The word "Salsa"- translates to mean, "sauce." It's a term that is used much like the word "swing" is applied to the jazz swing bands of the 1930's and 1940's. The earliest record of the words usage was in 1933, when Cuban composer Ignacio Piñeiro wrote and recorded, (with his ensemble Sexteto Nacional), the tune "Echale Salsita" ("Pour on the sauce").

Although salseros are found in most Latin American countries, the term "salsa" is often associated with Puerto Rican musicians. It is often regarded as being fast-paced and vivid; but salsa can also be slow and romantic. Salsadescribes a music that covers a wide range of emotions and expressions. The basic sound of salsa existed long before the term was applied to the music.

In the 1940s and '50s, the Cuban musician, Arsenio Rodriguez, became the dominant trend setter in Latin music. His ensemble included piano, second trumpet, sometimes a saxophone. He expanded the rhythm section to include timbales, conga, and a cowbell. Instrumental parts were standardized with tight, pre-set compositions, and used syncopated bass patterns. Theensembles of Rodriguez became the standard for Cuban dance bands and formed the basis for salsa.

Today Salsa is strutting its stuff; topping the charts; and dousing the mainstream in a spicy dip of dance crazy groove. And the influence can be heard as well in many Latin musical forms to include Puerto Rican "plenas," Dominican "merengue," and Colombian "cumbia." But the backbone is the Afro-Cuban rhythms…salsa. Jerry Masucci; (founder of Fania Records; the largest producer of Latin dance music recordings until the 1980s) played a big part in popularizing the term 'salsa' during the late 1960's and 1970's when Latin Americans were looking back to their roots. It was this time that the music served as a rallying point, and as an icon for Pan-Latin consciousness. This was a time period when the attitudes of salsa musicians were seeking stylistic purity. They did so by using smaller band sizes like that of the Cuban conjunto, consisting of a rhythm section with a front line of three to five horns, and one or two singers (much as we see today). A smattering of other styles (rap, reggae, and most recently Brazilian) enter the picture as well. Then again, you'll find veteran performers such as Celia Cruz and the late Tito Puente at the top of today's salsa hit lists.

Salsa has no borders and requires no visa. There are no age limits for performers, dancers, or aficionados. Country and culture of origin are far less important than feeling and expressing passion for this music: as a musician; as a dancer; as a listener.