The 4 Salsa Styles Explained by Pro Latin Dancer in Los Angeles
- Gee
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Salsa dancing is one of the most exciting and universally loved partner dances, a blend of rhythm, culture, and connection. But not all Salsa is the same.
Over decades, different regions have developed their own signature ways of interpreting the music, each with distinct musical timing, footwork, and cultural roots.
If you’re dancing in Los Angeles, one of the most diverse Salsa capitals in the world, you have the rare chance to experience all four major styles in one city.
Here’s a deep dive into the four main types of Salsa, how their musicality works, and where in the world each is danced most famously.
1. LA Style (On1)
Originating right here in Los Angeles, LA Style Salsa is fast, flashy, and made for the stage. It’s danced “On1,” meaning the break step happens on the first beat of the music. This style is known for:
Big, dramatic shines (solo footwork)
A strong emphasis on musical hits and dips
Smooth turn patterns that wow the crowd
If you love a show-stopping performance style, LA is the birthplace of this modern, high-energy approach.
LA-Style (On 1):
Musicality & Beats: LA Style is danced “On1,” meaning the break step happens on the first beat of the measure (1,2,3 – 5,6,7). This gives it a forward-driving, energetic feel that matches the big hits in modern Salsa music. Dancers often accent strong beats with dips, tricks, and dramatic finishes to highlight the music’s crescendos.
Where It’s Famous: Born in Los Angeles in the late 1990s, heavily influenced by Hollywood’s love for performance. Popular in much of the U.S., Las Vegas, Miami, and parts of Europe.
Why It Stands Out: Visual flair, smooth turn patterns, multiple spins, and stage-ready charisma.
2. New York Style (On2)
Also called “Mambo On2,” this style is deeply connected to the clave rhythm of Salsa music. It’s often described as smoother and more “on the beat” with the music’s phrasing.
Key features include:
Breaking on the second beat of the measure
Elegant, rhythm-driven body movement
Strong influence from Latin jazz and mambo
Los Angeles has a thriving On2 community, so it’s easy to find socials and workshops that specialize in this East Coast favorite.
New York Style (On2):
Musicality & Beats: New York Style, or Mambo On2, breaks on the second beat of the measure (2,3,4 – 6,7,8). This syncopated timing aligns closely with the clave rhythm, giving it a silky, jazz-infused feel. The phrasing often allows dancers to play more with subtle accents and pauses.
Where It’s Famous: New York City, Puerto Rico, London, Tokyo, and other cosmopolitan dance hubs.
Why It Stands Out: It feels like you’re dancing inside the music, perfect for those who love rhythm-driven precision.
3. Cuban Style (Casino)
Cuban Salsa, or Casino, is the most circular of all styles. Partners move around each other in flowing rotations instead of keeping to a straight line.
Hallmarks include:
Afro-Cuban body movement
Improvised, playful lead-and-follow
Connection to the origins of Salsa music in Cuba
Many Cuban-style dancers in LA love incorporating Rueda de Casino, a group dance where couples exchange partners in a fun, fast-paced circle.
Cuban Style (Casino):
Musicality & Beats: Typically danced on “a tiempo” (On1) or “contra tiempo” (On2), depending on the tradition. Movement is circular, and the music is rich in Afro-Cuban percussion and rumba influences.
Where It’s Famous: Havana, Miami, Mexico City, Madrid, and Latin American communities worldwide.
Why It Stands Out: Playful, social, and improvisational, ideal for those who enjoy interaction over performance.
4. Colombian Style (Cali Style)
Originating in Cali, Colombia — often called the “Salsa Capital of the World” — this style is lightning-fast and footwork-heavy. It’s especially common in festivals and street parties.
Characteristics include:
Quick, intricate foot patterns
Minimal turn patterns compared to LA or NY styles
High-energy and grounded body movement
While less common than LA or NY styles, you’ll still find passionate Colombian-style dancers in LA’s diverse salsa scene.
Colombian Style (Cali Style):
Musicality & Beats: Usually On1 but with very quick triple steps, matching the fast pace of Colombian salsa music. The tempo can be so quick that turns are minimized in favor of fancy footwork.
Where It’s Famous: Cali, Colombia, the “Salsa Capital of the World,” and parts of Ecuador and Central America.
Why It Stands Out: Unmatched speed and athleticism, perfect for high-energy dancers who love a challenge.
Which Salsa Style Is Perfect for You?
Choosing “the right” Salsa style isn’t about picking the most popular one, it’s about finding the one that matches your personality, music taste, and goals.
Here’s how to decide:
If you love performing and want to look dynamic on camera: Try LA Style (On1), it’s flashy, precise, and visually powerful.
If you’re a music lover who enjoys rhythm complexity and a smooth, refined flow: Go for New York Style (On2).
If you prefer a social, playful vibe with lots of interaction: Cuban Style (Casino) might be your dance home.
If you thrive on speed, athletic movement, and intricate footwork: Challenge yourself with Colombian Style (Cali Style).
💡 Pro Tip: You don’t have to choose just one. Many dancers in Los Angeles learn multiple styles and switch depending on the song, the partner, or the mood of the night.
Why Los Angeles Is the Perfect Salsa Playground
Few cities can rival LA for Salsa variety. On any given weekend, you can find:
LA Style socials with high-energy showcases
New York Style nights with live Latin jazz bands
Cuban Rueda circles full of laughter
Colombian-style competitions that leave you in awe
Here, you can explore them all and even blend elements to make your own personal Salsa identity.
💃 Ready to Dance Salsa?
At LA Salsa and Bachata Dance Academy in Santa Monica, we offer beginner-friendly and progressive Salsa classes designed to help you master timing, musicality, and movement, no partner required.
Whether you dream of spinning like an LA Style performer, grooving to New York On2, flowing in Cuban circles, or mastering Colombian footwork, we’ll help you get there step-by-step.
