Where does Salsa dancing come from

Salsa is one of the most popular Latin dances, and people all over the world enjoy attending Salsa Classes London way, such as those offered by rvdance.co.uk/dance-classes-london/salsa-classes-london/, and learning its techniques.

Cuban Roots

Salsa has its roots in Cuba, where a rich music scene developed from the late 19th century onwards. Cuban son, in particular, influenced the music and dances that came later. As Latin music became more and more popular from the 1920s onwards, the dances that would become salsa started to evolve.

The Rise of Salsa

Salsa draws on influences including son, mambo, cha-cha-chá and Puerto Rican bomba and plena. The name “salsa” took hold in New York in the 1960s and 1970s, where Cuban and Puerto Rican musicians and dancers helped popularise it. From there it spread across Latin America, the United States and the rest of the world.

Salsa Today

Today salsa is still hugely popular in Latin America and is danced in clubs and classes around the world. It is also one of the dances featured on Strictly Come Dancing.

Related: What are the different styles of salsa dancing?