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Welcome to Queer Latin Dance SD

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Community members dancing at Sun Dance Day Fest, celebrating together outdoors Dancers enjoying salsa at Sun Dance Day Fest in a vibrant outdoor setting Group of friends sharing a warm hug at a community dance event Participants learning salsa moves at Sun Dance Day Fest Colorful dance celebration at Sun Dance Day Fest with community members Pat and Miguel dancing together at Salsa Sunsets event Joyful dancing scene from Sun Dance Day Fest Community gathering and dancing at Sun Dance Day Fest

Origins & Roots

Salsa is more than a dance: it's a living, breathing celebration of Afro-Latino culture, resilience, and joy. Its roots stretch across the Caribbean, blending rhythms and movements from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the vibrant immigrant communities of New York City.

Salsa's foundation lies in Cuban son, rumba, mambo, and cha-cha-cha, mixed with Puerto Rican bomba and plena. In the 1960s and 70s, New York became a melting pot where these styles fused with jazz, soul, and other influences, giving birth to the salsa we know today.

The heartbeat of salsa is Afro-Latino. African rhythms, percussion, and call-and-response vocals are at its core, reflecting the deep influence of the African diaspora in the Caribbean.

Celia Cruz: The Queen

Celia Cruz performing on stage, singing with passion and joy

No salsa history is complete without Celia Cruz, the legendary Cuban singer known as the "Queen of Salsa." Her powerful voice, infectious energy, and iconic shout—¡Azúcar!—made her a global ambassador for salsa and Afro-Cuban music.

Cruz's music transcended borders, bringing the rhythms of Cuba to audiences worldwide. Her collaborations with artists like Tito Puente and Willie Colón helped popularize salsa in the 20th century.

Cruz's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and dancers, reminding us of the power of music to unite and uplift.

Sound & Movement

Salsa music is a rich tapestry of rhythms and instruments. The clave, a two-note pattern, is the backbone of salsa's rhythm, guiding dancers and musicians alike. Brass sections, piano montunos, and bass lines create a vibrant soundscape that invites movement.

Traditional conga drums used in salsa music

The conga drum is essential to salsa's rhythm, driving the music with its deep, resonant tones. Alongside timbales, bongos, and cowbell, the conga brings the pulse of Africa to every salsa song.

Salsa is a dance of improvisation, where dancers express themselves through movement, rhythm, and connection.

   Where words leave off, music begins...    ¡Vamos a Bailar!    Let's Dance! 

FAQs

Have a question that isn't covered below? Please send us an email!

Salsa is both a music genre and a partner dance that developed in the mid-20th century. Its roots trace back to Cuba, where the son cubano blended Spanish guitar with African rhythms in the late 1800s. By the 1940s and 1950s, Cuban musicians brought these rhythms to New York City, where they mixed with jazz, mambo, and Puerto Rican musical traditions. The term “salsa” became popular in the 1970s, thanks to Fania Records, which marketed this vibrant mix as a new style. Today, salsa is danced and celebrated worldwide, known for its energetic footwork, partner connection, and rhythmic diversity.

The distinction comes from which beat of the 8-count musical phrase the dancer begins their basic step. Salsa On1 (popularized in Los Angeles in the 1990s) breaks forward on the first beat, making the style feel fast, sharp, and showy. Often matching the horn section of salsa music. Salsa On2 (developed in New York and associated with Eddie Torres in the 1980s) breaks forward on the second beat, aligning more closely with the clave rhythm, which has African and Afro-Cuban origins dating back centuries. On2 is often described as smoother, more rhythmically grounded, and deeply connected to traditional salsa music’s roots. Both styles share the same fundamentals. The timing simply shifts the feel of the dance.

Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 1960s, emerging as a fusion of bolero, son, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Initially marginalized as “lower-class” music, bachata was closely tied to themes of heartbreak, longing, and romance. In 1962, José Manuel Calderón recorded one of the first recognized bachata songs, “Borracho de Amor,” which helped establish the genre. Through the 1980s and 1990s, artists like Juan Luis Guerra and Aventura brought bachata to international audiences. The dance itself features a simple side-to-side basic step with a tap on the 4th beat, but over time it has expanded into multiple styles: traditional Dominican bachata, modern bachata (with more body movement and fusion elements), and sensual bachata (developed in Spain in the 2000s). Today, bachata is one of the most popular social dances worldwide.

Learning times vary, but history shows both dances were created in social settings meant to be enjoyed by everyday people, not just professionals. Most students pick up the basics within 4–6 weeks of consistent classes. Salsa, which evolved through decades of cultural exchange has more complex rhythms and may take longer to master musically. Bachata, which began in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s, has a simpler basic step and is often easier for beginners to feel comfortable dancing within a few weeks. With steady practice, dancers can usually join social dance floors confidently in 3–6 months.

Queer Salsa at the Park is an inclusive community event that honors the long history of salsa and bachata while creating a modern, welcoming space for everyone. In traditional salsa and bachata, roles were historically gendered. Men led and women followed which reflected the social norms of the mid-20th century. However, dance has always been a form of resistance and liberation. By the 1990s and 2000s, queer dancers worldwide began reclaiming salsa and bachata, showing that anyone can lead, follow, or switch roles regardless of gender identity. Queer Salsa at the Park is about celebrating joy, community, and freedom while connecting to the rich Afro-Caribbean and Latin roots of these dances in an open-air, affirming environment. It is a potluck style gathering with a free Salsa or Bachata lesson and group activities to allow folks to connect.

At this time, we are unable to offer refunds. Social dance events and classes require advance planning and costs, which means all purchases are final. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to a friend or community member. Please contact us if you’d like help arranging a transfer.