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{{pagebanner|Salsa dancing banner Strandbar berlin.jpg}}
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This page is intended for salsa [[Social dancing|dance]] lovers who are travelling around [[Latin America]]. Surprisingly, it is quite difficult to find good salsa clubs while travelling in Latin America.
{{infobox|Possibly outdated|Much of this article was written in 2006. Some information may be out-of-date.<br />If you can improve it, please do.}}
This page is intended for Salsa dance lovers who are travelling around Latin America. It is surprising, but usually it is quite difficult to find good salsa clubs while travelling in Latin America. In this guide you can find information about Salsa Clubs around Latin America.


==Understand==
==Understand==
[[File:Salsa Basic Steps, LA-style.png|thumb|296x296px|Salsa steps]]
Salsa is a popular form of social dance that originated in the Caribbean. The movements of salsa have origins in Puerto Rican bomba and plena, Cuban Son, cha-cha-cha, mambo and other dance forms. The dance, along with salsa music, originated in the mid-1970s in New York. Different regions of Latin America and the United States have distinct salsa styles of their own, such as Cuban, Puerto Rican, Cali Colombia, Los Angeles and New York styles. Salsa dance socials are commonly held in night clubs, bars, ballrooms, restaurants, and outside, especially when part of an outdoor festival.
Salsa is a popular form of social dance that originated in the Caribbean. The movements of salsa have origins in Puerto Rican bomba and plena, Cuban Son, cha-cha-cha, mambo and other dance forms. The dance, along with salsa music, originated in the mid-1970s in New York. Different regions of Latin America and the United States have distinct salsa styles of their own, such as Cuban, Puerto Rican, Cali Colombia, Los Angeles and New York styles. Salsa dance socials are commonly held in night clubs, bars, ballrooms, restaurants, and outside, especially when part of an outdoor festival.


In many styles of salsa dancing, as a dancer shifts their weight by stepping, the upper body remains level and nearly unaffected by the weight changes. Weight shifts cause the hips to move. Arm and shoulder movements are also incorporated. Salsa generally uses music ranging from about 150 bpm (beats per minute) to around 250 bpm, although most dancing is done to music somewhere between 160–220 bpm. The basic Salsa dance rhythm consists of taking three steps for every four beats of music. The odd number of steps creates the syncopation inherent to Salsa dancing and ensures that it takes 8 beats of music to loop back to a new sequence of steps.
In many styles of salsa dancing, as a dancer shifts their weight by stepping, the upper body remains level and nearly unaffected by the weight changes. Weight shifts cause the hips to move. Arm and shoulder movements are also incorporated. Salsa generally uses music ranging from about 150 bpm (beats per minute) to around 250 bpm, although most dancing is done to music somewhere between 160–220 bpm. The basic salsa dance rhythm consists of taking three steps for every four beats of music. The odd number of steps creates the syncopation inherent to salsa dancing and ensures that it takes 8 beats of music to loop back to a new sequence of steps.


== Argentina ==
== Argentina ==


=== Bariloche ===
=== [[San Carlos de Bariloche|Bariloche]] ===
* {{do
* {{do
| name=Asia Bar | alt= | url= | email=
| name=Asia Bar | alt= | url= | email=
Line 19: Line 19:
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=Salsa evening every Friday, 1AM-5AM.
| content=Salsa evening every Friday, 1–5AM.
}}
}}


=== Buenos Aires ===
=== [[Buenos Aires]] ===


* {{do
* {{do
Line 41: Line 41:
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=All styles of salsa. All ages.
| content=All styles of salsa. All ages.
}}
}}
* {{do
* {{do
| name=Maluco Beleza | alt= | url=http://www.malucobeleza.com.ar | email=
| name=Maluco Beleza | alt= | url=http://www.malucobeleza.com.ar {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=
| address=Sarmiento 1728 | lat= | long= | directions=a short taxi ride from 9 de julio & Av. de mayo
| address=Sarmiento 1728 | lat= | long= | directions=a short taxi ride from 9 de julio & Av. de mayo
| phone= | tollfree=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours=Th midnight-5PM, F Sau 1AM-6PM, W 9:30PM-midnight | price=
| hours=Th midnight-5PM, Fr/Sat 1AM-6PM, W 9:30PM-midnight | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=Brazilian music - Samba & AXE - great place for Brazilian music lovers.
| content=Brazilian music - samba & AXE.
}}
}}

== Bolivia ==

=== La Paz ===

* '''A lo Cubano''' - Live Salsa music, mostly Cuban style dancers, but some dance LA style. Av. Arce, in front of Hotel Raddison. Live music & dancing only on Thursday nights.

* '''Mongo's''' - Salsa music, very crowded. The "official" gringo pub. Only on Tuesday nights. other nights is mixed music.

* '''Torino Hotel''' - Salsa music, mixed, free style, Cuban style, and some dance LA style. Big dance floor. Nice place. Only on Friday nights at the end of each month (every 4 weeks).

