On1 vs On2 - White-A-Rican's Take

Okay this is the most debated and hotly discussed topic in the salsa scene it seems.

"On2 is harder and more refined than On1"

"On2 dancers are stuck up, On1 is better"

I seem to find dancers on both sides of the fence turning up their nose at one style or another. For a variety of reasons....

What about me? I dance both. I started with On1, so it will always be with me. I learned On2 out of necessity. I signed up for a workshop with Jayson Molina and Griselle Ponce when I was a beginner, only to learn that it was On2!!! I further developed an ability to follow On2 because I dance Cha Cha (always danced On2. ALWAYS - but that's another article). Now I take classes in On2 salsa. But I have people who will only dance with On2 dancers and vice versa, or they argue with each other on which is better and why. Can't we all just get along?

Neither one is better than the other. They each have their place and style. I think that depending on the song, one style will fit better than others. I know that my partner starting out wouldn't dance to a song without a cowbell in it because he couldn't hear the On1 timing....well 2 years later, I realize that those were old school Mambos and On2 seems to "fit" the song better. Sometimes I find myself falling into one timing or another, because its like I am forcing to dance On1 to an instrumental Mambo, or On2 to a mainstream fast salsa.

On1 is what alot of people start with. It is more widely taught here in Florida, and just about everyone can do it. It is easier to grasp the timing and to hear it for a newbie than listening for the On2 Conga slap. When I started it was a foreign land and I steered as far way from it as I could. BIG mistake! I found that it was the same step! I had been brain washed by my school to believe that On1 was better, and On2 dancers were arrogant and not social. This is not always the case, so I started venturing into that side a little by little, and now I am trying it out and liking it! I do not feel rushed. I feel the school I dance at now, is very much into timing and musicality, and not just doing pattern after pattern, like robots, regardless of the actual music. My arms are not being ripped off, nor am I forced into a ton of multiple spins. Its a more laid back kind of dancing. Although there are times I do love to kill it On1 LA Style, On2 New York Style seems to suit my personal style a little better. I am more relaxed and able to focus on my steps and movements.

Honestly, I believe in the end it is what you are comfortable with and what suits the song. I saw a video interviewing Eddie Torres and he summed it up that if you are correct with your timing, it really doesn't matter. Everyone should have their own style. That is what I am attempting. Taking bits and pieces and making them my own.

So next time a guy asks you, On1 or On2...do what I do. Smile sweetly and say - you're leading, you pick - I'll follow.

Ciao for Now,
White-A-Rican