Types of Dance ✦ Social & Club
Hot, joyful and full of spins, Salsa is the heartbeat of every Latin night out. Its quick-quick-slow rhythm, playful turn patterns and lead-and-follow connection make it one of the most popular social dances in the world. At VM Ballroom Dance Studios, you'll learn your first salsa basic in a single lesson and build up to confident turns and styling.
Prefer to talk? Call (321) 477-9959 or text (689) 334-0707
Salsa grew out of Cuban son, mambo and cha cha, and took shape in New York City in the 1960s and 70s, when Cuban and Puerto Rican musicians blended Afro-Caribbean rhythms with jazz and big-band sounds. "Salsa" became the name for that music, and the dance grew up with it. Today it's danced in clubs and at socials all over the world.
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Getting to know it
Salsa is danced to 4/4 music, usually about 160–220 beats per minute, built on the clave rhythm. Dancers step quick, quick, slow over eight counts: three steps, a pause, then three more steps and a pause, counted "1, 2, 3, (4), 5, 6, 7, (8)."
No. The basic step is easy to learn, and most beginners can dance a few simple turns after their first couple of lessons. Spins, shines and styling are where Salsa keeps growing with you.
On the playlist
A forward and back break: step forward, replace, close, then step back, replace, close, counted quick, quick, slow.
They're very similar. Mambo is traditionally danced on 2, while most salsa styles break on 1. Many dancers call New York–style salsa on 2 "mambo."
Salsa is faster, with more spins and a quick-quick-slow rhythm. Bachata is slower and more romantic, with a tap on the fourth beat.
Yes. Many students come solo. Group classes rotate partners, and instructors partner with you in private lessons.
Most beginners can dance the basic step and a few turns socially within 3–5 lessons.
Learn it with us
Book a Salsa lesson at VM Ballroom Dance Studios in Lake Mary, FL. Call 321-477-9959.
New to the studio? Ask about our introductory offer for new students. And if you enjoy the Salsa, you may also like the Mambo, Bachata and Merengue.
Our Introductory OfferStart dancing
Tell us what you would like to dance and we will be in touch.
New Student Special ✦ VM Ballroom
Get your intro offer when you sign up — $79 for (2) private ½-hour lessons.
