Salsa Son Cubano: What are the differences?
Salsa Son Cubano: What are the differences? (& Videos)
Salsa Son Cubano – What Are the differences between Salsa & Son Cubano? We will quickly talk about the origin of both, and we will illustrate with our Dancing videos to help you understand the difference! As a bonus, you will be able to find a Cuban salsa beginners tutorial series !
Table of Contents
What Is Son Cubano?
Son Cubano (also called Cuban Son) has its roots in the highlands of eastern Cuba and emerged during the late 19th century. It blends elements from Spanish and African Origin.
Spanish origin:
- vocal style,
- lyrical meter,
- and the importance of the tres, which is derived from the Spanish guitar.
African Origin:
On the other hand, its characteristic
- clave rhythm,
- call and response structure,
- and percussion section (such as bongo and maracas)
Those are all rooted in Bantu Traditions.
Read more about Son Cubano dance Here
How do you dance the basic steps of Son Cubano?
Cuban Son Dance Demonstration Video
Video demonstration of how to travel in Son Cubano Dance grand Maestro of Son Cubano.
Video demonstration of Laurent Salsa, one of his many Cuban Son dance student teaching in the south of France.
Video demonstration of how to travel in Son Cubano Dance grand Maestro of Son Cubano.
Video demonstration of Laurent Salsa, one of his many Cuban Son dance student teaching in the south of France.
What Is Salsa Cubana?
Salsa Cubana (also called Cuban Salsa or Casino) is a partner dance that originates from Cuba.
Casino dancing is a popular expression of social culture in Cuba, and for many Cubans, it’s an important part of their social and cultural activities. It revolves around their popular music and is often seen at festivals, parties, and other social events.
The name Casino comes from the casinos deportivos, which were dance halls where many wealthy, white Cubans would gather to dance during the mid-1950s and beyond. It became associated with a style of salsa that’s unique to Cuba and emphasizes the connection between the dancers, often involving intricate footwork, body movements, and partner work. Casino dancing is an inclusive and social activity that allows people to connect, have fun, and express themselves through music and movement.
Read more about the origins of Cuban Salsa or here to extend your Cuban salsa move list
How to dance Cuban Salsa? Basic Step
How to Dance Cuban Salsa? Enchufla
What are the differences between Cuban Salsa & Son Cubano?
Salsa and son cubano are two different styles of music and dance. They both originated in Cuba. However, Son Cubano is a way older style of dance and music. It also influenced Cuban salsa the way it is danced nowadays! So, let’s get started and understand what his the differences between both from a musical, instrumental and danced perspective!
What is the difference between Cuban Salsa Son Cubano? The Rhthym
Cuban Salsa rhythm
Cuban salsa is usually danced on 1. We also usually tap the beat 4 and 8 playing the conga with our feet.But those are not a strong beat. At the opposite, we don’t actually dance on it as much, except marking the beat with our feet.
Son Cubano Rhythm
Put the empathic on the beat 4 and 8 being marked strongly by the son cubano dancers.
This is a contra Tiempo dance!
Salsa Cubana Rhythm
In Cuban salsa, the clave rhythm is the backbone of the music. All of the instruments and vocals follow its pattern and structure. The bongos, congas, and other percussion instruments just keep adding up on top of the clave, creating complex and joyful rhythms that are perfect for dancing. The tres guitar and other instruments also play off of the clave rhythm, adding melodic and harmonic elements that give the music its unique sound.
Cuban Son Rhythm
The basic rhythm of son cubano is called the cinquillo, which is a five-note pattern that is repeated during the whole song. The cinquillo is played on instruments such as the tres guitar, bongos, and bass. They are the foundation for the singers and dancers to build on.
Cuban Salsa & Son Cubano Instruments
Cuban Salsa Instruments
Salsa music typically features a wide range of instruments, including:
- brass and woodwind instruments,
- percussion,
- and keyboards.
The use of synthesizers and electronic instruments has become increasingly common in modern salsa music.
Cuban Son Instruments
Son cubano, on the other hand, features a smaller ensemble of instruments, typically including:
- the tres guitar,
- bongos,
- bass,
- and trumpet.
The use of acoustic instruments is a defining feature of son cubano and reflects its roots in traditional Cuban music.
