Salsa On1 and Salsa On2 are the two most popular Salsa styles. It is no surprise that many people are confused about the difference between Salsa on 1 and Salsa on 2 and assume that one is better than another. This article will shed some light on the differences between these two styles and why it is important to learn both of them.
What is the difference between Salsa on 1 and Salsa on 2? The main difference between Salsa on 1 (LA style) and Salsa on 2 (New York style) is that Salsa On1 dancers break forward on the first beat of the music, whereas Salsa On2 is danced on the second beat of the music.
I have tried both styles, Salsa On 1 and Salsa On2. However, as a follower, I prefer Salsa On 2 because it comes more naturally to me and makes more sense.
Salsa On1 and Salsa On2 have different timing, requiring you to step forward and back on different counts.
Basic Salsa steps are done as quick-quick-slow quick-quick-slow rhythm on beats 1-2-3 pause, and 5,6,7 and pause. So there are 8 beats of the music in Salsa dance. Counts 4 and 8 are considered slow counts, and these counts distinguish Salsa On1 from Salsa On2.
Mambo Timing
Salsa On 1 and Salsa On 2 differ in timing. To understand the difference between Salsa On 1 and Salsa On 2 fully, you must understand Mambo timing.
The traditional Mambo timing consists of the quick steps 3-4 and slow steps on 4-1. So Mambo is danced on the clave beat rather than on the count. The footwork of quick-quick-slow falls between the clave beats during the second 4 beats.
You will dance in tune with clave when you figure out when to take a step.
As mentioned earlier, the basic salsa steps have 8 counts where you break at 4 and 8. It goes 1,2,3, and pause and 5, 6, 7, and pause—these slow steps set apart Salsa On 1 from Salsa On 2.
To learn more about the differences between Salsa and Mambo, check out the article Salsa Vs Mambo: What Are The Differences Between Salsa And Mambo.
The article explains how Mambo is similar to Salsa in many ways but differs in “Son Clave”. So basically, Mambo is not based on counts but instead on the rhythm of the music.
Son is danced on 8, which is the rhythm of Congas in Cuba. Basically, Mambo is not danced to the count but rather to the rhythm of Congas (musical instrument).
What Is Salsa On 1?
Salsa on 1 is also called LA Salsa style because it became popular in LA and because the dancers take break step on count one.
LA Salsa style is one of the most popular dances in the World because it is relatively easy to learn, especially for absolute beginners.
LA style dancers take a break on 1, similar to Columbian and Cuban Salsa style. Cuban style is danced in a circular motion while LA style is danced in the line while dancers exchange positions on the dance floor.
The basic elements of LA style are the cross-body lead and the forward-backward basic steps. Essentially, the leader (most often a male) steps forward on the one, steps to the right on 2 and 3 while turning 90 degrees to the left, leaving the line open. On the other hand, the follower steps forward on 5 and 6 while turning on 7 and 8.
In the meantime, the leader makes another 90 degrees to the left and slightly forward while coming back to the starting position.
Three Vazquez brothers (Francisco, Luis, and Johnny) are responsible for the early growth of the LA Salsa style.
Here is a fantastic example of Salsa On1 or LA salsa style for beginners.
What Is Salsa On 2?
Salsa On2 or New York Salsa style has originated in New York. Similar to the LA style, it is a linear dance style where dancers dance in slots.
What’s unique about this dance style compared to the others is that it is danced on the second beat of the music, where the follower steps forward on the first beat of the music and not the leader.
There is a big emphasis on the shines with New York Salsa dance style. Shines are a form of Latin dance style where each dancer dances separately with complex footwork and styling.
The most influential person of New York Salsa style is Eddie Torres. He is also known as Mambo king. He has helped to create New York Salsa style that was inspired by Mambo steps.
The most impactful musical instruments of Salsa music played for New York Salsa style are congas, clave, and timbales because these instruments emphasize the second beat in the music.
Here is a fantastic example of Salsa On2 or New York Salsa style:
Should I Learn Salsa On 1 Or 2?
Deciding if you should learn Salsa on one or two is a matter of personal preference. If you have time, motivation, and means, I would suggest learning both styles because they are widely popular, and you will have plenty of opportunities to dance both styles.
However, Salsa on one or La style is more beginner-friendly, and it is easier to learn. The dance starts on count 1 and ends on count 8, so the musical sequence is repetitious, and it is easier to find the beat and figure out the timing.
Some people would say that Salsa On 2 or New York style is more complex because it gives the impression that Salsa On2 has complicated footwork and is less structured. All steps break forward and back at counts 2 and 6, but the steps may be done slightly differently.
Salsa On1 in a nutshell:
- The leader breaks forward on the 1 and back on 5
- The follower break backward on the 1 and forward on the 5
Salsa On2 in a nutshell:
- The leader break forward on the 6 and back on the 2
- Follower break backward on the 6 and forward on the 2
Final Words
I hope this article has helped you shed some light on the difference between Salsa on 1 and Salsa on 2. You will benefit a lot from learning one or even both dance styles. Salsa on 1 or LA style is simpler and beginner-friendly. So, I would suggest learning Salsa On 1 first. If you like variety, then Salsa On 2 is a great choice as well.