== Brazil ==

=== Salvador da Bahia ===

* '''Sankofa African Bar e Restarante''' - Live Salsa music Tuesday nights. Pelourinho neighbourhood, no 7 Rua Frei Vicente (next to Sorriso da Dadá restaurant). Open 6 days of the week except Mondays with live samba, salsa, forro, etc. DJ plays music of the African diaspora from salsa, zouk, samba, reggae, congolese rumba, axe, soul, funk, coupe decaler, mbalax, etc. The ambiance here is wonderful. The band is live playing "latin" salsa while the DJ plays some excellent salsa cubana - charanga habanera, los van van, manolito, etc.


== Colombia ==
== Colombia ==
[[File:Salsa en Cali.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Salsa dancing in Cali, Colombia]]

Generally you can find lots and lots of salsa music in Colombia. Most of the people would know how to dance and move with the rhythm. However there are two problems for the advanced salsa dancer. First is that they usually don't do any turns, most Colombian girls get confused by Cross-Body lead ("Dile-que-no"). Second, usually people get to the clubs by pairs and sit around tables.
Generally you can find lots and lots of salsa music in Colombia. Most of the people would know how to dance and move with the rhythm. However there are two problems for the advanced salsa dancer. First is that they usually don't do any turns, most Colombian girls get confused by Cross-Body lead ("Dile-que-no"). Second, usually people get to the clubs by pairs and sit around tables.


The elements of Cali-Style Salsa, also known as Colombian Salsa and Salsa Caleña, were strongly influenced by dances to Caribbean rhythms which preceded salsa, such as Pachanga and Boogaloo.
The elements of Cali-style salsa, also known as Colombian salsa and salsa caleña, were strongly influenced by dances to Caribbean rhythms which preceded salsa, such as Pachanga and Boogaloo.


The central feature is the footwork which has quick rapid steps and skipping motions. Colombian style does not execute Cross-body Leads or the "Dile Que No" as seen in other styles, but rather step in place and displace in closed position. Their footwork is intricate and precise.
The central feature is the footwork which has quick rapid steps and skipping motions. Colombian style does not execute Cross-body Leads or the "Dile Que No" as seen in other styles, but rather step in place and displace in closed position. Their footwork is intricate and precise.


=== Cali ===
=== [[Cali]] ===
Cali is also known as the "Capital de la Salsa" (Salsa's Capital); due to salsa music being the main genre in parties, nightclubs and festivals in the 21st century. Cali has the most salsa schools and salsa teams in the world. Cali hosts many annual salsa events such as the World Salsa Cali Festival and the Encuentro de Melomanos y Coleccionistas.
Cali is also known as the "Capital de la Salsa" (Capital of Salsa); due to salsa music being the main genre in parties, nightclubs and festivals in the 21st century. Cali has the most salsa schools and salsa teams in the world. Cali hosts many annual salsa events such as the World Salsa Cali Festival and the Encuentro de Melomanos y Coleccionistas.


* {{do
* '''Blues Brothers''' - Live Salsa every Thursday night. Close to Avenida 5 Norte & Calle 26.
| name=Blues Brothers | alt= | url= | [email protected]

| address=Av. 6AN No. 21-40 Barrio Santa Mónica | lat= | long= | directions=
* {{drink
| phone=+57 2 661 3412| tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=
}}
* {{do
| name=Tin-Tin-Deo | alt= | url=http://www.tintindeo.com | email=
| name=Tin-Tin-Deo | alt= | url=http://www.tintindeo.com | email=
| address=Calle 5 # 38-71, Barrio San Fernando | lat= | long= | directions=in Calle 5 & Carrera 38
| address=Calle 5 # 38-71, Barrio San Fernando | lat= | long= | directions=in Calle 5 & Carrera 38
Line 90: Line 81:
| content=It claims to be recommended by ''The New York Times'' as the Cali site to visit for its musical identity and its salsa culture.
| content=It claims to be recommended by ''The New York Times'' as the Cali site to visit for its musical identity and its salsa culture.
}}
}}
* {{do

* {{drink
| name=Zaperoco | alt= | url= | email=
| name=Zaperoco | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Avenida 5 # 16-46 | lat= | long= | directions=close to Avenida 5 Norte & Calle 14
| address=Avenida 5 # 16-46 | lat= | long= | directions=close to Avenida 5 Norte & Calle 14
Line 100: Line 90:
| content=Quite crowded (but not too crowded), good music. Mostly pairs. Authentic Colombian salsa. Upscale bar.
| content=Quite crowded (but not too crowded), good music. Mostly pairs. Authentic Colombian salsa. Upscale bar.
}}
}}
* {{drink
* {{do
| name=La Topa Tolondra | alt= | url= | email=
| name=La Topa Tolondra | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Calle 5 # 1437 | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=Calle 5 # 1437 | lat= | long= | directions=
Line 109: Line 99:
| content=Large dance floor. Caters to old and young, foreign and local dancers. Come at 9:30PM or 10PM to avoid the queue. Free salsa lesson on Mondays.
| content=Large dance floor. Caters to old and young, foreign and local dancers. Come at 9:30PM or 10PM to avoid the queue. Free salsa lesson on Mondays.
}}
}}
* {{drink
* {{do
| name=Club Changó | alt= | url=http://www.chango.com.co/ | [email protected]
| name=Club Changó | alt= | url=http://www.chango.com.co/ | [email protected]
| address=K3, Cavasa| lat= | long= | directions=
| address=K3, Cavasa| lat= | long= | directions=
Line 120: Line 110:


