Cuban Salsa: What It Is, Main Movements And Benefits

With its sensual and dynamic movements, salsa has been the choice of many people to work body and mind in times of isolation. Dance, besides producing well-being hormones, such as endorphin, dopamine, and serotonin, is also a great way to have fun. The back muscles are very active and toned in this modality due to its Afro-Caribbean origin, bringing strength to those who have worked for hours at a time at home or in the office, often with bad posture. As a form of expression that uses the body as an instrument, salsa is an excellent ally in the fight against depression and stress. In addition to escaping sedentariness, taking online classes has helped to socialize and meet people from other cities in the country. Salsa is one of the most popular rhythms in the world today, and this excites students who plan to travel after the pandemic. At first glance, the movements seem complicated, with dynamic spins and agility, but students guarantee that it is possible to start "from scratch" and get involved in the Caribbean culture little by little. The modality is an excellent aerobic option, with an average of 2500 steps per class! See below a video of a quick class that teaches the basic salsa steps:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87wW5fNmOS4

"The basic salsa steps are not difficult to learn. With a few lessons, it is already possible to have fun at a dance, socially. On the other hand, the dance can reach a more complex level, between acrobatics and competitions, for example. The advantage of this style is that, despite belonging to the ballroom dance genre, it has movement possibilities in couple and solo dance, which are the famous "shines", in which we dance alone", comments Priscila Barkmann, salsa solo Brazilian champion.

The dance stimulates the memory and develops motor coordination. In times of coronavirus, it is an excellent option to strengthen the immune system and for those who run away from the gym, but don`t want to be sedentary. Those who say that "dancing is not a sport" are out of date. Salsa moves the whole body and promises to burn up to 600 calories in one class.

"In my experience, I see students with different needs integrate with dance and identify with the Caribbean culture. Brazil is the Latin American giant, salsa has a connection with our African roots as well. More than a physical activity, dance becomes a lifestyle. It is in the movies, in the music, in the trips the students plan", points out Priscila, representing Brazil and finalist in the Euroson Latino salsa world championship in Mexico in 2020.

13 benefits of learning to salsa dance

Besides being an aerobic activity with high caloric expenditure, the rhythm improves motor coordination, musicality, and general resourcefulness, influencing balance and body awareness.

1- It is an ally for healthy weight loss.

2-Improves flexibility and the amplitude of body movements.

3-Helps combat shyness.

4- It is an aerobic activity that works the cardiovascular question.

5- It stimulates the social connection with new people and cultures, providing more mental health.

6-Increases self-esteem.

7- It works the muscles of the whole body.

8-Develops motor coordination and improves posture.

9-Improves the respiratory capacity, increasing immunity.

10-Increases the feeling of pleasure after classes, positively influencing the quality of life.

11-Works the cerebral neuroplasticity, avoiding cognitive diseases.

12-Increases your memory capacity through the incorporation of new movements and sequences.

13-Helps prevent dizziness with the spinning training routines.