“Salsa” – it’s the chunky, spicy sauce that makes chips disappear out of the basket. It is also a dance that serves as the perfect way to work off those chips. So what is Salsa dancing? Here are a few quick things to know: Salsa, Spanish for “sauce,” takes the name of the dance from music and rhythms originating in Africa and Spain. It germinated in Cuba and Puerto Rico, and as soldiers, tourists, and jazz musicians visited and returned home to the US, they brought the dance with them. Later in the 1970’s, it hit the perfect beat with the disco era. Did you know there are at least 7 styles of Salsa? Best known are “NY style” (also known as “Mambo”) which hits the beat on 2 and 6. “LA Salsa” hits the beat on 1 and 5. There is also Casino /Salsa Cubano, Miami style, Colombian style, Rueda de Casino and Ballroom. Can you dance alone? Well, it is a partner dance and who doesn’t want to be spun around? Is it easy? All I can say is that it is fun, the dancers who know what they are doing are happy to show you the ropes, and I guarantee you will work off the chips and salsa after one dance! The Autry Museum has their Sizzling Summer Nights on Thursday nights through August 22 with live bands. Orquesta Son Mayor on Aug. 15, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca on Aug. 22.
