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History of Salsa Dance in the UK Salsa is a form of dance with roots that originated in the Caribbean, Latin and North America. The dance is usually a partnered dance although there are solo steps and frequent changes in partners. The term salsa comes from the Spanish word for sauce with a spicy flavour. Salsa was introduced into the UK through influence from Paris in the 1920’s. Although not native to the UK, this hot-blooded form of dance has grown in popularity among young adults and university students throughout the United Kingdom with hundreds of classes, clubs and competitions offered throughout the region. The origins of Salsa are mostly from Cuban Son with the form commonly danced today greatly influenced by North American interpretations. The modernization of the Mambo in the 1950’s was a large part of making Salsa what it is today. There are several forms of Salsa such as Mambo, Cha Cha, Guaracha, Changui, Palo Monte, Rumba and Comparsa. Salsa is danced on a core rhythm that lasts for two measures of four beats each with three basic steps each measure. Dance steps are considered a spot or slot dance, meaning dancers do not travel the floor as with ballroom dancing, but remain in one basic spot. There are many characteristics that pertain to various styles of Salsa. Various step patterns, timing patterns, attitude, turns and even dress are specific to the various Salsa forms of dance. Pierre Jean Phillip was the main entry of Salsa dancing in the UK when he returned to London in 1920 and demonstrated the new dance craze. Pierre opened a dance studio in Piccadilly and lived and taught for years in the West End. One of his students, Doris Lavelle eventually became a partner in the studio and later became known as the “Queen of Ballroom”. Later, the studio moved to Greek Street in Soho and continued to offer students the opportunity to pursue their passion of Salsa.

History of Salsa Dance in the UK

Salsa is a form of dance with roots that originated in the Caribbean, Latin and North America. The dance is usually a partnered dance although there are solo steps and frequent changes in partners. The term salsa comes from the Spanish word for sauce with a spicy flavour. Salsa was introduced into the UK through influence from Paris in the 1920’s.

Although not native to the UK, this hot-blooded form of dance has grown in popularity among young adults and university students throughout the United Kingdom with hundreds of classes, clubs and competitions offered throughout the region.

The origins of Salsa are mostly from Cuban Son with the form commonly danced today greatly influenced by North American interpretations. The modernization of the Mambo in the 1950’s was a large part of making Salsa what it is today. There are several forms of Salsa such as Mambo, Cha Cha, Guaracha, Changui, Palo Monte, Rumba and Comparsa.

Salsa is danced on a core rhythm that lasts for two measures of four beats each with three basic steps each measure. Dance steps are considered a spot or slot dance, meaning dancers do not travel the floor as with ballroom dancing, but remain in one basic spot. There are many characteristics that pertain to various styles of Salsa. Various step patterns, timing patterns, attitude, turns and even dress are specific to the various Salsa forms of dance.

Pierre Jean Phillip was the main entry of Salsa dancing in the UK when he returned to London in 1920 and demonstrated the new dance craze. Pierre opened a dance studio in Piccadilly and lived and taught for years in the West End. One of his students, Doris Lavelle eventually became a partner in the studio and later became known as the “Queen of Ballroom”. Later, the studio moved to Greek Street in Soho and continued to offer students the opportunity to pursue their passion of Salsa.