Cuban vs Puerto Rican Salsa:
Which One Should You Choose?

It's the question every beginner asks when they want to start salsa: should you sign up for Cuban or Puerto Rican classes?

1. Style and Geometry

Cuban Salsa (Casino) is danced in a circular way. Partners move around one another, forming fluid circles.

Puerto Rican salsa, on the other hand, is danced "on a line" along an imaginary axis called the slot. It's an asymmetrical dance, prized for the purity of its lines and its many turns.

2. The Music

In Cuban salsa, you usually dance to Timba, a rich, fast music that is often rhythmically aggressive, driven by heavy percussion.

In Puerto Rican salsa, you dance to classic salsa, salsa romántica or Mambo, with an orchestration often shaped by vibraphone or flute and a more linear rhythm.

3. The Vibe in Paris

If you're looking to party, Cuban Salsa Paris is known for its very warm, laid-back atmosphere with no strict dress code. Puerto Rican nights can sometimes feel a little more refined and technical.

The verdict:

For raw energy and a learning curve often seen as easier at the start: go for Cuban!