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What’s the Difference Between Salsa Styles? Casino, On1, On2 and Cali Style Explained

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:31:02 GMT

If you're new to salsa, one of the most confusing things is realizing that there isn’t just one type of salsa.

Students arriving in Colombia, especially in Medellín, often hear terms like:

Cuban salsa / Casino
Salsa On1 (LA style)
Salsa On2 (New York style)
Cali style salsa

So the most common question becomes:

What’s the difference, and which one should I learn?

Let’s break it down.

Cuban Salsa (Casino)

Cuban salsa, also known as Casino, is danced in a circular motion.

Key characteristics:

Circular movement
More relaxed and playful
Lots of body movement
Often danced socially
Includes moves like “dile que no” and “enchufla”

This style is very popular in Europe and has strong roots in countries like Venezuela. It is also growing in Colombia, including Medellín, where more dancers are incorporating it into social dancing.

Salsa On1 (LA Style)

Salsa On1 is danced in a line and is very structured.

Key characteristics:

Linear movement (forward and back)
Clear and organized patterns
Popular in Latin America and internationally
Great for social dancing and performances
Easier to combine with other styles later

In many parts of Latin America, including Medellín, On1 is one of the most common styles you’ll encounter in social dancing , especially in dance schools and mixed-style events.

Salsa On2 (New York Style)

Salsa On2 is similar to On1 but danced on a different timing.

Key characteristics:

Smoother and more musical
Emphasis on rhythm and interpretation
Elegant style
Very popular in New York and major international cities
Often learned after building basic salsa foundations

Many dancers move to On2 after learning On1.

Salsa Caleña (Colombian Style)

Cali style salsa is fast, footwork-heavy and energetic.

Key characteristics:

Very quick steps
Lots of footwork
Less emphasis on turns and patterns
Strong Colombian identity
Very fun but more challenging for beginners

This style is famous in Cali, Colombia, and you’ll also see elements of it in Medellín, especially in performances and among experienced dancers.

So… Which Salsa Style Should You Learn?

The answer depends on where you plan to dance and your goals.

In much of Latin America, especially in cities like Medellín, Salsa On1 is very common in social dancing .
Cuban salsa (Casino) is very popular in Europe and has strong roots in countries like Venezuela.
In Colombia, you will also find Colombian/Cali style and an increasing number of Casino dancers.
Most dance communities today mix styles, and dancers often adapt depending on their partner.

Our Recommendation for Beginners

If you're learning salsa in Medellín, we recommend:

Start with Salsa On1 to dance easily with most people
Explore Casino if you enjoy circular movement and playful energy
Try Cali style for Colombian flavor and fast footwork
Learn On2 later to develop musicality

The most important thing is not the style.
It’s learning timing, connection, and confidence.

Once you understand those fundamentals, you can dance any salsa style .

Final Tip

Many experienced dancers learn multiple styles, and you don’t need to choose just one.

Start with one style, build confidence, and expand your salsa journey over time

Ready to Start Learning Salsa in Medellín?

Understanding the differences between salsa styles is the first step.
The next step is getting on the dance floor.

In our salsa classes and immersions in Medellín, we help beginners:

Learn the fundamentals
Build confidence quickly
Understand salsa timing and musicality
Dance with locals in real social settings

Whether you're staying for a few days or longer, we’ll help you start your salsa journey the right way.

�� Check available classes and reserve your spot here:

DANCE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
CLASSES

Foto de Ardian Lumi en Unsplash

Top 10 Most Danceable Salsa Songs in the World

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:32:29 GMT

If you're learning salsa or looking to improve your flow on the dance floor, one thing is clear:

�� The songs you dance to make a huge difference.

Whether you're taking classes, joining a salsa immersion, or simply dancing socially, these tracks are among the most danceable salsa songs worldwide.

Here’s our Top 10 Most Danceable Salsa Songs in the World ��

1. Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony

A modern classic. High energy, clear rhythm, and perfect for beginners.

2. Llorarás – Oscar D'León

One of the most danced salsa songs in history.

3. Valió la Pena – Marc Anthony

Great for practicing connection and styling.

4. La Rebelión – Joe Arroyo

An iconic Colombian track with strong rhythm and cultural flavor.

5. Periódico de Ayer – Héctor Lavoe

A must-know song for every salsa dancer.

6. Idilio – Willie Colón

Slower tempo, ideal for working on technique and musicality.

7. Conteo Regresivo – Gilberto Santa Rosa

Fun, and perfect for leveling up.

8. Aquel Lugar – Adolescentes Orquesta

Very popular in dance classes thanks to its clear structure.

9. Quítate Tú – Fania All-Stars

Pure salsa history and flavor.

10. Me Liberé – El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

Perfect for closing a great night of dancing.

�� Want to Dance These Songs?

If you're thinking of visiting Medellín, the best way to learn salsa isn't just listening… it's experiencing it.

Our salsa immersions help you:

Learn faster with structured classes
Dance with locals
Understand salsa culture
Practice with real songs like the ones above

Join a salsa immersion and start your dance journey in Medellín.

