Salsa Styles for Beginners: Cuban, LA, and New York Explained

In short: Cuban-style salsa (also called casino) is danced in a circular way, with partners moving around each other, and has a group form called rueda. LA style and New York style are both danced in a line, or “slot.” The main difference between those two is timing: LA style breaks on beat 1 (On1), and New York style breaks on beat 2 (On2).

When you start looking at salsa classes, you quickly meet words like “Cuban,” “LA style,” “On1,” “On2,” and “rueda.” It can feel like everyone already knows what they mean. This post puts the three style names beginners hear most often side by side, in plain English.

Please read this first: I am a curious local in Sapporo, not a dance instructor, and I am not affiliated with any studio or school. This post organizes what I read in the sources listed at the end. Style names and teaching methods differ by teacher and region, so if your class explains something differently, follow your teacher.

Salsa styles at a glance

Here is a quick overview, based on the Wikipedia article on salsa dance and the Salsa Vida guide to salsa styles.

	Cuban style (casino)	LA style	New York style
Shape on the floor	Circular; partners circle around each other	Linear; danced in a line, or “slot”	Linear; danced in a line, or “slot”
Timing name	Varies by teacher; ask your class	On1: break on beat 1	On2: break on beat 2
Group form	Rueda de casino: couples dance in a big circle	—	—
Often linked with	Cuba (Havana)	Los Angeles; the Vazquez Brothers	New York; Eddie Torres

Wikipedia also notes that many salsa styles are compatible with each other, but some are different enough that dancing between dancers of different styles can be difficult. That is one reason it helps to know which style a class teaches.

On1 vs. On2: what “break” means in salsa timing

Before looking at each style, two words are useful.

Salsa music is usually counted in groups of eight, and Wikipedia describes the basic rhythm as three steps for every four beats of music. That is why many classes count the basic step as “1, 2, 3, (pause), 5, 6, 7, (pause).” For more about counting, see What Is Salsa?.

The break is the step where you change direction in the basic step. “On1” and “On2” tell you which beat the break falls on:

• On1: the break is on beat 1.
• On2: the break is on beat 2.

The music is the same. Only the timing of the steps shifts. If you want to practice hearing the beats, my post on salsa music, clave, and counting may help.

Cuban-style salsa (casino) and rueda

Circular, not linear. According to Wikipedia, a popular dance in Cuba known as casino was marketed abroad as “Cuban-style salsa” or “salsa cubana” to set it apart from other salsa styles. Both Wikipedia and Salsa Vida describe it as danced in a circular way, with dancers circling around each other. LA and New York styles, by contrast, are danced in a line.

Afro-Cuban movements. Wikipedia says Cuban salsa dancers often add Afro-Cuban dance movements, such as guaguancó and columbia. Salsa Vida notes that adding Afro movements is also becoming a popular trend in New York and LA styles.

Rueda de casino. This is the group form you may see at Cuban-style events. Here is what the sources describe:

Point	What the sources say
Origin	Wikipedia says rueda de casino was developed in Havana in the 1950s
Shape	Couples form a circle. “Rueda” means “wheel” in Spanish
The caller	One person calls out the moves (called “líder” or “cantante” in Spanish), and that person dances along with everyone else
Moving together	Salsa Vida says all couples in the circle do the called move at the same time
Partners	Wikipedia says many moves involve swapping partners, moving around the circle to the next partner
Hand signs	Many moves also have hand signs, which help in noisy places

If you enjoy dancing in a group and meeting many partners in one song, rueda can look like a lot of fun. It also means learning the names of the calls, so expect to hear many new words in class.

LA-style salsa (On1)

Linear and On1. Wikipedia describes LA style as danced “on 1,” with the leader breaking forward on the first beat of the music. It is danced in a line, or slot, with partners exchanging positions throughout the dance.

Where it comes from. Wikipedia credits the Vazquez Brothers with the early development and growth of LA style. It also says they helped give LA style its reputation for flashy moves and acrobatics.

Widely taught. Salsa Vida calls LA style probably the most popular form of salsa dancing in the world, and the style that is taught most broadly. It also says that if you want to learn the most broadly applicable form of salsa, LA style is a good choice.

That does not mean you need to start with LA style. It only means that, according to that guide, linear On1 classes are common in many places. The fancy moves you see in shows come much later; beginner classes usually spend a lot of time on the basic step and simple turns.

New York-style salsa (On2)

Linear and On2. Like LA style, New York style is danced in a line. Salsa Vida says dancers of other styles sometimes call it “linear salsa” or “linea,” because it is danced “in the slot.” The break step happens on the second beat of the music.

Where it comes from. Wikipedia says On2 salsa originated in New York and is often called New York style. It describes New York style as a mixture of Cuban dances, such as mambo, son, pachanga, and rumba, with American dances such as swing and tap.

Eddie Torres and the tumbao. Both sources mention Eddie Torres. Wikipedia credits him with helping to formalize On2 timing, based on the tumbao rhythm. Salsa Vida says On2 dancers argue that their style is more musical, because it lines up more closely with the tumbao and the clave. That is a view held by some dancers, not a rule, and dancers of other styles may see it differently.

Which salsa style should a beginner choose?

There is no single right answer. A few general points may help you decide:

• Look at what is taught near you. The style you can practice regularly, with a class and socials nearby, is often the practical choice. For ideas on searching, see How to Find a Latin Dance Class in a New City.
• Ask the organizer. If a class page doesn’t say “Cuban,” “On1,” or “On2,” it is fine to ask which style it teaches before you go.
• Think about what you enjoy. If circles, group calls, and changing partners sound fun, Cuban style and rueda may appeal to you. If you like dancing in a slot with clear lines, LA or New York style may feel natural.
• Don’t worry about choosing “wrong.” Many dancers learn more than one style over time. The basics you learn first, like listening to the music and connecting with a partner, carry over.

Style names are only labels. Pick a class that feels welcoming, enjoy the music, and let your teacher guide the details.

FAQ

What is the difference between Cuban salsa and LA-style salsa?

Cuban-style salsa (casino) is danced in a circular way, with partners circling around each other. LA-style salsa is danced in a line, or slot, with partners exchanging positions, and dancers break on beat 1 (On1).

Is New York-style salsa the same as On2?

Mostly, yes. Wikipedia says On2 salsa originated in New York and is often called New York style. It is danced in a line, and the break step falls on the second beat of the music.

What is rueda de casino?

Rueda de casino is a group form of Cuban-style salsa. Couples form a circle, one dancer calls the moves, and all couples do the called move together. Many moves include changing partners around the circle.

Sources checked: Wikipedia, “Salsa (dance)”, Wikipedia, “Rueda de casino”, Salsa Vida, “The Different Styles of Salsa Dancing”. Style names and teaching methods vary by teacher and region. Corrections are always welcome.