| What's the Diff? You wouldn't be the first person to ask! Here is an overview of the two styles based on my research, experience and discussions with instructors and dancers from around the U.S. Please bear in mind there are as many different opinions on these matters as there are opinionated salsa dancers. Many dancers feel that, while they may prefer one style over the other, sometimes the other fits better with a particular piece of music. One good reason to learn both. Visitors are welcome to contribute helpful information or disagree. But do try and back up your point of view. Additional references and experiences will be published along with reasonably polite commentary. Please send all correspondance to [email protected], and refer to "What's the Diff?" in the subject line. Following is a general description of both styles, with a listing of features that are the same and different. Features that are different are in bold. These descriptions are not intended to teach you the basic steps. But if you have tried both styles and are struggling to sort out the difference, or if you are thinking of learning New York Style, you might find them helpful. New York Style Salsa This style is also known as mambo or dancing "on 2". For a thorough description, the only place to go is the SalsaNewYork page, Definition of Dancing Salsa "On 2". While it's true that this is not the predominant club style in most parts of the United States, this style can now be found almost everywhere in the world that salsa is danced and its popularity continues to grow. New York Style dancers say that dancing "on 2" is dancing "on clave", the heartbeat rhythm of salsa music. Again, SalsaNewYork has a description of the clave and dancing on clave that you might find helpful. Bring up the subject among a diverse group of salsa dancers and get ready for the ride! Many dancers who are fluent in both styles will agree that the NY Style basic step feels very different and relates in a different way to the clave. This is a critical factor to dancers who prefer NY Style. I've also heard people describe the basic step as having more "space" in the timing for styling and footwork variations. Characteristics of the basic step: Basic Step is 6 steps over 8 beats of music (2 bars of 4 beats) Turns and figures are done in a "slot" pattern Steps are on the 1, 2, 3 and 5, 6, 7 beats No steps on the 4 and 8 beats. These beats are held. Let's say a complete step is defined as picking up and putting down your foot. The 4 and 8 beats are held during a step (rather than between steps) as you step back from the break step. So it really is 2 quick steps followed by a slow step, giving the style a very fluid look and feeling. Break steps are on the 2 and 6 beats Followers break back on 6, forward on 2; leaders break forward on 6, back on 2 General style leans towards expressive footwork, lots of open shines, playful creativity between partners, connection with the music, multiple spins for both partners, complex turn patterns, sexy body styling by both men and women. Salsa "on 1" "On 1" is kind of a catch-all label for any style of salsa that breaks forward and back on the 1 and 5 beats of the music. The basic step is, for many, easier to pick-up than New York Style "on 2". It's the basis for numerous different styles of salsa danced all over the world, such as LA Style and Casino Rueda. Styling can range from very simple, with few turns but lots of sexy connection between partners, all the way to very showy, with lots of styling, dips, drops, and acrobatics. In contrast to the NY Style basic step, the feeling might be described as going with the 4/4 rhythm in a more direct way. Characteristics of the basic step: Basic Step is 6 steps over 8 beats of music (2 bars of 4 beats) Steps are on the 1, 2, 3 and 5, 6 7 beats No steps on the 4 and 8 beats Let's say a complete step is defined as picking up and putting down your foot. The 4 and 8 beats are held between steps, when both feet are on the ground after stepping back from the break step. So this step is 3 quick steps followed by a held beat. But if danced well, this does not appear as an interruption to the energy and flow of the dance. Break steps are on the 1 and 5 beats Followers break back on 1, forward on 5; leaders break forward on 1, back on 5 Turns and figures can be done in a "slot" or in a circular pattern or in formation with other couples. As mentioned above, there's no typical styling that goes with dancing "on 1". Many people dance "on 1" in a way similar to NY Style, ie, in a slot, very playful, lots of freestyle footwork and fancy turn patterns. Some people execute turns in circular patterns, with parners constantly rotating around each other. Some styles loop, intertwine, and unwind arms and bodies like dancing puzzles! |
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