All Posts

Our October song is “Quimbara”, written by Junior Cepeda and featured on Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco’s 1974 album Celia & Johnny. This is a song that invites you to move almost immediately. Celia’s commanding voice, the repeating chorus and the lively percussion create a powerful conversation that keeps the music moving forward. For your first listen, focus on the exchange between Celia and the coro—the responding chorus. Notice how repetition gives the song a familiar anch

Orquesta de la Luz Music, History, Culture & People in Salsa: Celia Cruz - A Voice Full of Life October is a fitting month to celebrate Celia Cruz, born in Havana on the 21st of October 1925 and known around the world as the Queen of Salsa. Celia rose to prominence singing with La Sonora Matancera (band orchestra), before building an international career that helped bring Cuban music to audiences far beyond the island. Her voice combined remarkable strength with rhythmic prec

Tumba Francesa Some rueda figures are memorable because of their complexity. El Uno and El Dos stand out for the playful interaction they create between partners. These two familiar moves invite dancers to change positions, respond to each other and enjoy a little shared cheekiness—all while keeping the rhythm flowing. In El Uno, the leader moves behind the follower, bringing both dancers into a position facing the same direction. In El Dos, the arrangement is reversed, with

Tumba Francesa "Tumba Francesa" is a flowing rueda figure that gives leaders the chance to travel around the circle and connect briefly with several followers before finishing with a partner. The move begins with an enchufla. The leaders then progress around the rueda, taking the hands offered by the next followers in sequence. In the commonly taught version, each leader connects with four new partners before completing an "Enchufla y Quédate"—“enchufla and stay”—so there is

“This joyful 1990 track announces exactly what the band represents: hot salsa from Japan, played with confidence, humour and tremendous energy. Listen for the bright brass, the conversation between the vocals and coro, and the way the arrangement builds. For dancers, it is a great invitation to stay relaxed through the opening groove and let your movement grow as the band adds intensity. Most of all, enjoy the message behind it. Great salsa is not limited by nationality or la

Orquesta de la Luz Music, History, Culture & People in Salsa: Orquesta de la Luz Japan may not be the first country people associate with salsa, but Orquesta de la Luz—“Orchestra of Light”—became one of the genre’s great international success stories. Formed in Tokyo in 1984 and fronted by vocalist NORA, the orchestra built its sound through a deep love of salsa. NORA took a demo tape to New York in 1987, and the group began touring there in 1989. Their musicianship, powerful

Pelota means “ball” in Spanish. In Rueda de Casino, it belongs to a playful family of moves inspired by baseball. Like many rueda calls, it transforms an everyday idea into a movement that the entire circle can recognise and perform together. Pelota begins with the familiar action of an enchufla. As the dancers complete the movement, everyone adds one clear clap on count 7, creating the impression of hitting or catching a ball. The footwork is not particularly complicated; th

“Sandunguera,” also known as “Por encima del nivel,” is one of Los Van Van’s best-loved dance tracks from the 1980s. Its groove has the layered, rolling energy that makes songo so satisfying to dance to. Listen for the conversation between bass, piano and percussion rather than chasing every beat. Let the rhythm settle into your body, keep your steps grounded and give the music room to breathe. It is a wonderful track for practising sabor, musicality and relaxed Cuban movemen

Founded in Havana in 1969 by bassist, composer and arranger Juan Formell, Los Van Van became one of Cuba’s most influential dance bands. Formell and percussionist José Luis “Changuito” Quintana helped shape songo, combining the roots of Cuban son and charanga with a modern rhythm section and fresh influences from rock, funk and popular music. The result was music that felt unmistakably Cuban while continually moving forward. Across generations, Los Van Van have remained close

This month, I want to talk about one of the most important movements in Cuban salsa and rueda: Dile Que No. If you’ve been coming to classes, you’ve certainly heard it many times. It shows up everywhere, between moves, at the end of sequences, bringing partners back together. And because of that, it’s easy to overlook. But the truth is… Dile Que No is everything. What Does “Dile Que No” Mean? Literally, “Dile Que No” translates to “tell her no.” In a way, it’s like the lead t

