In today’s era, coverage/exposure of salsa that appears to the greater majority of audience and media are, in a way, not completely original salsa. It is a hidden trend that slow, methodical modern dance moves are being incorporated into the fast-paced yet finessed illustration that salsa originally was. Even the music choice is becoming altered as time goes by, with global “hit” songs being used instead of indigenous instruments and music.
Take a look:
“Modern Salsa”
Robert Irwin’s TikTok Night Salsa | Dancing with the Stars
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars (specifically September 30, 2025), which was the show’s first-ever “TikTok Night.”
The Dancers: Robert Irwin: 21-year-old Australian wildlife conservationist.
Witney Carson: A high-profile professional Latin ballroom dancer who
has been with the show since 2014.
The Song: “Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman. This choice is crucial. It’s a viral media-catered track, not a traditional Salsa song.
The Expression: This is “Stage Salsa.” It prioritizes high-impact visuals (like Robert ripping his shirt off) and athletic lifts over the subtle “grounded” connection of traditional salsa. It’s designed to be “clip-able” for social media, leaning into the viral nature of the TikTok theme.
vs.
“Traditional Salsa”
WSS16 Professional Small Team Open Salsa World Champions Baila Conmigo
The Dancers: Baila Conmigo is a premier dance school based in New Jersey, led by director Christina S. Morrero. They are well-known in the community for their “Colombian Style” (Salsa Caleña).
The Song: The track is a high-tempo, percussion-heavy “Salsa Dura” (Hard Salsa). While the specific live mix varies, it focuses on heavy brass and the constant 2-3 or 3-2 clave rhythm.
The Expression: This is “Competition Salsa.” Although it looks fast and flashy, the “tradition” here lies in the technique. The dancers are maintaining incredibly high speeds with their feet (typical of the Cali, Colombia influence) while keeping perfect synchronization. This is the “Gold Standard” for the niche subculture. Many cultures glorify this standard of dance. Specifically, it’s about honoring the music’s complexity through physical mastery.
Deduction
Salsa was a big “boom” and hit “back in the days”, yet its current status differs widely from its original reputation. To common understanding, Salsa today is not as prevalent as before, but still a go-to culture magnet to connect communities in its own niche fashion. Families still gather together to watch Salsa dance competition and perform Salsa dances during parties, carrying the same spirit that Salsa always held.
Essentially, it can be said that within the U.S. and especially with NYC’s vast melting pot, Salsa’s presence has dimmed. However, it’s very important to note that this may only appear so because it isn’t widely covered in the media. Many, many hispanic households across the country rejoice in Salsa music and dance within their own private spaces. The love that people have for Salsa remains deep whether or not Salsa music/dance becomes “mainstream”. That’s what culture is.
For anyone that may have interest in Salsa and are curious as to where gatherings are held regarding its culture, try looking up some websites. Here is one (not sponsored): https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ny–new-york/salsa-music/
