Is salsa dancing just a fad? or a way of life?

Question

Is salsa dancing just a fad? or a way of life?

Answer 1

It's a hobby. It's not like Hip-Hop that  has developed it's own language, fashion, way of thinking or lifestyle. Now, I really do enjoy Salsa music, dancing and especially the women, dear GOD they're so s**y but although it is a very big part of some cultures, primarily lations and hispanics it's held in a higher regard on Islands where these cultures reside. I mean it was pretty much established by 2 guys, 1 on the Sax and the other was THE VOICE of the entire movement and foundation of Salsa and these 2 cats are Puerto Rican. Now, even in it's home country I've never seen a Salsa lifestyle or way of life like you can see in Hip-Hop. Please, thake note that I'm talking about the everyday Joe Blow that has a 9-5, a wife, kids and a mortage. For them it's a form of fun and entertainment but not a lifestyle. As for the musicians of Salsa, yes they of course live a certain way and do things in a certain way but, again, from what I have seen and observed it's NO different than anyother musician that is out there struggling and traveling to try and get their name and their sound out there for people to know them and to get paid.

I'm sure that people will disagree with me because I have met a few FANATICS when it comes to Salsa that would say that It influences every aspect of their lives from what they wear, to what they eat, to how they think and how they carry themselves but truthfully what doesn't have a fanatic now-a-days? But here's my question to you the asker and to anyone else that takes the time to read this, when comparing Salsa to Hip-Hop and with all the different fields that Hip-Hop legitimately effects from fashion 2 cars 2 politics 2 language 2 dancing 2 partying and so on, where does Salsa stand? Other than Dancing and Music, where else is it seen? What else does it effect?

Answer 2

It depends on the person. Some people dance whatever they think is "in" at the moment, when salsa is in the dance salsa, when swing is in they dance swing, when country line dance is in they dance that. they are "trend followers" and no dance is ever going to be anything more than a fad for them.

Other people dance because they love a specific dance and the music and they don't care about what Paris Hilton may be dancing at the moment.

As for being a "way of life" A.MAL.E seems to define "way of life" as something that has an accompanying clothing style. I don't know that this is necessarily an indication of a "way of life": most of these people are also just following whatever trend their current idol has set.

There are definitely people who plan their weeks around salsa classes, salsa nights at various clubs and basically socialize only with other salseros. I know people who plan vacations according to when there will be salsa festival and others who travel illegally to Cuba each year to be able to see their favorite bands live. That to me means that their life revolves around salsa, i.e. for them it is a way of life.

Answer 3

It depends on who you ask. For some salsa enthusiasts, it a way of life for sure.  

Answer 4

There was a mambo fad in the 1950's and a minor resurgence in the 60's. (Think "Dirty Dancing.)

The word salsa became associated with mambo music and probably dance as well in the 70's, and was solidly entrenched in the 80's.

If it's a fad, it's sure hanging around a long time.