Introduction

SalsaNor is a non-profit cultural organization founded in Norway, with a purpose to promote Latin American and Caribbean dance and music cultures. Since its inception, the organization has been a leading force in developing and strengthening salsa and related dance environments not only in Norway, but also internationally. SalsaNor organizes a variety of events, including dance classes, workshops, social dance nights, and major festivals, all of which help to build bridges between different cultures through dance and music.

Through its involvement in society and its contribution to cultural life, SalsaNor has a clear goal of creating an inclusive and diverse dance environment where people from all backgrounds can come together to share their love of dance. The organization places great emphasis on accessibility and wants to offer high-quality teaching and experiences that are open to everyone, regardless of dance skill. SalsaNor is also dedicated to supporting and promoting local dance artists and musicians by providing them with platforms to showcase their talent.

Since its establishment, SalsaNor has grown to become a central player in its field, known for its commitment to cultural dissemination and its ability to bring people together in the celebration of the joy of life that Latin American and Caribbean dance and music so powerfully express.

History

SalsaNor was founded in Norway in the late 1990s, with a vision of creating a platform for the dissemination and growth of Latin American and Caribbean dance culture in Norway. The founders, a group of passionate dancers and cultural mediators, saw a need for an organized community where people could learn, exchange, and celebrate salsa and other related dance forms. The goal was not only to provide dance classes and events, but also to build an inclusive community that reflected the global diversity and energy that salsa represents.

From the very beginning, SalsaNor set a high standard for quality and authenticity for its offerings. They invited internationally renowned instructors and artists to Norway to give workshops and performances, while supporting local talent. This contributed to rapid growth in interest in salsa and related dances in Norway, and helped establish a solid foundation for the dance community.

During the 2000s, SalsaNor’s business expanded significantly. They became the organizers of some of Norway’s most popular dance festivals, including the annual Oslo Caribbean Feeling, which attracts participants from all over the world with its unique mix of concerts, workshops, and dance parties. The festival is a testament to the organization’s success and its importance in the international dance community.

Furthermore, SalsaNor has initiated several projects to promote dance as a social and cultural practice. Among other things, they have implemented dance programs in schools and offered free dance classes to various community groups. Through these initiatives, SalsaNor works to make dance accessible to everyone, regardless of social background or financial situation.

The organization has also been a pioneer in the digitization of dance education, with the launch of online courses and resources to reach an even wider audience. This step has been particularly relevant in light of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and has demonstrated SalsaNor’s ability to adapt and continue its mission under changing conditions.

Over the years, SalsaNor has retained its core vision of celebrating and sharing the rich culture associated with salsa and other Latin American and Caribbean dance forms. The organization’s journey from a small group of enthusiasts to a leading force in the dance community in Norway and internationally is an inspiring story of passion, community, and cultural exchange.

Goals and vision

SalsaNor’s core visions and goals reflect a profound commitment to promoting Latin American dance, music, and joie de vivre. These fundamental values directly influence how the organization makes decisions and engages in its activities:

Inclusion

SalsaNor stands for a diverse and inclusive environment, where everyone who wants to participate can feel welcome, seen, and valued. This principle leads to a broad approach in programming and events, ensures accessibility for people from all backgrounds, and motivates an open dialogue and collaboration within the dance and cultural community.

Joy and enthusiasm

Dance and music are at the core of SalsaNor’s work, which spreads joy and enthusiasm among members and participants. This sense of community and personal fulfillment drives the organization to create inspiring and life-enriching experiences.

Quality

For SalsaNor, it is essential to offer high quality in all parts of what they do, from professional and artistic content in courses and events to organization and implementation. This commits them to continuous improvement and professionalism in their work, ensuring that attendees receive an exceptional experience.

Involvement

As a volunteer organization, SalsaNor’s existence depends on the commitment and effort of its volunteers, members, and participants. The organization values this commitment highly and seeks to cultivate a culture where everyone feels invited to contribute and be part of the community.

