Salsa is one of the most popular and dynamic dance styles, with a rich history and many regional variations. Among the most widely known are Salsa On1 (often referred to as LA-style salsa) and Salsa On2 (commonly associated with New York style). While they share many similarities in terms of music and overall structure, the differences between these styles lie primarily in the way dancers sync their movements with the music. This article will explore the origins of both styles, technical distinctions (including break steps), and address common questions people have when comparing Salsa On1 and On2.
Salsa On1, or LA-style salsa, traces its roots back to the dance clubs of Los Angeles in the 1970s and 1980s. This style was popularized by dancers like Albert Torres and Francisco Vazquez, who helped create its distinctive flavour of energetic and showy moves. Salsa On1 is typically danced in a "slot" or linear style, where dancers move back and forth along a line.
One of the reasons Salsa On1 became popular is that it’s relatively easier to learn for beginners, as the basic step is synchronized with the strong first beat of the music, making it more intuitive. Its show-stopping spins, dips, and tricks also appeal to a broader audience and have made it a favorite for performances and competitions.
Salsa On2, also known as New York-style salsa, gained prominence through the influence of Eddie Torres, who is often credited as the father of this style. The On2 style became synonymous with the New York salsa scene in the 1970s and evolved from mambo dance forms, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as "Mambo On2."
Salsa On2 is characterized by smoother, more elegant movements, with an emphasis on musicality and intricate footwork. While Salsa On1 is energetic and explosive, On2 has a more relaxed, sophisticated feel, and dancers tend to emphasize connection and rhythm more heavily.
Though Salsa On1 and On2 are danced to the same music, the timing and "break" steps differ, which drastically changes the feel of the dance.
In Salsa On1, dancers break (step forward or backward) on the first beat of the music, which is the strongest beat in salsa music. The counting goes as follows:
Since the break happens on the 1st and 5th beats, Salsa On1 feels more "linear" and direct, emphasizing powerful movements and quick, sharp spins. The strong, accented beats of the music match with the forward and backward steps, making it easier for dancers to synchronize their movements.
In Salsa On2, dancers break on the second beat of the music. While the counting is similar, the placement of the break step creates a smoother, more flowing feel:
Since the break step occurs on 2 and 6, the timing syncs differently with the music. On2 dancers often align their movements with the congas, emphasizing the softer rhythm rather than the accented first beat. This results in a more "rhythmic" and smooth dance, with the body motion often looking less angular than Salsa On1.
The differences between Salsa On1 and On2 aren’t just technical — they also result in different emotional and stylistic interpretations of the music.
Salsa On1 is often easier for beginners to grasp because the break step is on the strong first beat, which is more intuitive for most dancers. The straightforward timing makes it simpler to connect movements to the music.
Switching between Salsa On1 and On2 requires practice because the feel and timing are different. While the basic step pattern is similar, you’ll need to adjust the placement of your break steps and get used to the different rhythm.
Learning both On1 and On2 can make you a more versatile dancer. Many salsa events feature both styles, and having proficiency in both allows you to dance with more partners. Additionally, each style teaches different aspects of musicality and movement.
It’s not that Salsa On2 is more advanced; it’s just different. Some dancers find On2 more challenging because it requires a greater connection to the rhythm and musicality. However, the complexity of either style depends on your experience and practice.
The choice depends on your personal preference and the dance scene around you. If you’re in a city where Salsa On1 is more popular (e.g., Los Angeles or many parts of Europe), you might want to start with that. If you’re in an area with a strong On2 presence (e.g., New York or certain parts of Latin America), learning On2 might be more beneficial.
While both styles use the same music, the way the break steps are synced to the music is different. You can dance On1 to songs typically suited for On2 and vice versa, but the feel of the dance might not match the song’s rhythm as closely.
Salsa On1 and On2 each offer unique ways to experience the same music. Salsa On1’s focus on energetic, showy movements makes it a favorite for performances, while Salsa On2’s emphasis on rhythm and smoothness offers a more grounded, musical experience. Neither style is inherently better — they simply offer different interpretations of salsa music.
The best way to decide which style suits you is to try both. Whether you prefer the sharp movements of Salsa On1 or the rhythmic flow of Salsa On2, salsa is ultimately about having fun, expressing yourself, and connecting with the music.
Salsa On1 is what is taught at Sydney Salsa Classes, as it is easier to pick up and allows for faster progression whereby transitioning to On2 and learning that style as well can come later. Sydney Salsa Classes sister school Alma Dance offer regular On2 Conversion courses for those at intermediate level to. If you would like to know more speak to one of the team the next time you are in class or send us a message.
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