Afro Cuban Roots of Salsa

Salsa rhythms are fast, movements are precise, and everything is done with great emotion and musical feeling. It seems easier than it actually is - combining speed, rhythmic precision, and emotion. There's also a lot of playfulness in Salsa - but that comes once you've developed some skills. Salsa is definitely a feel-good dance - just look at salsa carnivals - people dancing, enjoying the music and great company. Salsa gives you freedom and joy. I highly recommend it, especially with a teacher like Fabian. Salsa comes from within him, and he knows how to pass it on excellently to us Northern people."

What surprised me most about learning salsa was how many different dance styles are mixed into traditional salsa elements, especially in Cuban salsa. There are elements from rumba, cabaret, and many other dances. Additionally, when joining the dance class, I thought it would be purely about learning dance steps and movements, but as a positive surprise, you also learn a lot about the history of the dance and its movements. For example, where certain movements originated from or why they need to be done exactly in a certain way. All of this together makes the learning process a very exciting journey and creates a clear overview of why this dance is danced the way it is. Salsa, and dancing in general, has brought freshness, energy, and motivation to develop into my daily life. While previously I would go home quite tired on Monday evenings, after salsa practice I always have a good mood and energy for the whole week ahead. I've also found new friends in classes. Additionally, dancing used to seem like something you'd only dare to do alone at home, but with continuous development and attending classes, I've gained confidence that there's no need to hide my dance skills in the corner of the room. To someone who wants to start salsa, I definitely say: choose a class, show up, and dance! The music is very cheerful and rhythmic. It always creates a desire to move your hips, even if just a little. You can't just sit still. Class is always fun, and even if you don't have friends to come to class with, you'll definitely find new friends/acquaintances in class right away!

I’ve loved Latin rhythms since I was little! The first song that got me hooked was Tengo la Camisa Negra 😄. Over time, I explored many styles—cumbia, reggaeton, bachata—but when I finally tried salsa, it just clicked. Salsa feels like it matches my energy perfectly: it’s fun, playful, and full of life. It has some structure and rules, but still leaves plenty of space for creativity and your own flair. It’s the best of both worlds! My favorite part about salsa is definitely the rhythm—it’s impossible not to move when the music starts! What I love most, though, is that you can just be yourself and have fun. Salsa feels relaxed and playful, with no pressure to be overly sensual, fancy, or smooth like in other dances. It’s all about enjoying the moment and the music, with a great community to share it with!