It is arguably the most popular Latin dance. From the streets of Havana to the nightclubs of the world, this global phenomenon is as irresistible as it is unavoidable. The popular and contagious rhythms that we know as Salsa are the result of many cultural influences and instrumental combinations. So it's not surprising the name of this hot and spicy dance means 'sauce'. The term 'salsa' began to circulate in the 1960's, and was originally a commercial tag including a whole range of musical genres and influences like Cuban Son, Mambo and Guaguanco.

Salsa has many roots, but the style that gave rise to and shaped it more than any other is the Son. Son originated in the 1800's in the Cuban province of Orient. It evolved from 'Changui', a form of music brought to Cuba by the African slaves in the early 1900 and carried on by their descendants. As the Africans moved to Havana, Son was adopted as the music of the working class. Musicians began to combine African and Spanish music styles, and by the 1920's Son was the most popular music and dance for Cubans of all classes.

In the 1920's, as tourists and upper class Cubans increased the demand for nightlife in Havana, Son was adjusted to develop a more 'white sound'. Tighter vocal harmonies and a faster tempo led to more popularity internationally. However in the 30's, Son began to embrace its African roots once again. Elements that had been omitted over time were reintroduced and distinctly Cuban sounds were emphasised. During this time the cowbell and conga section were expanded to the rhythm section, the 'Guaganco' was adapted to the Son style and a 'Montuno' (or Mambo) section was added with melodic solos. This new style became known as 'Son Montuno' and formed the basis of the Mambo craze, influencing Latin popular music for years. Developing at the same time, with its roots also in Cuba, was the Mambo. Similarly to Son, the original rhythms came with the African slaves; Mambo was means of dance in which you communicated with the gods.

It wasn't until 1938, when a composer mixed Danzon with African rhythms from the street, that the Mambo was recognised by white people. The dancing came out of rehearsals where the couples improvised steps to the beat. 1950, Perez Prado began to market his music under 'Mambo', thus being popularised as a specific music genre. The Mambo continued to undergo subtle changes as the both the dance and the music developed and was enormously popular among both Latin Americans and white people.

In New York, at the height of Mambo's popularity, big band leaders such as Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito expanded the Mambo section of the Son and incorporated the Cha-Cha into this style - forming the foundation for 'Salsa'. It was also in New York that Puerto Rican elements were added to the Son and soon a whole new style emerged. With so many influences and claims to ownership, this new sound was difficult to market, and so the term 'Salsa' was born.

Salsa today is a reflection of its rich history. While its ingredients were grown in Cuba, there is no doubt that it was mixed in New York. Since then Salsa has become internationally popular, with followers in all parts of the globe. So wherever you are in the world, when that addictive rhythm begins to play, remember where the Salsa gets its spice.

By Nathalie Kelley
(Professiona Dancer, Miss Latin America 2001 and the finalists of Salsa Competition in Marconi Club 2001)