=== [[Cartagena (Colombia)|Cartagena]] ===
=== [[Cartagena (Colombia)|Cartagena]] ===
* {{do
| name=Cafe Havana | alt= | url= | [email protected]
| address=Getsemani, corner of Calle del Guerrero and Calle de la Media Luna | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+57 314 556 3905 | tollfree=
| hours=W-Su 8:30PM-4AM | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=
}}
* {{do
| name= Donde Fidel Salsa Club | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Centro Portal de Los Dulces #32-09, in between De los Coches Square and Aduana Square | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+57 314 5261892 | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=Seating inside on two floors, and outside in the plaza. The owner's name is Fidel. Since the late 1980s. Large variety of old salsa. In old city of Cartagena, close to the clock tower (torre del reloj), in the plaza where the candy sellers are under the arches.
}}
* {{do
| name=Quiebra Canto | alt= | url=http://www.quiebracanto.com | email=
| address=Getsemaní Carrera 8B Nº 25 - 119 | lat= | long= | directions=near the convention center in the old city
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=An up-market salsa joint with a tile dance floor (shoes slide effortlessly even with rubber soles); all tables get a great view of the dance floor. If you have a table there is a minimum liquor consumption charge.
}}


=== [[Medellin]] ===
* '''Cafe Havana''' - Live salsa on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Open from Tuesday thru Sunday. Opened in 2006. Address: Getsemani, corner of Calle del Guerrero and Calle de la Media Luna, Phone: +57 5 664-9454, cel 310 610 2324 Website: [http://www.cafehavanacartagena.com www.cafehavanacartagena.com]
Thete are lots of clubs around Carrera 70 (near Estadio Metro Station), including:


* {{do
* '''Donde Fidel''' - a salsa pub. Seating inside on two floors, and outside in the plaza. The owner's name is Fidel. Since the late 1980s. Large variety of old salsa. In old city of Cartagena, close to the clock tower (torre del reloj), in the plaza where the candy sellers are under the arches, Address: Centro Portal de Los Dulces #32-09, Phone: +57 5 664 3127 or cell +57 300 808 6849
| name=Eslabón Prendido | alt= | url= | [email protected]

| address=Calle 53 # 42-55, near Parque Berrio Station | lat= | long= | directions=
* '''Quiebra Canto''' - a salsa pub. Located near the convention center in the old city of Cartagena. Address: Getsemaní Carrera 8B Nº 25 - 119, Phone: +57 5 664 1372 - if you have a table there is a minimum liquor consumption charge.
| phone=+57 313-745-6349 | tollfree=

| hours=Tu Th-Sa 7PM-2AM | price=When there is live music, cover is typically 10,000 to 12,000 pesos
=== Medellin ===
| wikipedia= | wikidata=

| lastedit=2018-06-07
* '''El Bodegon''' - A little salsa pub in Parque Poblado.
| content=An institution in the salsa circuit of Medellín and its best option for a Thursday night. Intimate, cheerful and the host of great bands, this bar is in the busiest area of ​​Parque Periodista. It is very popular on Thursdays when, for a cover of 8,000 pesos, you can experience a great night of salsa. The place begins to light up at 10:30PM. One block from the renowned Parque del Periodista. On Tuesdays there is jam session in which artists of the local scene are assembled in a large orchestra. There is also a live orchestra on Fridays, sometimes with talented bands from the city. You have to arrive early to get a table. The salsa selection at this bar, especially when the orchestra is on break or not playing, is generally commercial, perhaps oriented toward the less discerning ear of the foreign audience.

}}
Lots of clubs around Carrera 70 (near Estadio Metro Station).
* {{do

| name=El Tibiri | alt= | url= | [email protected]
* '''Salsa Romantica''' - Great place, only soft romantic salsa, in Carrera 70, in front of the Estadio Metro Station.
| address=Calle 44B #70, near the Estadio Station| lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+57 310 849-5461 | tollfree=
| hours= W-Sa 10PM-2AM | price=Charges cover only when there is live music
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=This down and dirty, informal basement salsa bar is one of the most famous in Medellin for a hot and sweaty salsa experience. What it lacks in style is compensated by a good atmosphere. The drinks are cheap, and over the weekend, it's the favorite place of the young salsa fans. Typically Colombian-style and/or Colombian street salsa (Salsa callejera).
}}
* {{do
| name=Son Havana | alt= | url= | [email protected]
| address=Carrera 73 # 44 - 56, near the Stadium Station | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+57 4 586-9082 | tollfree=
| hours=W Th 9PM-midnight, F-Sa 9PM-4AM | price=~12,000 pesos when there is live music
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=For a taste of Cuban salsa, go to Son Havana near El Tibiri. Good mojitos, of course, and be sure to check the schedule for live bands. Timba, son, charanga, guaguancó and other Afro-Antillean rhythms. Its musical focus is on the timba, one of the rhythms that makes up salsa. Cuban dance is popular at this venue in the formation of a wheel, known as the Cuban Casino/Rueda. Casino/Rueda practice on Wednesdays. They usually have live music at least once a week with their group Son Havana All Stars, and sometimes several times a week, varying between young orchestras in the city.
}}
* {{do
| name=Bururú barará | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Cl. 44 | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=From La Sonora Matancera, through the Great Combo of Puerto Rico and other great artists, this place brings together the energy of salsa in a single space. An excellent dance floor invites you to move to exhaustion.
}}
* {{do
| name=Convergencia | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Calle San Juan (Calle 44 at Carrera 73) | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= +57 4 412-4971| tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=Convergencia Bar is a place with a tradition of salsa classics in its musical programming.
}}


