The energetic and cheerful salsa style is the most danced and celebrated in Cali – Colombia. A city with a happy, colorful and friendly population that lives around the salsa culture. Even though the Salsa genre was not originated from Cali, the music has been adopted for its habitants every on December with the Feria de Cali. Cali is currently known worldwide as the capital of salsa, where the dancing has become the most important differentiator for it fast speed and acrobatics moves.
Salsa Caleña origins started in the mid XX century when Cuban rhythms crossed the Caribbean to arrive Cali. In the 50’s Cali had multiple musical genres such as Swing, Foxtrot, el Boggie Woogie and the Rock and Roll, rhythms that were embraced by their communities in parties, celebrations and festivals. The poor sectors used to celebrate dancing Rumba and Charanga with rhythms influenced by music from Puerto Rico, Cuba and New York.
In 1968 with the great performance of the Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz orchestra in Cali, their population became the biggest fans of the salsa music. Therefore, by the 70s Salsa music became the boom of music in Cali. Since then, the city started to be the promoters of the rhythm in Colombia and Latin America. Thanks to its popularity important salsa artist such as Celia Cruz, Fania All Starts, Hector Lavoe and Willie Colon were part of the selected line up of musicians in the early Feria de Cali festival celebrations.
Salsa Caleña is currently consider part of the population’s identity and cultural patrimony of Cali. Its strong boundary has originated the name of Salsa Caleña to the salsa dancing in Cali. The genre has positioned internationally salsa bands like Grupo Niche, Guayacán and Fruko y sus Tesos. The popularity of the salsa dancing allowed the city to have more than 400 salsa clubs and more than 120 salsa dance academies.
The dance style has Cuban influences, but it is differentiated by the fast speed feet movement, the acrobatics and sensuality. The movement is mainly done by the inferior part of the body. Performers incorporate fast spins and acrobatics in partner or in solo style. The dancer makes movements and figures with all the instruments of the music, not just the clave. The identity given of Salsa Caleña its about a unique style to celebrate with happiness life and music.
Now that you know more about this rhythm JOIN Us today by registering to our Salsa Caleña – Basic 1 course. We will start next week.
Remember keep positive, keep smiling and dancing with Salsa & Sabor!
Here is a video for you to know how to dance Salsa Caleña:
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