Springfield Cultural Arts Foundation

Jacqueline and Jeff Martin dancing Salsa at the Springfield Cultural Arts Festival🎶

Salsa is a universal form of social dance performed by nearly 200 million across the globe.

In the 1960s & 70’s Cuban, Caribbean and Puerto Rican immigrants living in New York merged Caribbean dance, American jazz, swing, Afro-Cuban and Latin hustle to create a sound like nothing before. That sound born in the clubs of NYC became Salsa.

Salsa dancing is categorized into four unique styles each distinguished by its own footwork, stylistic elements, patterns and rules. These four modern era dance styles; New York Style (On2), LA Style (On1), Cuban Style (Casino) and Colombian Style. Salsa is both a visual and musical art form known for its electricity, flow and expression. As a dance form it’s characterized by fluid lead-and-follow, social connection, and improvising “shines” to the beat. Salsa is one of the most recognizable club-style dances in world.

Iconic musical pioneers such as Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe “El Cantante”, Frankie Ruez, Oscar D’Leon, Ruben Blades and The Fania Allstars popularized Salsa music throughout the world. While modern artists such as Bad Bunny and the legendary Marc Anthony continue to redefine the sound that is life.

Salsa is not merely a metaphor for music or dance, “Salsa” is an expression of life.

Downtown Springfield, Inc.My Heart's Downtown Springfield, IL

The Asian Indian Women's Organization performance at the Springfield Cultural Arts Festival . 🎉🎉🎉

Thank you to our dear comadre and poet, Maria Bravo, for sharing her amazing talent with us at our inaugural Springfield Cultural Arts Festival last weekend.
Her ability to capture our feelings with just one word, blessed us with some very inspiring pieces.
¡Gracias, Maria!