Learn Salsa in Havana, Cuba

There are a lot of salsa schools in Havana, estimates are that there are upwards of 50. The important thing to know is that the term “school” in Cuba is typically used very loosely. Many of these so-called schools are simply young Cuban males who have no formal training in dance who are happy to teach you a few basic steps in the comfort of the front room of your airbnb. If you are only after have a bit of fun this can still be a viable option though unfortunately is typically hit and miss.

It is best to lean towards to larger recognised salsa schools which follow an established methodology and have a strong and typically well know founder behind the school. Latinsalseando is one of the best school in Cuba and was founded by international salsa performer for that reason and was founder by international salsa performer Mariesly Paradelo but if you decide to choose another school then Casona del Son is also highly reputable.

Whilst most people would instinctively say that Salsa is the most popular dance in Cuba, they would be wrong. Reggaeton is the most popular dance style across Cuba and the music that is most often played in nightclubs across the country. This is not to suggest that salsa is not popular, indeed Cuba has some of the best salsa clubs around and arguably the best live salsa music scene in the world. Havana is to Salsa what Nashville is to country music, where you can find top quality salsa music in nearly ever corner of the city. Cubans also dance Son, Rumba and Rueda de Casino and indeed are also know to mix many styles together to interpret the rich nature of Cuban music.

Cuban salsa is also called Casino, it traces its origin as a partner dance from Son Cuba, fused with partner figures and turns adopted from the Cuban Mambo, Cuban Cha Cha Cha, Rumba Guaguancó and North American Jive.

Casino is danced in a circular motion as partners face each other in intricate patterns of arms and body movement. This is distinctive from the North American Salsa styles which is danced in line with partners swapping positions back and forth.

Cuban salsa is characterized by Afro Cuban style body movement which includes body isolation and hip movement. The hip movement is more noticeable in Cuban style and stems from the pumping of the knees.

That all Cubans can dance is probably the most famous myth about Cubans. In fact, many of the stereotypes surrounding Cubans are related to the country’s reputation for music and dance, although only a small number of Cubans can actually dance. Curiously enough, there is a nickname for Cubans who can’t dance – they are called “Swedes.” The origin of this term is not racist – it comes from a story that the Swedish used to have a law that banned any spontaneous dancing, which of course is a common Cuban pastime!

Want to go Cuba dancing? Getting out on the dance floor in public can be intimidating and asking someone to dance who you don’t even know can be even more scary – doing all of that in a strange exotic country can often seem impossible. For this reason, the Taxi Dancer concept was born. It is simply where dance teachers accompany their students out at night time to ensure they are safe in a new environment, get to dance in the best salsa clubs and most importantly always have someone to dance with.

Cuba is an extremely safe country by both regional and global standards. Violent crime here is almost non-existent and gun violence is largely unheard of.

However, whilst Cuba is generally a very safe place to travel, it is always best to watch your belongings and beware of pick-pockets and purse snatchers. Leave expensive jewellery in the safe and only carry what you need for that day. It is advisable to leave valuables, including passports in the safe. A copy of the passport should suffice for ID purposes. You will however need your passport for exchanging of currency.