Black Belt Salsa Classes
Black Belt Salsa, which was made famous in 2012 by world renowned dancer Edie "the salsa freak", was created as a way to work on the fundementals of dance and build off of them in a progressive system that is sure to expedite the process of learning salsa. This type of methodology is based on karate and really focuses on making sure that as a student, you are exposed to not only the physical benefits of salsa dancing but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits that comes with being a student of BBS. Through this system, we aim to build a stronger connection not only in dance, but in other aspect of the dancer's life. For more information on BBS, visit the Black Belt Salsa Website.
BBS was adopted in 2014 by Inspired Movement to create quality salsa instruction in Austin that is able to produce high caliber salsa dancers. We primarily teach LA style or On-1, however we have well known instructors, both locally and nationally, that guest teach NY style or On-2. Our classes focus on teaching a mix of combinations, shines, and principles to ensure that students are building off of past knowledge and putting it all together creating a comprehensive learning experience. There is no previous experience necessary as we have structured our classes to fit your level. If you feel like a level is to easy or hard, no worries! Since both classes are on the same day, we split classes so you can easily transfer between them according to your level. Check out our schedule for when our next salsa class or salsa event is happening.
Salsa History
The music and dance styles of salsa developed simultaneously in the 1920s as various musical styles such as Mambo, African, and "Son Montuno" came together on the island of Cuba. The island was already a melting pot for various other types of Latin dance such as tango, mambo, and flamenco. Sensing a potential dance and music sensation, a local studio called Fania named the new sound "Salsa" and began spreading it through the island clubs and over the radio. It went north to Miami as well as South America, and renowned musicians such as Tito Puente and Dizzie Gillespie began to incorporate the rhythms into their sets. The dancers followed along, adding more complicated moves depending on their experience. Some salsa styles are fast, almost frenetic, with whirling partner moves, while others seem more relaxed and sensual with elements of Argentine tango or slow rhumba in them. Regardless of style, there are a few elements that have always been a part of the basic salsa step.
Basic Salsa Technique
Salsa is usually a partnered dance with a lead and follow, using improvisation of various movement combinations.
The beat of Salsa music is 4/4, but there are three weight changes in each measure. What happens during that extra beat is part of what differentiates the styles of the dance.
While the body changes weight, the upper torso remains almost immobile. This means that most of the motion ends up in the hips, which is how the phrase "Cuban Motion" got applied to this Latin dance form.
Salsa music is distinctive, but the moves often derive of other partner dances such as tango, mambo, rumba, even some swing techniques.