TAKE SALSA CLASS & LESSONS IN VA BEACH | SALSA DANCING NEAR NORFOLK, VA & GHENT IN TIDEWATER

SALSA DANCE CLASSES

Salsa is the unique blending of traditional Latin sounds and dance steps of the Mambo and the Cha Cha with the freedom and turning actions of Swing and Hustle. When you take Salsa class at Arthur Murray in Virginia Beach, you'll experience a true nightclub dance that fits onto the small crowded floors of the Norfolk, Ghent, and surrounding Tidewater Latin social dancing scene.

History of Salsa dancing

Salsa is the Spanish word for “sauce” denoting a spicy or hot flavor. As a dance it can be danced to a variety of different rhythms. Generically Salsa music encompasses many Afro-Latin rhythms driven by the clave (two wooden sticks struck together). Today’s Salsa is the result of many years of rhythmical evolution due to economical, social and political change. Salsa is the national music and dance of Puerto Rico. Many of the Salsa dance patterns are closely related to those of the Mambo.

Music for Salsa dancing

In 1933 Cuban songwriter Ignacio Piñiero wrote the song Ichale Salsita (throw on some sauce) after tasting food which lacked the Cuban spices. But it wasn’t until 1962 when Jimmy Sabater’s tune Salsa y Bembé suggested the dancers liven it up or spice it up by adding a little “Salsa” (sauce) to their movement when they danced.

Characteristics of Salsa dancing

Danced to four beats using only three steps, each step being a beat long, the remaining beat is used as a tag to the last step or perhaps an adorning (tap, kick, or pause) movement called a highlight. Steps can be traveling or on the spot.

Salsa artists include

Albita
Marc Anthony
Celia Cruz
West End Mambo
Tito Puente
The Latin Explosion

salsa

OTHER DANCES WE TEACH

WALTZ

FOXTROT

TANGO

VIENNESE WALTZ

ARGENTINE TANGO

RUMBA

CHA CHA

SWING

MAMBO

SALSA

SAMBA

MERENGUE

HUSTLE

BOLERO

WEST COAST SWING

LINDY HOP

CAROLINA SHAG

JITTERBUG

PASO DOBLE

BACHATA

CW 2-STEP

Know Someone Who Would Really Enjoy Dancing?

Surprise Them With a Gift Certificate!

Our professional instructors also teach other specialized dance lessons for your specific needs and interests.

Click on any of the categories below or call (757) 431-0177

BEGINNER

Arthur Murray Virginia Beach provides dance lessons for students who are just getting started.

INTERMEDIATE

Dance lessons are available for students with experience who wish to expand their skill-sets.

ADVANCED

For advanced-level students wishing to continue their training, dance lessons are available.

WEDDINGS

Arthur Murray Virginia Beach provides lessons for wedding dances: your first dance, bridal party, & more.

PRIVATE

One-on-one dance lessons are available for students who prefer to learn in a private setting.

GROUP

Arthur Murray Virginia Beach provides dance classes for students in collaborative group settings.