== Cuba ==
== Cuba ==
In Cuba, a popular dance known as '''Casino''' became popular in the 1970s. Dancing Casino is an expression of popular social culture; Cubans consider casino as part of social and cultural activities centering on their popular music.
In Cuba, a dance known as '''Casino''' became popular in the 1970s. Dancing Casino is an expression of popular social culture; Cubans consider casino as part of social and cultural activities centering on their popular music.


Casino traces its origin as a partner dance from Cuban Son, Cha Cha Cha, Danzón and Guaracha. Traditionally, Casino is danced "a contratiempo". This means that, distinct from subsequent forms of salsa, no step is taken on the first and fifth beats in each clave pattern and the fourth and eighth beat are emphasised. In this way, rather than following a beat, the dancers themselves contribute in their movement, to the polyrythmic pattern of the music. At the same time, it is often danced "a tiempo", although both "on3" (originally) and "on1" (nowadays).
Casino traces its origin as a partner dance from Cuban Son, Cha Cha Cha, Danzón and Guaracha. Traditionally, Casino is danced "a contratiempo". This means that, distinct from subsequent forms of salsa, no step is taken on the first and fifth beats in each clave pattern and the fourth and eighth beat are emphasised. In this way, rather than following a beat, the dancers contribute in their movement, to the polyrythmic pattern of the music. At the same time, it is often danced "a tiempo", although both "on3" (originally) and "on1" (nowadays).


What gives the dance its life, however, is not its mechanical technique, but understanding and spontaneous use of the rich Afro-Cuban dance vocabulary within a Casino dance. In the same way that a "sonero" (lead singer in Son and salsa bands) will "quote" other, older songs in their own, a Casino dancer will frequently improvise references to other dances, integrating movements, gestures and extended passages from the folkloric and popular heritage. This is particularly true of African descended Cubans. Such improvisations might include extracts of rumba, dances for African deities, the older popular dances such as Cha Cha Chá and Danzon as well as anything the dancer may feel.
What gives the dance its life, however, is not its mechanical technique, but understanding and spontaneous use of the rich Afro-Cuban dance vocabulary within a Casino dance. In the same way that a "sonero" (lead singer in Son and salsa bands) will "quote" other, older songs in their own, a Casino dancer will frequently improvise references to other dances, integrating movements, gestures and extended passages from the folkloric and popular heritage. This is particularly true of African descended Cubans. Such improvisations might include extracts of rumba, dances for African deities, the older popular dances such as Cha Cha Chá and Danzon as well as anything the dancer may feel.


In the 1950s '''Salsa Rueda''' or more accurately Rueda de Casino was developed in Havana. Pairs of dancers form a circle ("Rueda" in Spanish means "wheel"), with dance moves called out by one person. Many of the moves involve rapidly swapping partners. "Rueda de Cuba" consists of about 30 calls.
In the 1950s '''salsa rueda''' or more accurately rueda de casino was developed in Havana. Pairs of dancers form a circle ("rueda" in Spanish means "wheel"), with dance moves called out by one person. Many of the moves involve rapidly swapping partners. "Rueda de Cuba" consists of about 30 calls.

=== Havana ===


=== [[Havana]] ===
* {{drink
* {{drink
| name=Casa de la Musica | alt= | url= | email=
| name=Casa de la Musica | alt= | url= | email=
Line 154: Line 205:
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=Live bands every night. Taxis tend to overcharge on the way home.
| content=Live bands every night. Taxis tend to overcharge on the way home.
}}
}}
* {{do
| name=Casa de la Musica | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Calle 31 esq. 2, Plaza de la Revolución | lat= | long= | directions=in downtown Havana
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=10 CUP for Cubans, 10 CUC for foreigners
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=Table reservations are requiered for Cubans, foreigners are allowed to enter without reservations but at a higher price at the entrance.
}}
* {{do
| name=Piano Bar Delirio Habanero | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Teatro Nacional, Paseo and Calle 39, Plaza de la Revolución | lat= | long= | directions=in downtown Havana next to Casa de la Música
| phone=+53 7 8644508 | tollfree=
| hours=Daily 10PM-6AM | price=Entrance for foreigners costs 5 CUC
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=A small but popular place serving good and relativelly cheap drinks. Live performances are hosted frequently.
}}
* {{do
| name=CH Salsa Club | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Aguila 165, Between Animas and Trocadero | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+53 7 8676628 | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=Dance school.
}}


=== [[Trinidad de Cuba]] ===
* '''Casa de la Musica''' in downtown Havana is where the Cubans arrive in company with friends and family to eat and dance. Table reservations are requiered for Cubans, foreigners are allowed to enter without reservations but at a higher price at the entrance.


