London’s Salsa Scene Pulsates as the Heartbeat of the City’s Cultural Life

London is one of the most culturally diverse cities on the face of the earth. Not only is it home to some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, but it is also a melting pot of different cultures and ways of life from all over the globe.

Over the years, London’s Latin American community has been steadily increasing, and the positive influence has been well documented. Not only has this resulted in some of the most amazing Latin-inspired cuisine you could ever wish to sample, but it has also seen the UK embrace the Latin American nightlife too.

Salsa classes in the UK have been popular for decades, though primarily they were enjoyed as a way of keeping fit. Now, don’t get us wrong, salsa dancing is one of the most effective and exciting ways to keep fit, but it offers so much more. Salsa, for many, is a way of life. It’s a way to unwind, have fun, and meet new like-minded individuals who share the same passions and interests as you.

Thinking of enjoying salsa dancing in London yourself? Here’s a brief history of the city’s Latin roots and a quick look at a few popular venues.

Why is Salsa so Popular in London?

London’s salsa scene is arguably hotter than ever before. It’s the metaphorical heartbeat of the city’s cultural nightlife, attracting an international cast to its dancefloors 7 nights each week.

But why is the UK’s capital attracting so many salsa dancers from across the globe? After all, the UK is synonymous with many things, but salsa dancing isn’t generally one of them. That could soon change however, as the city has embraced the Latino way of life with open arms.

Salsa dancing is a collective term used to describe a selection of Latin American dances. Salsa is a rhythmic, passionate, three-step, expressive, fiery, partner-based dance which is danced to salsa music. Salsa music is best described as a fusion of Cuban and Puerto Rican jazz and rock music, with other Latin American elements sprinkled in for good measure. Not only is it a great way to keep fit, it’s also a great way to learn about new cultures while having fun in the process.

The UK has a well-documented musical history, yet many would be surprised to learn that Latin American music has been popular there for close to a century now. It was during the 1940s when Cuban bandleader Don Marino Barreto began captivating UK audiences, playing to UK bomber pilots during the Second World War to keep spirits high.

After Barreto retired, he handed the band reigns over to Edmundo Ros. It was Ros who really helped to put Latino music on the UK map, as he became one of the most successful musicians in all of Britian, let alone London.

While the 1960s saw ‘Beatlemania’ sweep the nation, Latino music still maintained a dedicated following. The 70s and 80s saw a large number of Hispanic immigrants, largely from Columbia, fleeing hardships back home and beginning new lives in London. London’s Columbian community grew, and Columbian influences began creeping into the UK way of life. This of course, included salsa music and salsa dancing.

With the nation’s capital slowly falling in love with the Latino way of life, many of London’s nightclubs began playing salsa music and hosting salsa events. This in turn resulted in Latin-themed bars and salsa clubs popping up all across the city.

It was the 1990s however, that really solidified salsa as a mainstay in British culture. The 90s, which many consider to be the peak of music history, saw a variety of Latino musicians creeping into the charts. Musicians such as Shakira, and Ricky Martin, showed the UK that Latino music, particularly salsa, could be catchy and sexy in equal measure. Ricky Martin’s ‘Livin’ la vida loca’ could be heard pumping out of every salsa club in London until the early hours of the morning.

Many of London’s hottest bars and celeb hangouts were Latino-themed, with ‘Havana’ and ‘Bar Salsa’ in particular, proving world-famous. That resulted in what many dubbed the ‘Latin Boom’, and London has been embracing the Latino way of life ever since.

Today, London is home to a variety of salsa clubs and dance venues, many of which host regular salsa classes and salsa events.

London’s Vibrant Salsa Scene

Whether you’re passionate about salsa and all things Latino, or are simply looking to try something new, London is home to a variety of salsa venues.

Here are just a few of the most prominent locations and events to be enjoyed throughout the week.
 

Funky Mambo Presents Salsa On2sdays

Every Tuesday evening from 7pm – 11.30pm, the Boston Music Room hosts London’s most popular Mambo night.

The Funky Mambo Music School hosts one of London’s most popular salsa evenings. Here, individuals of any ability can drop in and enjoy a combination of salsa music and salsa dancing, taught by friendly and experienced professionals.

Whether you’re into salsa, Cuban dance, Columbian, freestyle, or anything else, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. There’s even a licenced bar, so you can socialize and make new friends after your class.

West London Salsa and Bachata

Hosted at the Shepherds Bush Club every Wednesday evening from 8pm, people of any dance ability are welcome to attend and learn how to dance salsa in a friendly, welcoming, relaxed environment.

There are affordable drinks available for once you finish your class, and they even host their own social dancing event in the evening where people can really let their hair down and show off their newly acquired Latin American moves.

Fridays at Bar Salsa Soho

Hosted Friday Nights at London’s Bar Salsa Soho, visitors can enjoy free entry before 7pm, with an entirely free dance class hosted from 7.30pm – 9pm. That’s right, you get to learn salsa and enjoy rhythmic, high-energy, and passionate salsa music completely free!

Best of all, there’s no need to book as people of all abilities are welcome to simply join in. No experience is necessary, just turn up and have fun.