Vision

SalsaNor’s overall vision is to open up a new world of Latin American dance, music, and joie de vivre for its audience. They achieve this by continuously offering high-quality events and experiences and making SalsaNor a preferred cultural actor both locally, nationally, and internationally. The organization plays a vital role in the lives of thousands of people, not only as a source of leisure activity, but as a medium for physical and mental well-being, cultural discovery, and personal growth.

These goals and visions influence every decision and action the organization makes, from day-to-day operations to planning major international festivals. By staying true to its values, SalsaNor continues to grow and develop, contributing significantly to the multicultural and inclusive environment, both in Norway and in the international dance and cultural landscape.

Main activities

SalsaNor engages in a wide range of activities designed to promote and celebrate Latin American and Caribbean dance culture. These activities range from teaching and cultural events to international festivals, and each is central to the organization’s goal of building an inclusive and diverse dance community.

Courses and workshops

One of SalsaNor’s main activities is the organization of dance courses and workshops. These teaching sessions cover a wide range of dance styles, including salsa, bachata, rueda de casino, and many more, and are open to all skill levels from beginners to advanced dancers. The courses are led by experienced instructors, including internationally renowned dancers, and focus on both dance skills and cultural understanding.

Digital teaching

Rueda.Casino is an innovative online video platform developed by SalsaNor, dedicated to promoting and teaching Rueda de Casino, an engaging group dance form that originated in Cuba. This platform offers an extensive library of instructional videos covering everything from basic steps to advanced figures and combinations, enabling dancers of all levels, from beginners to experienced performers, to learn and improve their skills at their own pace. Rueda.Casino serves not only as a learning resource, but also as a global hub for Rueda de Casino enthusiasts, where members can share experiences, insights, and passion for this dynamic dance form. The launch and operation of this platform underscores SalsaNor’s commitment to leveraging digital tools to expand the reach and accessibility of Latin American dance culture globally.

Festivals & Events

SalsaNor is known for its dynamic festivals and events that attract participants from all over the world. Two of the most prominent festivals include:

  • Oslo Caribbean Feeling: An annual festival that celebrates Caribbean dance culture with a series of workshops, concerts, dance performances, and social dance nights. The festival is known for its lively atmosphere and inclusive environment.
  • SalsaNor Rueda Congress: This is one of the world’s premier festivals dedicated to Rueda de Casino, a group dance form from Cuba. The festival offers workshops, performances, and competitions, and is a meeting place for rueda enthusiasts from all over the world.

Cultural trips

SalsaNor also organizes cultural trips to, among other places. Latin America, especially to Cuba, where participants can dive deeper into the roots of salsa and other dance forms. These trips include dance classes, cultural excursions, and meetings with local artists, offering a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture and history behind the dances.

In recent years, SalsaNor has also organized dance trips to other locations both internationally and nationally in Norway.

Social dance nights

Regular social dance nights are a central part of SalsaNor’s activities, giving members and dance enthusiasts a platform to practice their skills, meet new people, and share their passion for dance. These evenings are open to everyone and serve as an important gathering point for the dance community.

In addition to the already mentioned festivals such as Oslo Caribbean Feeling and SalsaNor Rueda Congress, SalsaNor has a rich history of facilitating a number of other festivals, events, and concert concepts. These events range from one-off concerts to parts of larger festivals, and demonstrate the organization’s dedication to creating social meeting places where audiences can enjoy and participate in dance and music from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Concerts

Concerts have been an important part of SalsaNor’s offer since its inception in 1999, and the organization has developed into a central concert provider in Norway, with support from Arts Council Norway. Over the past year, SalsaNor has performed 11 concerts, including three with international artists:

  • In 2023, Son World Day was celebrated with a concert by Mixael Cabrera at Riksscenen, in connection with the screening of the documentary film ‘The Sound of Cuba’.
  • Paulo Flores, a well-known Kizomba/semba artist, performed in 2023 at Union Scene in Drammen as part of a collaboration with Interkultur Drammen.
  • During the Oslo Caribbean Festival 2023, the salsa orchestra El Noro y 1era Clase was the main attraction, which testifies to the festival’s commitment to bringing top international artists to Norway.

