The Evolution of Salsa Styles Around the World

Salsa is more than a dance—it’s a global cultural expression shaped by history, geography, and community. From its strong Afro-Cuban roots to regional hybrids across Latin America and beyond, salsa has adapted and thrived, creating a fascinating mosaic of styles.

In this post, we'll explore:




  • The origins of salsa and how Cuban Casino paved the way
  • Colombian Cali-style’s fast-footed evolution
  • On1 (LA-style) and On2 (NY-style) salsa in the U.S.
  • How festivals fuel style exchanges and innovation

From Cuban Casino to Global Spotlight

Cuban salsa, or Casino, laid the foundation for what we know as salsa today. With circular, Afro-Cuban–inspired partner movement and playful group variations like Rueda de Casino, it set the tone for improvisation and social connection. As Casino spread internationally, dancers in other regions began to develop their own interpretations, some emphasizing more linear forms and different timing structures, like On1 and On2.

Flash and Flair: Colombian Cali-Style

In Cali, Colombia—often called the “salsa capital of the world”—dancers developed a completely unique style. Known for incredibly fast footwork, sharp spins, and powerful rhythm, Cali-style salsa (also called Colombian-style) is athletic, performance-driven, and often danced to faster-paced salsa music. You’ll frequently see this style at festivals and competitions, where it dazzles with its speed and flair.

Across the U.S.: LA-Style On1 and NY-Style On2

In the United States, salsa evolved into two dominant linear forms:




  • LA-style (On1) is danced breaking forward on the first beat. It’s energetic, sharp, and packed with showy turn patterns—making it accessible to beginners and flashy enough for performers.
  • NY-style (On2) breaks on the second beat and emphasizes timing, flow, and connection to the clave rhythm. It's often described as more musical and fluid, with a strong Afro-Latin dance influence.

These styles reflect the dance culture of their respective cities and the musical preferences of local dancers. Many instructors now teach both styles, helping students become versatile and musically aware.

Festivals: The Melting Pots of Salsa Styles

Salsa festivals aren’t just parties—they’re where dance cultures collide, influence each other, and evolve.

Here are just a few festivals listed on Latin Dance Hub that showcase the diversity of salsa styles worldwide:




  • DCBX 17 in Washington, D.C., is one of the largest multi-genre Latin dance festivals in the U.S., offering On1, On2, Cuban salsa, and more.
  • Adam Bachata Experience 2025 in Amsterdam primarily focuses on bachata but often includes salsa workshops with international instructors.
  • Bachaturo Festival 2025 in Katowice, Poland is a multi-style dance event where salsa, bachata, and kizomba come together under one roof.
  • 9th Vilnius Bachata Festival 2025 in Lithuania also offers salsa experiences to a growing Eastern European dance scene.
  • Baila Tampa Latin Dance Fest 2025 in Florida (listed under Tampa events) features salsa socials and workshops with both local and international talent.

At these events, dancers from all over the world share styles, music, and technique. You may take a Cuban-style class in the morning, social dance On1 in the afternoon, and watch a Cali-style performance at night. That kind of cross-pollination is what keeps salsa evolving.

How Styles Transform Through Travel & Community

Here’s how salsa styles evolve and spread:




  • Cross-training: Dancers exposed to new methods at festivals often bring them back to their local scenes.
  • Inspiration: Watching others inspires experimentation. A Cali-style footwork variation might sneak into an On1 combo, or a Cuban-style shoulder roll may end up in a bachata fusion.
  • Fusion: Teachers and choreographers blend techniques across styles to create something fresh.

These movements build bridges across continents, fostering a shared salsa identity—yet one that’s always changing.

Bringing It Back Home

When dancers return home from festivals or international trips, they carry new influences with them. Instructors adapt their teaching. Social dancers introduce new styling. Local scenes become more diverse and creatively vibrant. Salsa stays alive by never staying the same.

Conclusion

Salsa has come a long way—from the social clubs of Havana and Cali to global stages and community centers. Cuban Casino, Colombian-style, LA On1, and NY On2 all tell part of the story. Salsa festivals accelerate this evolution, acting as cultural mixers that shape the future of the dance.

If you’re looking to experience this firsthand, explore upcoming Latin dance festivals around the world. Whether you're a dancer, traveler, or cultural explorer, there's no better place to witness salsa’s evolution in real time.