* {{do
* '''Piano Bar''' in downtown Havana next to Casa de la Música is a small but popular place serving good and relativelly cheap drinks. Live performances are hosted frequently. Entrance for foreigners costs 5 CUC.
| name=Casa de la Musica | alt= | url= | email=

| address= | lat= | long= | directions=off Plaza Mayor Casco Historico
* '''Rosalina de Castro''' is somewhat hidden in an old building which in daytime hosts the local house of culture. Despite being central, few tourists make their way here, it is between El Capitolio and the central police station, the easiest way to find it is to ask a local around El Parque Central. The place is small and live events are normally not foretaken here, but it is a popular dancing place among the local youth.
| phone=+53 5 2557014 | tollfree=

| hours= | price=1 CUC
=== Trinidad ===
| wikipedia= | wikidata=

| lastedit=2018-06-07
* '''Casa de la Musica''' at the stairs next to the Main Square in the old town hosts live performances every night starting at 10 pm. Free entrance.
| content=Hosts live performances every night starting at 10PM. Miss of tourists and Cubans. Open air bar.
}}


== Mexico ==
== Mexico ==


* {{do
=== Sayulita, Nayarit ===
| name=Mama Rumba |alt= |url=http://www.facebook.com/mamarumba.rl |email=

| address=Queretaro 230, Roma Norte, [[Mexico City]] | lat=19.41392162651945 |long=-99.16494109226018
Bodeguita del Medio - live Cuban band every night of the week except Mondays. (April 2011)
| phone=+52 55 5564 6920

| hours=W-Sa 20:30 - 03:00 |price=M$60
Don Pedro's (on the beach), Mondays is Salsa Night. (April 2011)
| lastedit=2023-05-19
| content=Lively club with live bands playing almost purely salsa. Crowd is a nice mix of ages and some obvious foreigners scattered among the locals. Everyone is friendly. They have a great bar with an extensive variety of tequilas, mezcals, and rums. Their mojitos are outstanding. Get there early and get some salsa lessons. The place gets pretty busy by about 9:30-10 and the band starts at about 11. The club is spread across 2 levels with the band downstairs. There are open dance spaces on both levels.
}}


== Peru ==
== Peru ==


=== Cusco ===
=== [[Cusco]] ===


Lots of places around the main plaza. All of this places teach salsa for free every night. Usually after midnight the music is changed for mixed music. Cusco is a great place to start learing salsa. but the experienced dancer would proabably satisfy with dancing only with the instructors.
Lots of places around the main plaza. All of this places teach salsa for free every night. Usually after midnight the music is changed for mixed music. Cusco is a great place to start learning salsa. but the experienced dancer would probably satisfy with dancing only with the instructors.


Stock up your water prior to dance. Dancing first time dancing above 3400m will make you thirsty.
* '''Mama Africa''' - 10PM to midnight, teaches Cuban style, and sometimes LA style (depending on the teacher)


* {{do
* '''Mystery''' - 9:30PM–11:30PM
| name=Mama Africa | alt= | url= | email=

| address=Portal de Panes 109 3rd Floor | lat= | long= | directions=
* '''Up Town''' - teaches LA style and Cuban style (depend on the teacher)
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours=10PM to midnight | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content= Mama Africa is on the second floor high above Plaza de Armas and is one of the most popular nightclubs in Cusco. It attracts relatively young people. There are locals and also many tourists. It’s a great place to dance and to enjoy music. Teaches Cuban style, and sometimes LA style (depending on the teacher).
}}
* {{do
| name=Mythology | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Portal de Carnes 298 2nd floor | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+51 84 255770 | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=
}}
* {{do
| name=Salsa Dance School | alt= | url=https://salseroscusco.jimdo.com | [email protected]
| address=Collacalle 480 | lat= | long= | directions=close to the plaza Limacpampa Grande
| phone=+51 921 958 733 | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=Group and private lessons.
}}


=== [[Lima]] ===
* '''Night Sky''' - start after Mystery finish, small friendly place, play Cuban genre and mostly LA dancers
* {{do

| name=Son De Cuba | alt= | url=https://sondecuba.pe | email=
Stock up your water prior to dance. Dancing first time dancing above 3400m will !air you thirsty.
| address=Calle de la Pizza 277, Miraflores | lat= | long= | directions=

| phone= | tollfree=
=== Lima ===
| hours=Every night | price=

| wikipedia= | wikidata=
* '''Son de Cuba''' - Calle de las Pizzas, San Ramón 277, Miraflores. Good place to learn basic steps with Cuban teacher Mauricio Triana. He has lived in Peru for a long time so you can see a bit of a mixture of Peruvian and Cuban salsa.
| lastedit=2018-06-07

| content=This club is popular with tourists. The music is salsa, bachata, and merengue.
* '''Cohiba'''- Avenida del Ejercito, Miraflores. Good dancing experience.
}}

