Salsa is not easily defined. It is similar to Mambo in that both styles have a pattern of six steps danced over eight counts of music. The dances also share many of the same moves, however the importance of turns in Salsa is what gives it a different overall look and feeling from that of Mambo. But where did it all begin?
Contra-Danze, also known as Danzón, was brought to Cuba by the French people who fled from Haiti. The dance style mixed with Rhumbas of African origin (Guaguanco, Colombia, Yambú) and Són of Cuban origin. The dance became a mixture of styles that included the Spanish troubadour (sonero), African drumbeats, flavora, and partner dancing. It was a wonderful dance that flowered to the beat of the clave.
As this dance style continued to flourish in Cuba, many other countries, such as the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, began creating variations of the dance and its music. The Bands from these countries decided to take their music over to Mexico City during Mexico's famous film era. From here, the dance became recognized by a much larger audience and became a big attraction in New York.
New York was able to further promote the dance, setting its stage for further investment and the production of more commercial music. It was here that the term "Salsa" first emerged. It was a slang word that was popularly used to describe varieties of Hispanic-influenced music, like Rhumba, Són Montuno, Guaracha, Mambo, Cha cha cha, Danzón, Són, Guguanco, Cubop, Guajira, Charanga, Cumbia, Plena, Bomba, Festejo, and Merengue. Many of these styles maintained their individuality while others were mixed to create what we now know as "Salsa".
Salsa has received many influences from the Hispanic world and places within it. The important thing to remember is that it reveals a sample of our past. It shows the evolution of our flexibility and style where none is better, but only different.