The million-dollar question: Cuban salsa (or casino), Puerto Rican salsa or Colombian salsa (salsa caleña) – which one should you choose?
Salsa is a Latin dance that is winning over more and more people. When you dive into this world, you discover there isn’t one salsa but several, each with its own flavour, history and style.
Let’s explore the unique features of Cuban salsa (or casino), Puerto Rican salsa and Colombian salsa, to help you decide which one might make your heart… and your feet beat faster!
Whether you’re a beginner or an aficionado looking to deepen your knowledge, join us on this journey to the heart of salsa.
This is an informative article – we’re all for peace, amen!
1- Cuban salsa or Cuban casino
Cuban salsa, or casino, has its roots in Cuban son in the 1920s, a harmonious blend of African rhythms and Spanish melodies. This form of salsa reflects Cuban society, incorporating elements of traditional dances such as mambo, cha-cha-cha and rumba.
What sets Cuban salsa apart is its circular approach to dancing. Dancers turn around each other, more or less on a circle. The focus is on connection and interplay between partners: the woman (often the follower) is showcased, and the man (often the leader) shows her off and seduces her through his dancing.
Cuban salsa can be danced freely, as at a party, or in “rueda de casino”, in a circle, with a centre, rueda games and partner changes, all called out by one person (known as “la madre”).
🇨🇺 Why choose Cuban salsa?
Cuban salsa is ideal for those who enjoy spontaneity, improvisation, a certain freedom of movement and a real connection game between partners.
It appeals through its authentic character and infectious energy. It lets you not only learn dance steps and partner dancing, but also immerse yourself in a rich and welcoming culture.
Cuban salsa demo:
View this post on Instagram
2- Puerto Rican salsa
Puerto Rican salsa has its own nuances and elegance.
It grew out of Cuban salsa, enriched by the influences of New York mambo and Latin jazz. This Latin dance took off in the 1970s, when Puerto Rican musicians and dancers in New York began mixing traditional salsa rhythms with more sophisticated elements and more elaborate dance techniques.
This fusion gave birth to a distinctive style which, while faithful to its Caribbean roots, has a touch of elegance and refinement typical of the New York scene.
Puerto Rican salsa is characterised by its precision and elegance, and by the fact that it is danced in a line (on 1) or off the beat (on 2). On 1 or on 2 refers to the dancer’s first step, count 1.
This form of salsa emphasises sophisticated spins, stylised figures and a fairly upright, proud posture. The moves are often more predictable and choreographed than in Cuban salsa, giving dancers the opportunity to show off their technique and body expression.
🇵🇷 Why choose Puerto Rican salsa?
Puerto Rican salsa is perfect for those drawn to technical precision and a certain performance aspect. If you like structure and have a passion for perfecting your style, this version of salsa may be the one for you.
It’s an excellent opportunity to develop your personal expression while working on beautiful, complex figures through fluid movements.
Its elegant approach and deep musical roots make it a rewarding experience for beginners and experienced dancers alike.
Puerto Rican salsa demo:
View this post on Instagram
3- Colombian salsa or salsa caleña
Colombian salsa, or salsa caleña, takes its name from the city of Cali, in Colombia, nicknamed the “world capital of salsa”. Music and dance are central to local culture, and the city literally lives to the rhythm of salsa.
Origins: Cali and its sped-up records
Salsa arrived in Cali in the 1960s, carried by Cuban orchestras, Mexican cinema and records from New York. Caleños then danced to a mix of son montuno, mambo, pachanga and boogaloo, which explains the very particular style of caleña.
A famous legend says that a Cali DJ once played a 33 rpm record at 45 rpm. The dancers followed the rhythm… and sped up their steps! True or not, this story sums up the spirit of caleña: fast, very fast.
Created in 1958, the Feria de Cali brought salsa out of the neighbourhoods and turned it into a huge popular festival, held every year at the end of December.
How is Colombian salsa danced?
- Ultra-fast footwork: the signature of caleña, with short, quick, precise steps, often to very fast music.
- Danced on the spot: unlike Puerto Rican salsa, danced in a line, or Cuban salsa, which turns in a circle, the couple stays almost in the same place.
- Movement below the waist: the upper body stays fairly calm; everything happens in the legs and hips.
- Acrobatic figures: spectacular lifts and jumps, especially in shows and competitions.
Less focused on spins than Puerto Rican salsa, it demands a lot of energy and good physical fitness.
🇨🇴 Why choose Colombian salsa?
If you’re looking for an energetic dance that will challenge your stamina and speed a little, Colombian salsa is for you. It’s perfect for dancers who like to push themselves and enjoy a bit of adrenaline. It offers a unique approach to salsa that is both demanding and extremely rewarding.
Colombian salsa is a vibrant tribute to Latin American culture and music. It particularly suits those who want to experience a dance full of vitality and passion.
Colombian salsa demo:
View this post on Instagram
Cuban, Puerto Rican or Colombian salsa: comparison table
| Cuban salsa (casino) | Puerto Rican salsa | Colombian salsa (caleña) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Cuba, rooted in Cuban son | New York, 1970s | Cali (Colombia), 1960s |
| Movement | In a circle, around the partner | In a line (slot) | On the spot |
| Strength | Interplay between partners, improvisation, rueda | Spins, technique, elegance | Fast footwork, energy, acrobatics |
| Vibe | Social and spontaneous | Precise and stylish | Explosive and spectacular |
| For whom? | Lovers of improvisation and conviviality | Technique enthusiasts | Dancers looking for energy |
So… which salsa should you choose?
In short: Cuban salsa for improvisation and conviviality, Puerto Rican salsa for technique and elegance, Colombian salsa for energy and fast footwork. The best thing is to try all three.
As you can see, each salsa style has its own charms and challenges.
Cuban salsa is perfect for lovers of social dancing and improvisation. Puerto Rican salsa will appeal to those who value technique and elegance. As for Colombian salsa, it’s ideal for dancers looking for energy and physical performance.
To choose, consider your personality, your dance goals and the kind of experience you’re after. Don’t hesitate to try each style to really understand what suits you best. The beauty of salsa lies in its diversity: every dancer can find what they love.
Which one would you choose?
This dance, in all its forms, offers a wealth of styles, music and stories just waiting to be explored.
Whether you go for Cuban, Puerto Rican or Colombian salsa, you’re embarking on a journey of cultural and personal discovery. What matters isn’t choosing “the best salsa”, but the one that resonates with you most.
So put on your trainers, let the music guide you and discover the salsa style that makes your heart beat. You may find more in salsa than you expected: more than a passion, an extension of yourself.
PS: “La salsa du démon” (a cult French comedy song) is not a salsa.
