Cali-Style Salsa Dancing

Cali Style Salsa Dancing or Colombian Salsa Dancing, 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, 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 Dancing, 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.

Salsa Dancing Uses Mainly Footwork

With Cali-Style Salsa Dancing the upper body is kept 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.

Salsa Dancing Street Style

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. Although it is very much popular, learning cali-style salsa dancing 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.