What is Cuban salsa?
Cuban salsa (casino) is the social dance from Cuba. You dance in circles: lead and follow move around each other instead of along a line. The music is son and timba, driven by the clave. In group form it becomes rueda de casino — a caller shouts figures and the whole circle performs them at once.
The emphasis is on partner work, feel and play, not on shows. Many people find the Cuban basics quick to dance at a real party.
What is Puerto Rican salsa (on 2)?
Puerto Rican salsa, also known as New York-style or “on 2”, is linear salsa that breaks on the second count, in line with the mambo tradition. It's known for smooth, elegant movement and a strong musical connection to the percussion.
The key differences
| Aspect | Cuban salsa | Puerto Rican salsa (on 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Music | Son, songo and timba — clave-driven and percussive. | Mambo and salsa dura, counted on 2. |
| Structure | Circular; lead and follow rotate around each other. | Linear; refined and musical. |
| Connection | Playful, lots of short hand changes and impulses. | Smooth and controlled, subtle leads. |
| Footwork | Compact; emphasis on figures and partner work. | Elegant; emphasis on timing and flow. |
| For beginners | Quick to dance at a party; rueda makes it social. | On-2 timing is harder to feel at first. |
Which style do you learn first?
For a quick start at socials, Cuban salsa is more accessible. On-2 rewards patience and musicality. Many dancers learn casino first and discover on-2 later.
Where do you dance Cuban salsa in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Leiden have weekly Cuban socials, workshops and courses. Most nights include rueda too.
Browse all Cuban salsa events or find a workshop near you.
· START DANCING
Want to try Cuban salsa?
The fastest way to feel the difference is to just go dance. Find a social or workshop near you.