Cali Style Salsa or Colombian Salsa, refers to the salsa style based in Cali, Colombia, it is known as the World’s Salsa Capital. Cali Style Salsa is a fusion of traditional Colombian based Salsa, with influences of Cumbia, Boogaloo, Pachanga and a dash of old school Mambo. The result is a spectacular style with amazing footwork very different from the New York and Cuban Styles of Salsa. Cali Style pays more attention on intricate footwork and rhythm rather than the emphasis on spins and turns.

Cali Style Salsa dancers, dance very close to each other and move from side to side in a circular pattern. There is very little forward and backward movement, this style often has dancers going back to center or back to either site. The main steps involved are “atras” or backward step and ”Diagonal” or breaking backwards diagonally instead of moving forwards and backwards as seen in other styles. There is very little turning, although a little simple spinning is included but it is mostly done by the female dancer.

The upper body is relatively still, relaxed and poised while the feet move in a series of fancy footwork. Footwork often include quick rapid steps and skipping motion. It is also often referred to as the “On One Style”, the dancers break, or makes a step change, mostly on the first count or On1, with short measures of “4″ instead of full “8″ counts. On the fourth beat there is usually a “feat” or hand clapping involved.

Cali-Style salsa dancing is also referred to as street-dancing, it is often seen in soltecas  or nightclubs as well as formal ballroom dancing competitions. It is more flamboyant and faster than most salsa dancing styles. Althoug it is very much popular, learning cali-style salsa is very rarely thought in dance studios or offered in classes, most of the dance moves are passed on from generation to generation or learned in dance clubs.