History and Evolution of Bachata: A Rhythm That Conquered the World

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:54:28 GMT

From the streets of the Dominican Republic to dance floors across the globe

�� Bachata: More Than a Dance, a Way of Feeling

If you’ve ever heard a soft guitar marking the rhythm and felt your heartbeat slow down just a little… it was probably bachata.

Bachata is not just a music genre or a dance style. It’s emotion, connection, and culture. It’s that perfect blend of nostalgia and passion that invites you to embrace, close your eyes, and let yourself go.

�� Where Does Bachata Come From?

Bachata was born in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s. In its early days, it was considered music of the neighborhoods, associated with stories of love, heartbreak, and everyday life.

Over time, artists like Juan Luis Guerra helped bring it to international stages, giving it greater recognition and musical sophistication. Later, groups like Aventura and artists like Romeo Santos modernized its sound and turned it into a global phenomenon.

Today, bachata is danced all over the world.

�� What Makes Bachata Special?

Connection: It’s a close, intimate, and fluid dance.
Musicality: The guitar creates a constant, captivating rhythm.
Emotion: Every song tells a story.
Simplicity: The basic steps are easy to learn, but mastering it requires sensitivity.

In bachata, it’s not about performing complicated moves. It’s about feeling the moment and connecting with the music… and with the person in front of you.

�� Bachata as an Experience

Beyond the dance itself, bachata builds community. At every social and every class, laughter, nerves, glances, and energy are shared. It’s a space where people disconnect from daily stress and allow themselves to truly feel.

In cities like Medellín, bachata has grown tremendously. More and more people are choosing to learn it not only for the dance, but for the social and emotional experience it creates.

�� Why Dance Bachata?

Because it boosts your confidence.
Because it helps you express emotions.
Because it connects you with others.
Because it reminds you that the body speaks too.

Bachata is not just steps. It’s pause, it’s embrace, it’s story.

And once you understand it… you won’t want to stop dancing it.

Book your first class today and discover why so many people fall in love with bachata.

What Is Salsa and Why Learn It in Medellín?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:03:43 GMT

Salsa is more than a dance..

It’s rhythm, connection, culture, and communication without words.

Over time, salsa has become one of the most popular social dances in the world. It’s danced in clubs, festivals, and studios across continents. But there are places where salsa is not just taught it’s lived.

Medellín is one of them.

�� Many visitors discover salsa here through private salsa classes in Medellín

where learning feels personal, immersive, and real.

What Is Salsa?

Salsa is a partner dance known for its energy, musicality, and connection between two people.

It blends African rhythms, Caribbean music, and Latin American movement. While there are different styles Cuban, Cali-style, and linear salsa they all share one thing in common:

Salsa is about feeling the music and responding to your partner. Learning salsa isn’t about memorizing steps. It’s about training your body, your timing, and your ability to communicate through movement.

W hy Learn Salsa in Medellín?

Many people start learning salsa in their home country.

But when they arrive in Medellín, the experience feels different.

1. Salsa Is Part of Everyday Life

In Medellín, salsa isn’t limited to dance studios.

It’s part of social gatherings, music culture, and daily movement.

That means:

You’re surrounded by salsa outside of class
You see real social dancing, not just choreographies
You learn how people actually dance, connect, and enjoy the music

This environment naturally accelerates learning.

2. You Progress Faster

Learning salsa in a place where it’s danced regularly makes a huge difference.

In Medellín:

You hear salsa constantly
You’re exposed to different styles and levels
You lose self-consciousness more quickly

What might take months elsewhere often takes weeks with consistent training here.

3. Medellín Is Ideal for Foreigners

Medellín has become one of the top destinations in Latin America for foreigners who want to learn to dance.

Why?

Instructors experienced in teaching foreigners
Classes adapted to all levels
A relaxed, supportive environment
More accessible pricing compared to Europe or the US

Many travelers choose a dance immersion in Medellín to fully combine learning, culture, and real progress in a short time.

4. Evening Classes Fit the Traveler Lifestyle

Many visitors work remotely, explore the city during the day, or simply want flexibility.

Evening dance classes allow you to:

Train after work
Balance travel and learning
Build a routine without disrupting your day

This makes learning salsa in Medellín practical, not overwhelming.

How to Start Learning Salsa in Medellín

The best way to begin depends on your goals and how long you’re staying.

Private Dance Classes

Ideal if you:

Want to progress quickly
Prefer personalized attention
Have limited time in the city

�� Explore private dance classes in Medellín

Semi-Private Classes

Ideal if you:

Live in Medellín or plan to stay longer
Want a consistent learning process
Prefer small groups and structured training

Dance Immersions

Perfect if you:

Want an intensive learning experience
Are traveling through Latin America
Want to combine dance, culture, and real progress

�� Learn more about our dance immersion programs

Learning Salsa Is About More Than Dancing

Learning salsa:

Builds confidence and coordination
Helps you connect with people
Allows communication beyond language
Changes how you move and express yourself

Learning it in Medellín simply makes the process more natural, faster, and more enjoyable.

Learn Salsa in Medellín With EPA Dance Studio

At EPA Dance Studio , we offer:

Evening private dance classes
Small-group semi-private training
Dance immersion experiences for foreigners

All classes are by prior registration and limited capacity to ensure real progress and personalized attention.

�� Book a private class

�� Apply for a dance immersion