The Salsa Dance Journal

Why a Salsa Dance Journal?

“The key to salsa is the clave.”

My salsa teacher in Saigon, Jimmy Yoon, would say this every practice, turning an imaginary key.

I had danced salsa for 3 years, yet had never heard of the clave. Never mind the 2/3 son clave, 3/2 rumba clave, son or even rumba! I mean, I heard the clave but never identified it! These wooden sticks are much more than instruments. They embody salsa’s Afro-Cuban roots, history, and survival.

The more I dove into salsa’s origins as a dancer, teacher and deejay, the richer the music and dance became. My hope is that this journal sparks more dancers to explore the multitude of musical styles, musicians and dances that were and are still absorbed into the commercial label “salsa.”

The salsa journal’s first 10 pages introduces salsa’s history, instruments, key figures, song structure and styles of salsa. There’s also a page covering social dance etiquette. This is what I wish I knew when I started taking salsa lessons 10 years ago! I don’t have all the answers (will I ever?), but I hope the journal sparks more discussions – and curiosity – about the music we love. Then, students have 100 pages to take notes, review, and keep leveling up.

For teachers: hand a student this journal, and you’ve got built-in conversation starters before class starts. For example:

• “Where did salsa come from?”
• “What’s the difference between on1 and on2?”
• “Should I dance differently during the intro and chorus parts of the song?”
• “What’s the difference between timba and mambo?”
• “How can I ask someone to dance at a social? How can I politely say no?”

What’s Inside

10 pages, meticulously researched, covering:

• Salsa’s roots & history
• The instruments
• Pioneering musicians
• Song structure
• Styles of salsa
• Social dance etiquette

Then, 100 lined pages – yours, for notes, questions and progress

Specifications

• B6 size (13cm x 18cm) lightweight, portable, fits easily in a dance bag
• Lay flat design – twin-wire binding opens a full 180° for easy writing
• 100 lined pages, 100gsm
• Weighs 200 grams

How to Order

Dance Schools, Teachers, Festival & Community Organizers 

Custom name/logo printing available for orders of 50+ copies.

• Starting at $7 USD per copy for orders of 50 (volume pricing available – ask for a quote) + $40 USD setup cost to ensure quality of customization
• Minimum order for customized journals: 50 copies
• Ships from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – 2 weeks for printing and 3-5 days for delivery in Vietnam OR 2-4 weeks for overseas delivery
• Available in English

Get a Quote for Your School →

Individuals

• $10 per copy
• Ships from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — please allow 3-5 days for delivery in Vietnam OR 2-4 weeks for overseas delivery
• Available in English

Order Your Copy →