* {{do
* '''La Casa de la Salsa Peruana''', Calle de las Pizzas, San Ramon 279, Miraflores. This is the place to visit if you want to learn authentic Peruvian Salsa. The lessons are taught by Peruvian teachers Freddy Vivanco and Marina Quispe. They are very passionate about their style of salsa and are very eager to teach you the steps and moves that make Peruvian Salsa unique.
| name= La Casa De La Salsa | alt= | url=http://lacasadelasalsa.com.pe | [email protected]
| address=Av. Bauzate y Meza 169 | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+51 941 494 941 | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=This club focuses on dancing salsa with live band all night long. It's La Victoria district, which can be dangerous for travelers. Attracts a mainly local crowd.
}}
* {{do
| name=Cohiba | alt= | url= | email=
| address=Avenida del Ejercito, Miraflores | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+51 14226110 | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| lastedit=2018-06-07
| content=
}}


* '''[http://www.peruviansalsa.yolasite.com Muriel's Dance School]'''-Jr.Anselmo Andia 751, Urbanizacion Sta. Luzmila, Comas, Lima 7. Muriel Pelayo is a very enthusiastic and experienced dance teacher. She is one of the pioneers of Peruvian Salsa.


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{{PartOfTopic|Cultural attractions|South America}}
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Latest revision as of 06:49, 29 October 2023

This page is intended for salsa dance lovers who are travelling around Latin America. Surprisingly, it is quite difficult to find good salsa clubs while travelling in Latin America.

Understand

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Salsa steps

Salsa is a popular form of social dance that originated in the Caribbean. The movements of salsa have origins in Puerto Rican bomba and plena, Cuban Son, cha-cha-cha, mambo and other dance forms. The dance, along with salsa music, originated in the mid-1970s in New York. Different regions of Latin America and the United States have distinct salsa styles of their own, such as Cuban, Puerto Rican, Cali Colombia, Los Angeles and New York styles. Salsa dance socials are commonly held in night clubs, bars, ballrooms, restaurants, and outside, especially when part of an outdoor festival.

In many styles of salsa dancing, as a dancer shifts their weight by stepping, the upper body remains level and nearly unaffected by the weight changes. Weight shifts cause the hips to move. Arm and shoulder movements are also incorporated. Salsa generally uses music ranging from about 150 bpm (beats per minute) to around 250 bpm, although most dancing is done to music somewhere between 160–220 bpm. The basic salsa dance rhythm consists of taking three steps for every four beats of music. The odd number of steps creates the syncopation inherent to salsa dancing and ensures that it takes 8 beats of music to loop back to a new sequence of steps.

Argentina

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Bariloche

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  • Asia Bar, Mitre 774. Salsa evening every Friday, 1–5AM. (updated Jun 2018)

Buenos Aires

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  • Azúcar Abasto, Avda. Corrientes 3330 y Agüero (Subway B "Carlos Gardel" Station - Colectivos 24 - 71 - 124 - 142 - 168 - 180), ☏ +54 11 4865-3103. Th-Sa evenings. Has a great reputation. Old style Cuban and Puerto Rican salsa. (updated Jun 2018)
  • La Salsera, Calle Yatay 961, Villa Crespo (a short taxi ride from Azúcar Abasto), ☏ +54 11 4866-1829. All styles of salsa. All ages. (updated Jun 2018)
  • [dead link] Maluco Beleza, Sarmiento 1728 (a short taxi ride from 9 de julio & Av. de mayo). Th midnight-5PM, Fr/Sat 1AM-6PM, W 9:30PM-midnight. Brazilian music - samba & AXE. (updated Jun 2018)

Colombia

[edit]
Salsa dancing in Cali, Colombia

Generally you can find lots and lots of salsa music in Colombia. Most of the people would know how to dance and move with the rhythm. However there are two problems for the advanced salsa dancer. First is that they usually don't do any turns, most Colombian girls get confused by Cross-Body lead ("Dile-que-no"). Second, usually people get to the clubs by pairs and sit around tables.

The elements of Cali-style salsa, also known as Colombian salsa and salsa caleña, were strongly influenced by dances to Caribbean rhythms which preceded salsa, such as Pachanga and Boogaloo.

The central feature is the footwork which has quick rapid steps and skipping motions. Colombian style does not execute Cross-body Leads or the "Dile Que No" as seen in other styles, but rather step in place and displace in closed position. Their footwork is intricate and precise.

Cali

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Cali is also known as the "Capital de la Salsa" (Capital of Salsa); due to salsa music being the main genre in parties, nightclubs and festivals in the 21st century. Cali has the most salsa schools and salsa teams in the world. Cali hosts many annual salsa events such as the World Salsa Cali Festival and the Encuentro de Melomanos y Coleccionistas.

