What Is Cuban Salsa? Learn the Latin Dance Style in Dublin
May 20, 2025 • Dublin Salsa Academy
First, What is Cuban Salsa? It is a type of Latin dance style. Originated in Havana, Cuba, in the 1950s. It is also known as Casino. Cuban salsa is an evolved version of Afro-cuban dance styles. It is a rich and bright dance style performed in a circular motion. With the inclusion of soft and rhythmic Cuban music, this latin dance style is beauty in a beacon.
The Cuban salsa is performed in a circle. The partners switch positions and move around each other while doing the steps in sync with the soft Cuban music in the background. Compared with other partner salsa dance styles, like New York or LA styles, which are performed in a single line.
The Cultural Roots
Casio/Cuban salsa is more than just a dance style; it is the identity of Cuban identity, community, and expression. Afro-Cuban music (such as son cubano and rumba) highly influenced the development of cuban salsa. Social dancing on streets in Cuba's urban neighborhoods helps the Cuban salsa community to grow.
The timba, which is a genre that combines salsa with funky, jazzy, and Afro-beats, makes the traditional Cuban salsa more fun. Learning Cuban salsa means learning the cuban culture and celebrating the art of dancing. Showing a sign of respect to the cuban heritage and traditions.
Cuban Salsa vs Other Salsa Styles
- Cuban Salsa: It is performed in a circular pattern. Its key features are improvisational and strong hip movements. It uses timba, son, and cubano music.
- LA Style Salsa: It is danced in a linear pattern. Showcases flashy tricks and sharp steps. The music type used is fast salsa and breaks.
- New York Style Salsa: It is performed in linear (on 2 timing). It is an elegant, smooth style of dance. Also has more technical moves compared to cuban salsa. It uses mambo and classic salsa music.
This shows that Cuban salsa emphasizes strongly on the natural body movement, rhythm, and fun, making it the ideal partner dance style.

How to Dance Cuban Salsa: A Beginner’s Approach
If you’re new to salsa dance, Cuban salsa is a fantastic entry point. Here’s how to get started:
- Learn the Basics: Learning the basics is a must when it comes to anything. Polish and note the basic steps using Youtube or Google.
- Move in circle: Unlike linear salsa, you’ll dance around your partner, turning and switching positions naturally.
- Focus on Connection: Body language and rhythm are the most important parts of Cuban salsa. A strong connection to the partner. These will help you to enjoy the process as a beginner.
- Join a Cuban Salsa Class: Contact and join a dance school or a group where you can practice with others. It will help to build confidence, and also it's an exciting way to meet new people.

Where to Learn Cuban Salsa in Dublin?
Searching online for Cuban salsa classes near you in Dublin? This is your last stop. Dublin Salsa Academy is the largest dance community in Dublin. Offering the best latin dance services in the city. Dublin Salsa Academy is the only dance school that offers Cuban salsa classes for 3 days a week. This schedule helps to maintain consistency in practices and push you to be the best dancer.
Led by Abel , the co-founder and director of the academy. He is a highly experienced Cuban dance instructor with deep roots in salsa and Afro-Cuban rhythms, the academy offers:
- Exclusive 8-week beginners courses.
- Trial Demo Classes , only for level 2 to 5. beginner-friendly courses like salsa line dance for beginners.
- Located in the heart of Dublin, it makes it easy to commute.
- It is the most reviewed and largest dance community in Dublin.
Whether you're completely new or looking to sharpen your steps, this is where Dublin comes to dance.

Why Choose Dublin Salsa Academy?
Each combo includes the same friendly instruction and access to all studio classes on Mon/Tue/Wed. We accept cash or Revolut at the door, so there are no tricky online payments or signup fees. You’ll learn step-by-step in weekly classes and join the fun socials alongside – it’s the perfect way to stay motivated.
- Expert-led instruction with a focus on authentic Cuban technique
- Largest Cuban salsa community in Dublin, perfect for practice and making friends
- Flexible class schedule (Mon-Wed), unique in the city
- A reputation built on experience, expertise, and trust
Are You Ready ?
Tired of scrolling and searching for search terms like “Cuban salsa classes near me,” “partner salsa lessons,” or “dance academies in Dublin” These all will lead you to one place Dublin Salsa Academy.
- Book your first Cuban beginners salsa class!
- See all the courses here
- Contact here!
Tired of scrolling and searching for search terms like “Cuban salsa classes near me,” “partner salsa lessons,” or “dance academies in Dublin” These all will lead you to one place Dublin Salsa Academy.
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