What is styling?

The term "styling" is used to describe movement that is used to augment or embellish a more basic movement, or more literally, to describe the elements of one's personal "style". Interestingly, while the word "styling" is only occasionally used in this manner in other partner dance genres, such as line dancing and tango, it is a much more familiar term in salsa.

Consider the typical learning path for women in salsa: she begins in a group class consisting of both men and women, where everyone learns the same basic steps. After mastering these basics, she seeks out a "Ladies' Styling" class, where she learns how to use her arms and body movement to make the same steps look more feminine. This perspective helps us understand why traditionally, styling classes have mostly been offered for women only and why the term "styling" is mostly understood as a feminine one.

Recently, there has been a shift in perspective concerning gender stereotypes and how they are expressed on the dance floor, thus, "styling" has taken on its more inclusive definition that is neither feminine nor masculine and can range from body and head movements; arm, leg and foot gesturing; and varied timing. Styling classes are now offered for men as well and can even borrow from other dance genres, such as Franklin Diaz's "salsa flamenco styling" and Frankie Martinez's "Afro-Latin Funk".

This all-encompassing definition of "styling" represents one of the most unique and beautiful characteristics of salsa dance - the freedom of each individual to create one's personal style, driven by the dance's improvisational nature.

Form meets Function

Given salsa's tendency toward variety, I'd like to offer you one such motivation for my own styling method. I use a few basic rules to determine my styling choices depending on whether I am dancing solo ("open shines") or dancing with a partner. In salsa solo work, I believe that there should be no limits to how one interprets and expresses salsa, except for practical spacing constraints (i.e. not colliding with other couples in a crowded club).

In partner work, however, one priority supersedes all others - safety for oneself and one's partner. As you can guess, both dancers use their complementary roles to achieve this. The leader is responsible for executing figures that can be clearly communicated and not dangerously misinterpreted. For the follower, responding to those signals must take precedence over all else. Styling must always be feasible according to each lead, which determines if, when, and how it should be used. In summary, basic styling should be dictated by its function or purpose in the figure. But ladies, do not despair! Functional styling can still be beautiful, sexy, playful, or whatever you want it to be!

My rationale for teaching styling from a functional perspective is that it's practical and provides a simple, easy-to-remember framework for beginners that haven't yet explored their personal styling inclination. I believe that it is important for dancers to incorporate these basic ideas into their following habits so that in the frenzy of following, the movements that ensure safety are already second nature. Remember that being safe and comfortable first allows you to enjoy this incredible dance and to discover your true style!

7 Fundamental Styling Concepts

I have provided some simple examples, below, where each styling element serves two purposes: first, to facilitate the lead while ensuring safe figure execution and second, to look feminine, according to my personal preferences. While reading through these concepts, try to think of ways you might change the styling outcome to reflect your own preferences while still making safety your first priority.

Have fun practicing, and see you on the dance floor!