  • Blues Brothers, Av. 6AN No. 21-40 Barrio Santa Mónica, ☏ +57 2 661 3412, . (updated Jun 2018)
  • Tin-Tin-Deo, Calle 5 # 38-71, Barrio San Fernando (in Calle 5 & Carrera 38). Th-Sa 8PM-3AM. It claims to be recommended by The New York Times as the Cali site to visit for its musical identity and its salsa culture. 15,000 peso entry includes 10,000 peso credit at the bar. (updated Jun 2018)
  • Zaperoco, Avenida 5 # 16-46 (close to Avenida 5 Norte & Calle 14). Th-Sa 8PM-4AM. Quite crowded (but not too crowded), good music. Mostly pairs. Authentic Colombian salsa. Upscale bar. (updated Jun 2018)
  • La Topa Tolondra, Calle 5 # 1437, ☏ +57 316 4944768. 10PM-. Large dance floor. Caters to old and young, foreign and local dancers. Come at 9:30PM or 10PM to avoid the queue. Free salsa lesson on Mondays. (updated Jun 2018)
  • Club Changó, K3, Cavasa, . Th-Sa 8PM-6AM. (updated Jun 2018)

Cartagena

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  • Cafe Havana, Getsemani, corner of Calle del Guerrero and Calle de la Media Luna, ☏ +57 314 556 3905, . W-Su 8:30PM-4AM. (updated Jun 2018)
  • Donde Fidel Salsa Club, Centro Portal de Los Dulces #32-09, in between De los Coches Square and Aduana Square, ☏ +57 314 5261892. Seating inside on two floors, and outside in the plaza. The owner's name is Fidel. Since the late 1980s. Large variety of old salsa. In old city of Cartagena, close to the clock tower (torre del reloj), in the plaza where the candy sellers are under the arches. (updated Jun 2018)
  • Quiebra Canto, Getsemaní Carrera 8B Nº 25 - 119 (near the convention center in the old city). An up-market salsa joint with a tile dance floor (shoes slide effortlessly even with rubber soles); all tables get a great view of the dance floor. If you have a table there is a minimum liquor consumption charge. (updated Jun 2018)

Medellin

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Thete are lots of clubs around Carrera 70 (near Estadio Metro Station), including:

  • Eslabón Prendido, Calle 53 # 42-55, near Parque Berrio Station, ☏ +57 313-745-6349, . Tu Th-Sa 7PM-2AM. An institution in the salsa circuit of Medellín and its best option for a Thursday night. Intimate, cheerful and the host of great bands, this bar is in the busiest area of ​​Parque Periodista. It is very popular on Thursdays when, for a cover of 8,000 pesos, you can experience a great night of salsa. The place begins to light up at 10:30PM. One block from the renowned Parque del Periodista. On Tuesdays there is jam session in which artists of the local scene are assembled in a large orchestra. There is also a live orchestra on Fridays, sometimes with talented bands from the city. You have to arrive early to get a table. The salsa selection at this bar, especially when the orchestra is on break or not playing, is generally commercial, perhaps oriented toward the less discerning ear of the foreign audience. When there is live music, cover is typically 10,000 to 12,000 pesos. (updated Jun 2018)
  • El Tibiri, Calle 44B #70, near the Estadio Station, ☏ +57 310 849-5461, . W-Sa 10PM-2AM. This down and dirty, informal basement salsa bar is one of the most famous in Medellin for a hot and sweaty salsa experience. What it lacks in style is compensated by a good atmosphere. The drinks are cheap, and over the weekend, it's the favorite place of the young salsa fans. Typically Colombian-style and/or Colombian street salsa (Salsa callejera). Charges cover only when there is live music. (updated Jun 2018)
  • Son Havana, Carrera 73 # 44 - 56, near the Stadium Station, ☏ +57 4 586-9082, . W Th 9PM-midnight, F-Sa 9PM-4AM. For a taste of Cuban salsa, go to Son Havana near El Tibiri. Good mojitos, of course, and be sure to check the schedule for live bands. Timba, son, charanga, guaguancó and other Afro-Antillean rhythms. Its musical focus is on the timba, one of the rhythms that makes up salsa. Cuban dance is popular at this venue in the formation of a wheel, known as the Cuban Casino/Rueda. Casino/Rueda practice on Wednesdays. They usually have live music at least once a week with their group Son Havana All Stars, and sometimes several times a week, varying between young orchestras in the city. ~12,000 pesos when there is live music. (updated Jun 2018)
  • Bururú barará, Cl. 44. From La Sonora Matancera, through the Great Combo of Puerto Rico and other great artists, this place brings together the energy of salsa in a single space. An excellent dance floor invites you to move to exhaustion. (updated Jun 2018)
  • Convergencia, Calle San Juan (Calle 44 at Carrera 73), ☏ +57 4 412-4971. Convergencia Bar is a place with a tradition of salsa classics in its musical programming. (updated Jun 2018)

Cuba

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In Cuba, a dance known as Casino became popular in the 1970s. Dancing Casino is an expression of popular social culture; Cubans consider casino as part of social and cultural activities centering on their popular music.

