Salsa means sauce and so the dancers should depict a very hot and spicy interaction with each other - it is a dance of courtship. Salsa is still relatively new compared to other Latin American dances such as the cha-cha-cha or the samba, and as such is still in the process of evolving.

Salsa dance was a response to a variety of new instruments, like the bongos and the cow-bell, that were introduced to Cuba in the early 20th century. The overall look of the Cuban salsa should be sensuous and fluid, with the dancers moving around each other and the floor in circular movements. Cuban salsa should be danced on the ball of the foot and the steps should be kept small at all times. Drops and lifts are permitted - but Cuban salsa is all about looking after the lady so these moves should be delicate and subtle.