Salsa Son Cubano - Dance Differences
Cuban Salsa Dance
One of the major visual difference is that Cuban salsa use a lot of body movement. Due to the influence of Rumba, casineros y casineras move their body a lot ! While Sonorous don’t as much.
Cuban salsa dancers also use a lot of figures and arms lock/ moves.
Cuban Son Dance
Cuban Son has the typical look of ballroom dance. Very straight posture for the dancer and less body movement compare to freestyle salsa casino.
In Cuban Son, we learn how to travel a lot in a close position, using geometrical figures on the floor to move and travel.
Salsa Son Cubano - Similarities
Both Cuban Salsa & Son Cubano are Cuban dances. They are considered traditional cuban dances and symbols of Cuba’s country and history.
Both of those dance requires appropriate dance footwear to be danced. Salseros, saleras, sonoros, and soneras all use Latin dance shoes to dance Son Cubano and Cuban salsa (a.k.a Casino).
Shop Salsa shoes.
Check out our Guide for dancers heels to decide what type of heel Shape and height we recommend when dancing salsa or Cuban Son. There is also different type of heels. Check them all on the previous link. For beginners, we recommend starting with a heels with ankle strap, or a T bar heels shoes.
Looking for Latin Dance Shoes?
Other related Dances to Salsa Son Cubano
Mambo Cubano
Cha-Cha-Cha Cubano
Bolero-Son
Bolero-Son is a musical genre that combines elements of two distinct styles, the romantic Bolero and the lively Son Cubano. It originated in Cuba in the early 20th century and typically features a slower tempo than traditional Son music, with a focus on poetic lyrics, lush melodies, and intricate harmonies. Bolero-Son has been popularized by many prominent Cuban musicians and has influenced other Latin American music styles as well.
Danzon
Rumba Cubana
Guajira-Son is a musical genre that blends two Cuban styles, the rural Guajira music and the urban Son Cubano. It originated in the early 20th century and is characterized by its lively, syncopated rhythms, and lively melodies. The lyrics of Guajira-Son often focus on the daily life and struggles of rural people and their relationship with the land. The style has influenced other Latin American music genres and remains an important part of Cuban music history.
Guajira-Son
Guaracha
Guaracha is a lively and rhythmic genre of Cuban music that originated in the 19th century. It is characterized by its fast tempo, syncopated rhythms, and call-and-response vocal style. The lyrics of Guaracha often feature humorous or satirical themes and social commentary, and the music is traditionally played on instruments such as the guitar, piano, and percussion. Guaracha has had a significant influence on other Latin American music styles, including salsa and merengue.
Son Montuno is a type of music that originated in Cuba in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its lively and syncopated rhythms, which are typically played on instruments such as the guitar, trumpet, and percussion. The style features call-and-response vocals and often incorporates improvisation. Son Montuno has had a significant influence on other Latin American music genres, including salsa and Latino jazz. The genre continues to be an important part of Cuban music history and culture.
Son Montuno
Pachanga
Pachanga is a lively and upbeat style of music that originated in Cuba in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It is characterized by its fast tempo and the use of instruments such as the piano, trumpet, and saxophone. Pachanga music typically features a fusion of Cuban and African rhythms with elements of other Latin American music styles. The style was popularized in the 1960s and influenced the development of other genres such as salsa and Latin jazz. Pachanga music is still enjoyed and danced to today in various parts of the world.
Timba Cubana is a type of Cuban dance music that originated in the 1990s. Timba is characterized by its fast and complex rhythms, which are typically played on instruments such as the drums, piano, and bass. The music often features improvisation and incorporates elements of salsa, jazz, and other Latin American music styles. Timba has had a significant impact on Cuban music and dance culture and continues to be popular both in Cuba and around the world.
Timba
Salsa Son Cubano in the world
Salsa Son Cubano is a specific genre of music that originated in Cuba, that is often part of :
- Latin music
- Caribbean music
- World music
- Dance music
- Folk music
- Popular music
- Traditional music
- Afro-Cuban music
- Cuban music
- Music of the Spanish-speaking world.
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Dance teacher, music passionate and Latin dancers aficionado!
Founder of Latin Dance Shoes Australia
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