Casino traces its origin as a partner dance from Cuban Son, Cha Cha Cha, Danzón and Guaracha. Traditionally, Casino is danced "a contratiempo". This means that, distinct from subsequent forms of salsa, no step is taken on the first and fifth beats in each clave pattern and the fourth and eighth beat are emphasised. In this way, rather than following a beat, the dancers contribute in their movement, to the polyrythmic pattern of the music. At the same time, it is often danced "a tiempo", although both "on3" (originally) and "on1" (nowadays).

What gives the dance its life, however, is not its mechanical technique, but understanding and spontaneous use of the rich Afro-Cuban dance vocabulary within a Casino dance. In the same way that a "sonero" (lead singer in Son and salsa bands) will "quote" other, older songs in their own, a Casino dancer will frequently improvise references to other dances, integrating movements, gestures and extended passages from the folkloric and popular heritage. This is particularly true of African descended Cubans. Such improvisations might include extracts of rumba, dances for African deities, the older popular dances such as Cha Cha Chá and Danzon as well as anything the dancer may feel.

In the 1950s salsa rueda or more accurately rueda de casino was developed in Havana. Pairs of dancers form a circle ("rueda" in Spanish means "wheel"), with dance moves called out by one person. Many of the moves involve rapidly swapping partners. "Rueda de Cuba" consists of about 30 calls.

Havana

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  • Casa de la Musica, 20, La Habana (in Miramar neighbourhood about 20 from the old city). Live bands every night. Taxis tend to overcharge on the way home. 10-15 CUC cover for foreigners (4 CUC for Cubans). (updated Jun 2018)
  • Casa de la Musica, Calle 31 esq. 2, Plaza de la Revolución (in downtown Havana). Table reservations are requiered for Cubans, foreigners are allowed to enter without reservations but at a higher price at the entrance. 10 CUP for Cubans, 10 CUC for foreigners. (updated Jun 2018)
  • Piano Bar Delirio Habanero, Teatro Nacional, Paseo and Calle 39, Plaza de la Revolución (in downtown Havana next to Casa de la Música), ☏ +53 7 8644508. Daily 10PM-6AM. A small but popular place serving good and relativelly cheap drinks. Live performances are hosted frequently. Entrance for foreigners costs 5 CUC. (updated Jun 2018)
  • CH Salsa Club, Aguila 165, Between Animas and Trocadero, ☏ +53 7 8676628. Dance school. (updated Jun 2018)

Trinidad de Cuba

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  • Casa de la Musica (off Plaza Mayor Casco Historico), ☏ +53 5 2557014. Hosts live performances every night starting at 10PM. Miss of tourists and Cubans. Open air bar. 1 CUC. (updated Jun 2018)

Mexico

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  • 1 Mama Rumba, Queretaro 230, Roma Norte, Mexico City, ☏ +52 55 5564 6920. W-Sa 20:30 - 03:00. Lively club with live bands playing almost purely salsa. Crowd is a nice mix of ages and some obvious foreigners scattered among the locals. Everyone is friendly. They have a great bar with an extensive variety of tequilas, mezcals, and rums. Their mojitos are outstanding. Get there early and get some salsa lessons. The place gets pretty busy by about 9:30-10 and the band starts at about 11. The club is spread across 2 levels with the band downstairs. There are open dance spaces on both levels. M$60. (updated May 2023)

Peru

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Cusco

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Lots of places around the main plaza. All of this places teach salsa for free every night. Usually after midnight the music is changed for mixed music. Cusco is a great place to start learning salsa. but the experienced dancer would probably satisfy with dancing only with the instructors.

Stock up your water prior to dance. Dancing first time dancing above 3400m will make you thirsty.

  • Mama Africa, Portal de Panes 109 3rd Floor. 10PM to midnight. Mama Africa is on the second floor high above Plaza de Armas and is one of the most popular nightclubs in Cusco. It attracts relatively young people. There are locals and also many tourists. It’s a great place to dance and to enjoy music. Teaches Cuban style, and sometimes LA style (depending on the teacher). (updated Jun 2018)
  • Mythology, Portal de Carnes 298 2nd floor, ☏ +51 84 255770. (updated Jun 2018)
  • Salsa Dance School, Collacalle 480 (close to the plaza Limacpampa Grande), ☏ +51 921 958 733, . Group and private lessons. (updated Jun 2018)

Lima

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  • Son De Cuba, Calle de la Pizza 277, Miraflores. Every night. This club is popular with tourists. The music is salsa, bachata, and merengue. (updated Jun 2018)
  • La Casa De La Salsa, Av. Bauzate y Meza 169, ☏ +51 941 494 941, . This club focuses on dancing salsa with live band all night long. It's La Victoria district, which can be dangerous for travelers. Attracts a mainly local crowd. (updated Jun 2018)
  • Cohiba, Avenida del Ejercito, Miraflores, ☏ +51 14226110. (updated Jun 2018)


This travel topic about Salsa dancing in Latin America is a usable article. It touches on all the major areas of the topic. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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