LA Style Salsa On 1

What is LA Style Salsa On 1?

LA Style Salsa (Los Angeles Style) or Salsa On 1, is an energetic form of salsa dancing that originated in Los Angeles in the 1990s. It has three defining characteristics:

  1. It is danced “on 1” timing, meaning the dancers break steps are on the first beat of the bar of music.
  2. It uses a linear structure, also called a “slot”, and the cross body lead.
  3. The original LA style incorporates elements of swing with flashy moves, spins, and dips, making it visually exciting and dynamic. After all, it is from the land of Hollywood.

 

Are style and timing the same thing?

Although I argue that salsa styles and timing are two different things, the terms “salsa on 1” and “LA style” are often used interchangeably.

The truth is very few people who dance salsa on 1 these days dance with a similar style to the LA originators.

That’s why I prefer to say “I dance linear style salsa on1” instead of “I dance LA style.”

Dancing on1 isn’t unique to LA style salsa either. Various styles of salsa use on1 timing.

Who created LA Style Salsa? A Brief History.

The Vazquez brothers—Francisco, Luis, and Johnny—are credited for the creation of LA style salsa in the 1990s.

According to “Memphis Salsero”, in this Salsa Forums thread, Joby Martinez and Edie the salsa freak explained the history to him like this…

Alex Da Silva was the first to teach LA style (before it was called that) and then Luis and Francisco Vazquez added their own spins and footwork to it.

In 1994 Luis Vazquez, Joby Martinez (Vazquez at the time) and Janette Valenzuela started the first LA salsa group Salsa Brava. From there, Francisco and Johnny Vazquez started Los Rumberos about two years later and Rogelio Moreno formed Salsabor y Cache in 1997. Most LA salsa dancers learned from one of these 6 instructors or their students.

In 1997, Johnny Vazquez was dubbed “The Prince of Salsa” by the King of Mambo himself, Eddie Torres. This raised his status in the salsa community and helped spread LA style salsa and salsa on1 around the world.

In 2002, Johnny Vazquez moved to Spain and started his own company Imperio Azteca. He now resides and teaches in Milan, Italy.

What are the basic steps of LA Style Salsa On 1?

The basic step in LA Style Salsa is shared with New York Style Salsa, since both have a linear cross-body lead structure.

The basic step, or “basic” used in LA style salsa is the same front to back step that was used in the Cuban Son, except the dancer’s break steps are on the first beat of the bar of music, the 1, instead of the 2. Hence the name salsa on 1.

Within an 8-count of music, often counted as 1-2-3, 5-6-7  in salsa (since there’s a pause on 4 and 8), the 1 and the 5 are the break steps where the dancer changes direction.

The most common variations of the basic step are:

  • Front to back basic
  • Side to side basic
  • Back basic

Other fundamental steps of LA style salsa or salsa on1 include:

  • Cross body lead
  • Right turn
  • Left turn
  • Change of place (similar to an enchufla in cuban style salsa)
  • Inside turn
  • Outside turn
  • and more…

You can learn them all in our online salsa program.

How does LA Style Salsa differ from New York Style Salsa?

In terms of timing, I break down the difference in this article: Salsa Timing: The Difference Between Salsa On1 and On2.

In terms of style, the best way is to see them for yourself.

LA Style is known for sharp, flashy and showy movements that go with the phrasing and melody of the music, whereas NY Style is smoother and more laid back, placing a stronger emphasis on the rhythm and connection with the instruments.

LA Style Salsa On1 (Johnny Vazquez)

NY Style Salsa On2 (Eddie Torres Jr.)

How does LA style salsa differ from Cuban style salsa?

The main difference is how the dances are structured. LA style is linear, whereas cuban style “casino” and “rueda de casino” are circular or rotational.

LA style salsa is always danced On1. Although cuban salsa is often danced On1, it can be danced on any timing.

Learn more about the different types of salsa.

Who are some famous LA style salsa dancers?

The most renowned dancers of LA Style Salsa include the Vazquez brothers—Francisco, Luis, and Johnny—who are credited with popularizing the style. Their innovative choreography and dynamic performances have significantly influenced LA Style Salsa and its global reach.

Beyond the Vazquez brothers, Alex Da Silva and Rogelio Moreno also had a big impact on teaching early LA style salsa dancers.

One example of LA style being passed on to future generations is Edie the salsa freak. She learned from Luis Vazquez and Joby Vazquez (now Martinez), and then went on to teach many students, including Nercy Garcia.

I’d say the most famous LA style salsa dancers today are Johnny Vazquez, his brothers Luis and Francisco, and Nery Garcia.

What type of music is used for LA Style Salsa?

You can dance LA style salsa to any kind of salsa music. Everything is fair game.

LA style is more about how you to dance to the music, than the music itself. It’s a visual aesthetic and way of moving.

And from a timing point of view, any salsa song can be danced on1, or any other timing for that matter.

How can I learn LA Style Salsa or Salsa On 1?

To learn LA Style salsa you’d have to search out someone who has kept the style alive and is still actively teaching. Johnny Vazquez and Nery Garcia are two examples.

If you’re interested in learning linear salsa on1, which is what most people think of when they hear LA style salsa, then you can learn it almost anywhere salsa is taught.

On1 is the most popular timing to learn. That said, double check with the studio, because some places predominantly dance on2, like New York, some other cities in the US and various countries in Asia.

I recommend starting by taking classes at a local dance studio and then complimenting them with an online program for extra practice. Read more about my thoughts on the pros and cons of in-person vs. online lessons here.

At Dance Dojo we have a comprehensive online program for salsa on1, from beginner to advanced.

More importantly than the classes you choose, the key is getting out and social dancing to practice what you’ve learned. You can take all the classes you want but if you don’t go out dancing you’ll hold back your progress.

The best thing you could possibly do is find practice partners who want to practice consistently.

Attending salsa congresses or festivals is also a fun option. There are workshops with instructors from around the world, nights of shows and great social dancing.

In my opinion, congresses are better for the social dancing, shows and getting inspired than for receiving a progressive education in the workshops. The issue for beginners is that the workshops are not progressive. Once you have a solid foundation of salsa technique, you’ll be able to get more from the workshops.

As a beginner you need to focus on your foundations. Studio classes plus a progressive online program is a great way to do that.

What are some common mistakes beginners make when learning LA Style Salsa or Salsa On 1?

On my YouTube channel I talk all about the common mistakes salsa dancers make and how you can work on them.

The most common struggles beginners have in LA Style Salsa or Salsa On 1 include…

  • finding the beat and staying on it
  • poor frame and posture
  • learning good lead/follow technique
  • lack of coordination
  • inability to remember moves

To master these foundations and become a great dancer get started with these videos:

Summary of LA Style Salsa On1

  • LA style salsa is danced on1 with a linear cross-body lead structure.
  • It’s creation is credited to the Vazquez brothers: Luis, Francisco and Johnny
  • LA style differs from NY style in both visual aesthetic and timing. LA style is danced on1 and NY style is danced on2.
  • LA style salsa differs from Cuban and Colombian styles of salsa in both structure and visual aesthetic: LA style is linear and Cuba and Colombian styles have a rotational structure.