This month I'd like to share one of my favourite timba songs: "Mi Música" by Alexander Abreu and Havana D'Primera. Released on Havana D'Primera's debut album, Haciendo Historia (2009), the song arrived at a pivotal moment in Cuban music. After years of being one of Cuba's most respected trumpet players, performing with groups such as Paulito FG, Issac Delgado and Irakere, Alexander Abreu formed Havana D'Primera in 2007 to create music that reflected his own vision. Mi Música

This month, I want to highlight an artist who, for me, represents the very soul of modern Cuban music - Alexander Abreu. If you’ve been in my classes for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about how important it is not just to dance the steps, but to really listen to the music. And when it comes to music that invites you to listen, feel, and respond… Abreu is right at the top. 🇨🇺 A True Force in Cuban Music Alexander Abreu is not just an incredible trumpet player, he is

Discovering the Magic of Llorarás: The Heartbeat of Salsa If there is one song that defines the energy and emotion of salsa, it is Llorarás. From the very first notes, this track builds a powerful connection between the music and the dancer. The rhythm is rich, the phrasing is playful, and Oscar’s voice carries both strength and feeling in a way that is unmistakable. The Song Was Almost an Afterthought One of the most interesting stories is that Llorarás was reportedly not ex

$20 entry, including a salsa class. Get ready for the next night of rhythm, energy, and connection! Start the evening with dinner and drinks, then join JR & Katherine from Cuban Salsa Club for a fun and social Salsa class, followed by an unforgettable night of Salsa & Bachata dancing. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already love to dance, this is your chance to move, laugh, meet new people, and enjoy the vibrant latin dance atmosphere. What’s happening: 7:00 PM - Event

When we talk about salsa, energy, and pure connection to the music, it’s impossible not to mention Oscar D’León. Known as “El Sonero del Mundo”, Oscar is not just a singer—he is a force of nature. His music has filled dance floors for decades, bringing people together through rhythm, joy, and that unmistakable Caribbean sabor. A Voice That Moves the World Born in Venezuela, and one of my favourite salseros, Oscar D’León rose to prominence in the 1970s and quickly became one

If there is one movement that sits at the very heart of Cuban salsa, it is Guapea. At first glance, it might look like just a basic step—but in reality, Guapea is much more than that. It is the foundation of Casino, the rhythm that anchors everything else, and the starting point from which connection, expression, and play emerge. What is Guapea? Guapea is the basic step of Cuban salsa (Casino), danced in an open position where both partners: Step back and forward in rhythm Ma

If salsa today feels like a global language—played in clubs, danced in studios, and celebrated across continents—much of that legacy can be traced back to one name: Fania Records. The Birth of a Movement Founded in New York in 1964 by Johnny Pacheco and Jerry Masucci, Fania Records began as a small label with a big vision. Its goal was to capture the energy of Latin music being created by Caribbean communities in the city. At the time, this sound was a rich blend of Cuban son

Over the past few months, something special has been happening in Australia, and if you’ve been paying attention, you can feel it on the dance floor. The recent visit of Grupo Niche across multiple cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond, has been nothing short of historic for the salsa community. With over 40 years of legacy and timeless classics that have defined generations of dancers, their presence reminded us what live salsa music truly feels like: raw, powerfu

If there’s one move in Rueda de Casino that captures both the playful spirit and the visual elegance of Cuban salsa, it’s Sombrero. At first glance, Sombrero is all about style, hands lifting, arms crossing, partners weaving in and out of each other’s space. But underneath that visual flair lies something deeper: coordination, connection, and trust between partners. What is Sombrero? “Sombrero,” meaning hat in Spanish, gets its name from the circular motion of the arms over t

This month’s featured move is one of the most essential and widely used figures in Cuban salsa: Enchufla. Why Enchufla Matters Often one of the first moves students learn after guapea and dile que no, enchufla is a beautiful introduction to turning, flow, and connection in Casino. The move involves guiding your partner across your body while leading a smooth turn, before reconnecting on the other side. The word “enchufla” comes from the Spanish enchufar, meaning “to plug in”