Salsa Animation

A salsa animation (animación in Spanish) typically starts spontaneously at a salsa social or congress where one dancer, the leader, starts doing some shines (solo footwork) and a group forms behind them to follow along.

If you do group exercise classes, like zumba, think of it like that – everyone is following the leader at the front and copying what they do. The leader is usually a great dancer who’s ready to share some fun energy.

The person who’s leading the animation can also change throughout the song. It’s common for a few people to share the role and have fun switching on and off with each other.

Some salsa event hosts plan the animations as a way to take a break from partner dancing and others form spontaneously, usually started by a pro dancer or special guest of the event.

Next time you see one, join in.

It doesn’t matter if you mess up. The goal is just to have fun!

Salsa animation

Cuban salsa animation with Afro-Cuban moves

Learn more about Cuban Salsa here.

Cha-cha-chá animation

Boogaloo animation

Salsa choke animation

Salsa choke comes from Colombia and if you go to Social Club in Medellín, you’ll definitely experience one.

An animation mixing reggaetón, cumbia, merengue and salsa

As you can see, an animation can be done with any kind of music!