Salsa On1 vs. On2: Which Style is Right for You?
The eternal salsa debate, settled once and for all. As a competitive dancer who's trained in both styles, here's the honest breakdown you won't find elsewhere.
"Should I learn On1 or On2?"
If I had a dollar for every time a new student asked me this question at our private lessons, I could retire. But I wouldn't—because I love this question. It shows you're already thinking like a real dancer.
After 19 years of teaching salsa in Montreal and competing internationally, here's the truth: the "best" style depends entirely on you. Let me help you figure out which one fits your goals.
🎵 First, What's the Difference?
Both On1 and On2 use the same music, the same basic step pattern, and the same turns. The only difference is when you break (change direction) relative to the music.
On1 (LA Style): You break forward on beat 1, the first beat of the measure. It's punchy, direct, and feels like you're starting fresh with the music.
On2 (NY Style/Mambo): You break on beat 2, the second beat. This aligns with the conga drum pattern (the "slap") and feels more syncopated, more musical, more subtle.
Here's an analogy: On1 is like starting a sentence with an exclamation. On2 is like building to a crescendo.
💃 Salsa On1: The Accessible Powerhouse
Pros:
- Easier to learn: Breaking on 1 is more intuitive because it aligns with how most people naturally count music
- More studios teach it: In Montreal and globally, On1 is the dominant style in beginner classes
- Dynamic and showy: LA-style salsa emphasizes flashy tricks, dips, and aerials
- Great for weddings: The visual impact suits performances and wedding first dances
Cons:
- Can feel less connected to the musical nuances
- Sometimes prioritizes "tricks" over technique
- Less common in traditional salsa communities
Best for: Beginners, visual learners, couples wanting a show-stopping wedding dance, people who love big dramatic movements.
🎭 Salsa On2: The Musician's Choice
Pros:
- More musical: Dancing on 2 connects you to the conga "slap"—the heart of salsa rhythm
- Smoother feel: The timing creates a more flowing, less "choppy" dance
- Respected in traditional circles: If you visit New York or Cuban salsa scenes, On2 is king
- Better musicality development: Forces you to really listen to the music
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for complete beginners
- Fewer instructors, especially outside major cities
- Can feel "behind the beat" initially
Best for: Musicians, people with prior dance experience, those planning to dance socially in NYC/Puerto Rico, dancers who prioritize technique over flashiness.
🤔 The Montreal Reality
Here's something most articles won't tell you: Montreal's social salsa scene dances mostly On1. If your goal is to dance at local socials, festivals, and clubs, learning On1 will give you more immediate dance partners.
That said, there's a growing On2 community here, especially among more advanced dancers. And here's my insider advice: learn both. Eventually.
Start with whichever clicks for you, master it, then add the other. The best social dancers can switch between styles seamlessly based on their partner.
⏱️ My Recommendation by Goal
If you want to dance at Montreal clubs/socials: Start On1
If you're a musician or have dance experience: You might prefer On2
If you want a show-stopping wedding dance: On1 (more visual)
If you're planning to travel to New York: Learn On2 (it's their native style)
If you just want good exercise: Either! Join our adult Latin fitness classes
🎯 The Only Wrong Answer
The only wrong answer is not dancing at all. Seriously. I've seen people spend months researching On1 vs. On2 when they could have just started learning and figured it out.
Both styles will teach you:
- Partner connection and leading/following
- Body movement and Latin hip motion
- Turn patterns and footwork
- Musicality and rhythm
- Confidence on any dance floor
Ready to Find Your Style?
At Quartier Latin, I teach both On1 and On2. In your first lesson, we'll figure out which style suits your body, your goals, and your musical ear. No pressure, no judgment—just dancing.
Book a trial lesson and let's discover your salsa style together!
— Alina, Founder of Quartier Latin Dance Studio
