Dancing Salsa "On 2" is the other major division of Salsa styles and it is also known by the name "Mambo". This style has it's origins in Puerto Rico and was further refined in New York city, hence it's also refered to as "New York style". Eddie Torres is credited with refining the New York style in comparison to Puerto Rican "On 2". The "On 2" style is characterized on the whole by direction changes (breaking) on the 2nd & 6th beat of the measure. The style appears smoother than dancing "On 1" probably because the dancer is following the rhythm of the music as opposed to the melody, which "On 1" dancing follows.
New York Style
Dancing "On 2" New York style is one of the most popular styles and has spread to all areas of the world. It's characterized by the leader stepping forward with his left foot on the 6th beat of the measure and back with his right on the 2nd beat. This style really makes the female look good as the movements tend to show case her.
Puerto Rican style
This style is very similar to N.Y. style except uses the opposite timing. The leader steps forward with left foot on the 2nd beat of the measure and back with his right on the 6th beat.
Palladium 2 / Ballroom Mambo
This style is similar to L.A. style except is danced "On 2". It uses the same timing as Puerto Rican style but the movements and patterns are not as smooth and tend to have a sharper more abrupt look to them. This is the competitive form used by ballroom dancers in American Rythym and is not generally seen on social dance floors. |