Other concerts focused on artists living in Norway, and in 2023 included several performances by the house band La Gozadera during the Cuban Live Night event, which has become an established and very popular concept. These concerts, along with performances by Ary Morais and the collaboration with Hovedøen Social Club on Riksscenen, underscore SalsaNor’s commitment to promoting musical diversity and providing quality entertainment for its audience.

Other event: The verbal program “The Sound of Cuba”

SalsaNor has also established a verbal program to shed light on the situation in Cuba. This program is often combined with concert and dance to create a holistic experience. In the final program, the documentary film ‘Orillados’ from the series ‘Cuba Suena’ (The Sound of Cuba) was shown, followed by a panel discussion with influential voices related to Cuba. This initiative demonstrates SalsaNor’s commitment to not only entertaining, but also informing and creating dialogue on important social and political topics.

SalsaNor continues to be a dynamic force in Norway’s cultural life, with an impressive array of events and concerts celebrating and promoting Latin American and Caribbean culture. Through its diverse range of programs, SalsaNor creates valuable cultural meeting places that enrich Norwegian society.

Development and support for artists

SalsaNor also engages in supporting and promoting Latin American and Caribbean artists, dancers, and musicians living in Norway and Europe. The organization offers work opportunities through its events and projects, and works to increase the visibility and recognition of these artists.

Community involvement and inclusion

Beyond dance and music, SalsaNor actively works for community engagement and inclusion through various initiatives, including charity events and partnering with schools to introduce children and youth to Latin American and Caribbean dance cultures.

Overall, SalsaNor’s activities reflect a deep commitment to promoting Latin American and Caribbean culture, building bridges between different cultures, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can experience joy and community through dance.

Contribution to Cultural Life

Since its establishment in 1999, SalsaNor has played a significant role in Norwegian and international cultural life by communicating and promoting Latin American and Caribbean cultures. Through a wide range of activities – from dance and music to festivals and cultural events – the organization has contributed to a deeper understanding and greater recognition of these rich cultures, not only in Norway, but also on a global scale.

Promotion of cultural diversity

SalsaNor has been a catalyst for cultural integration and diversity by providing a platform where people from different backgrounds can meet, share, and learn from each other. By organizing courses, workshops, and social dance nights, SalsaNor has made Latin American and Caribbean dance and music accessible to a wide Norwegian audience, and has created an inclusive environment that values diversity and community. These activities not only help to preserve cultural traditions, but also to promote cultural exchange and understanding among the people of Norway.

Concerts and festivals

Through its extensive concert activities and arrangements of major festivals such as Oslo Caribbean Feeling and SalsaNor Rueda Congress, SalsaNor has strengthened its position as a leading communicator of Latin American and Caribbean music and dance. By inviting both international stars and local artists, SalsaNor has helped to give these music forms a stage in Norway, while also creating important work opportunities for artists. These events attract audiences from all over the world and help to place Norway on the map as an important destination for cultural exchanges within these traditions.

Education and civic engagement

SalsaNor’s commitment extends beyond pure entertainment values; They have also taken an active role in education and community involvement. Through collaboration with schools and other educational institutions, SalsaNor has introduced children and young people to Latin American and Caribbean dance forms, promoted physical activity, and contributed to an increased cultural awareness among the younger generation. By hosting verbal programs and theme nights that focus on social and political issues related to Latin America and the Caribbean, SalsaNor also serves as a platform for discourse and learning.

SalsaNor Ung

SalsaNor Ung represents SalsaNor’s commitment to bring the joy of music and dance to children and young people, and to use cultural expressions as a means to promote increased self-esteem, unity, mastery, and joy of life among younger generations. Through a series of creative and inclusive activities, including free workshops, summer camps, and innovative projects such as Latin Jam, SalsaNor Ung strives to offer young people an opportunity to explore and express themselves through dance and music in a supportive and encouraging environment.

