Home of Latin Music, Inc. is dedicated to bringing quality and affordable Salsa musical events to Boston and surrounding areas. There is a very active and dedicated Salsa community covering the northeast of the United States, however, there has never been an identical event like ours, where people can expand their knowledge of dance and enjoy being with other people of like interests while enjoying the elaborate show that we provide. Dancing is a historical tradition and ballroom dancing has been alive at social functions for centuries, Salsa is the Waltz and Foxtrot of today. In recent years social dance has proved its long lasting presence in the lives of every day people. It is in our media, our music and day to day social functions. It is not usually taught parent-to-child, so people are seeking forums where they can learn and enjoy from those who have been formally trained. Objectives Provide a social and entertainment forum for people with diverse interests, backgrounds, and ages Create a distinct cultural appreciation for Salsa dancing in the Massachusetts area HLM's primary emphasis will be on creating a unique experience not found elsewhere for concert attendees.  HLM will allow people to experience Salsa through live interaction on the dance floor during our concerts.  We believe we are redefining the industry by providing dancing areas during our shows and increasing the spectrum of entertainment we provide. Salsa is a dance for Salsa music created by Spanish speaking people from the Caribbean and their immigrant communities in the US. Salsa dancing mixes African and European dance influences through the music and dance fusions that are the roots of Salsa: Son, Guaguanco, Rumba, Boogaloo, Pachanga, Guaracha, Plena and Bomba.

History

Few would disagree that the music and dance forms originate largely in Cuban Son, most agree that Salsa as we know it today is a North American interpretation of the older forms. New York's Latino community had a vibrant musical and dancing scene throughout the '50s but found limited success with the 'Anglo' mainstream. In the 1970s, adoption of the term "Salsa" reduced the linguistic and cultural barriers to mainstream adoption of Latin music and dance.

The modernization of the Mambo in the 1950s was influential in shaping what would become Salsa. There is debate as to whether the dance we call Salsa today originated in either Cuba or Puerto Rico. Cuba's influence in North America was diminished after Castro's revolution and the ensuing trade embargo. New York's Latino community was largely Puerto-Rican. Salsa is one of the main dances in both Cuba and Puerto Rico and is known worldwide.

Salsa Basic Movements

The basic step of all styles of Salsa involves three weight changes, or steps, in each four beat measure. The beat without a weight change might contain a tap, kick, or pause. One of the steps is a "break step", which is a little bit longer than the other two. Different styles of Salsa are often differentiated by the direction and timing of the break step.  After six weight changes in eight beats, the basic step cycle is complete. While dancing, the basic step can be modified significantly as part of the improvisation and styling of the dancers.

As a Salsa dancer changes weight the upper body remains level and nearly unaffected by the weight changes. Caught in the middle are the hips which end up moving quite a bit; the famous "Cuban hip movement."

The arms are used to communicate the lead in either open or closed position. In open position the two dancers hold one or both hands, especially for moves that involve turns, or putting arms behind the back, or moving around each other. In closed position, the leader puts the right hand on the follower’s back, while the follower puts the left hand on the leader's shoulder.