the vibrant streets of Cuba that will have you moving to an infectious beat! The magic happens when you break on counts 2 and 6 – this unique timing creates that signature Mambo "flavor" that makes dancers look so cool on the floor. Unlike other Latin dances, Mambo has you pausing on count 1, giving you that split second to add your own personality and style!
Born in the 1940s from a perfect blend of traditional Cuban rhythms and jazzy American influences, Mambo took Cuba by storm before conquering dance floors worldwide. When it hit New York's famous Palladium ballroom in the 1950s, it sparked a dance craze that continues to this day – and trust us, once you feel that rhythm, you'll be hooked too!
Bachata
Bachata is a style of Latin street music and dance that originates from the Domincian Republic. The music and dance are a fusion of many styles and influences from the cultural melting pot of the Caribbean.
Like Salsa, Bachata is a beautiful dance that is primarily based on partner connection and social dancing. Bachata is growing in popularity throughout the world and is the perfect Latin dance to complement Salsa/Mambo.