These activities are designed to be not only entertaining but also educational, offering youth the chance to learn about different cultures through hands-on engagement with Latin American and Caribbean rhythms and dances. SalsaNor Ung sees music and dance as powerful tools for building bridges between different cultures and backgrounds, and emphasizes inclusion and diversity in all of its programs. By inviting professional musicians and dancers to lead these activities, SalsaNor Ung gives participants access to high-quality instruction and a unique opportunity to develop their skills, whether they are beginners or already have experience with music and dance.

The project is an important part of SalsaNor’s ideology that dance and music are not only art forms, but also important tools for personal development and community building. By offering these opportunities, SalsaNor hopes to inspire a new generation to embrace and celebrate cultural diversity, and to discover the joy of expressing oneself through creative movement and interaction. SalsaNor Ung is a testament to the organization’s commitment to contributing positively to society by engaging youth in meaningful cultural experiences.

International cooperation

SalsaNor has established itself as a bridge builder in the international dance and music community through its work to promote cultural understanding and collaboration across national borders. Through projects such as cultural trips to Cuba and collaborations with international artists and educators, SalsaNor strengthens the ties between Norway and Latin American and Caribbean countries, and contributes to a global dialogue on cultural exchange and understanding.

SalsaNor’s contribution to cultural life is multifaceted and far-reaching. The organization’s work has not only enriched the Norwegian cultural landscape with living traditions from Latin America and the Caribbean, but has also contributed to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and understanding society. Through its dedication to cultural dissemination, education, and international collaboration, SalsaNor has shown how art and culture can serve as powerful tools for community building and global connection.

Partnership and collaboration

SalsaNor has established itself as an important player in the cultural landscape through valuable partnerships and collaborative projects with a number of other cultural organizations, public institutions, and private companies. These collaborations have been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the organization’s work to promote Latin American and Caribbean culture.

  • Public institutions: SalsaNor has received support from Arts Council Norway, which has been crucial for their ability to arrange concerts and festivals. They have also worked with local municipalities and cultural centers to organize events that are accessible to a wide audience.
  • Cultural and dance organizations: Through collaborations with other cultural and dance organizations, SalsaNor has been able to offer a wider range of dance courses and workshops. This includes both local dance studios and international dance academies, which help to enrich the course content and offer participants unique learning opportunities.
  • Educational institutions: Collaboration with schools and educational institutions has made it possible for SalsaNor to introduce children and young people to Latin American and Caribbean dance and music, and use these art forms as educational and therapeutic tools.
  • Private companies: Partnerships with private companies and foundations, including sponsors and vendors, have provided the necessary funding and support to carry out larger events and projects.

These collaborations underscore SalsaNor’s commitment to building bridges between different sectors of society to promote cultural diversity and inclusion through dance and music.

Publications and media

SalsaNor’s activities and projects have been featured in numerous publications, articles, and media reports, underlining the organization’s importance and influence in the cultural landscape.

Through these publications and media coverage, SalsaNor has managed to convey its vision and values to a wide audience, and has strengthened its position as an important cultural communicator both in Norway and internationally.

Management and organizational structure

SalsaNor is run with a combination of a board, and a number of committees, working groups and project managers that focus on specific areas such as events, education, and community engagement. The board is responsible for overall strategic decisions, while project managers handle the day-to-day operations of the individual project. Volunteers play a critical role in the implementation of the organization’s projects and events. SalsaNor’s highest body is the General Assembly.

Future plans

SalsaNor will continue to expand its course and workshop offerings, host existing and new festivals or cultural events, and develop partnerships with schools and cultural institutions to increase the accessibility of Latin American and Caribbean culture.

One of our main focuses for the future is to strengthen their digital presence through their online teaching platforms rueda.casino and social media to reach a wider international audience.

Important Links

Social media: Direct links to SalsaNor’s profiles on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc., for updates, videos, and more interaction with the community

Table of contents