Salsa Dance Lessons in Durham

Oozing with a sensuous style, Salsa has it all – passion, energy, and joy. And though it may look particularly difficult to learn, the truth is that with the right instructor, proper salsa dance lessons, and a little bit of patience, anyone can take to the floor for the salsa with style and confidence. 

How Salsa Got Its Start 

How did Salsa dancing make its mark? Salsa is a popular Latin dance that emerged in Cuba in the 1900s, with influences from African, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. As a dance form, Salsa has its origins in the Soy Cubano, or Cuban Son, genre, and the Afro-Cuban dance, Rumba. “Son”, also known as the national music of Cuba, combined with the African rumba and a few other styles found at the time on the extremely diverse island, gave rise to this new way of moving. 

A man and a woman are taking salsa dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance studio in Raleigh.The dance saw its second evolution after the late 1800s, with the influence of the Spanish-American War. American soldiers coming back from Cuba after the war brought their newfound knowledge of the dance with them, eventually the style began to take on some of the fundamental movements of American Jazz, creating a version that became wildly popular in the US over the course of the next century. 

Modern day Salsa is always evolving, from the popularity of the dance in the Puerto Rican neighborhood of New York in the 60s, to the European influences found in the 90s. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Durham, our Salsa instructors are well-versed in Salsa’s rich history, and bring that passion into each lesson. 

Why Take Salsa Dance Lessons in Durham

If you’re looking for reasons to start Salsa dance lessons in Durham, you’ll find no shortage of convincing arguments out there. Dancing is not only fun, but it offers a variety of benefits. 

Stay Active and Have Fun

Dance, no matter the form, is a fantastic full-body workout. Salsa dancing involves core strength and flexibility, strengthening several groups of muscles to keep your whole physique in peak condition. It has also been shown to boost your metabolism, and burn up to 600 calories an hour—not to mention the spectacular cardio workout every time you hit the dance floor. 

Plus, it’s fun and will keep you coming back for more! With that said, every lesson flies by, and you’ll be eager to return to the studio for your next dance lesson. 

Meet New People

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Durham, our Salsa dance lessons can be conducted either in a small group setting, with your partner, or solo with a dance instructor. In every setting, Salsa dance lessons encourage students to help each other learn, connecting throughout the learning process and bonding over steps and the excitement of mastering new skills.

Once you’re ready to head out on the town for a night of dancing, you’ll find that the Salsa community is a tight-knit, encouraging, and fun-loving crew where you’ll always find a friend. You are also encouraged to attend any of our monthly events where you’re sure to meet new people and form lasting connections. 

Immerse Yourself in Culture 

With its international roots, Salsa dancing is a direct connection to cultures that you might otherwise not have a chance to dive into. 

A man and a woman are taking salsa dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance studio in Raleigh.

In learning the steps of the Salsa and the dances it has been influenced by, listening to the music that has become so closely tied to it, and bonding with instructors who share a passion for its meaning, those who take Salsa dance lessons gain an appreciation for another culture. 

Improve Coordination and Posture 

Correct posture and coordination between mind and body are important in most ballroom dances, and Salsa is no exception. As holding your posture becomes second nature out on the floor, you’ll likely find that it is easier to stand up straight even when you’re not in class. 

Remembering steps and executing them in time with the music serves as a workout for your body and brain, to improve overall coordination. 

Learn More About Salsa Dance Lessons Today 

Salsa is continuously evolving, and new modern dance styles are associated and named according to the geographical areas that they are developed in. Some of the popular Salsa styles are Cuban, Columbian, Los Angeles, New York (or Eddie Torres Style), Palladium, Puerto Rican, Rueda, and On Clave. 

Salsa taught in Fred Astaire Dance Studios is based on Mambo patterns, but danced on the “one.” Take the first step towards realizing your ballroom dance goals with Salsa dance lessons at your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio! Contact us today, at Fred Astaire Dance Studios – and ask about our introductory offer just for new students or fill out the form below. We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor.