The dance that began as a folk tradition has exploded into the mainstream, from nightclubs to performance halls, senior centers and salsa schools. Today, histories and traditions are recounted on ...

Standing on a stage in front of about 270 people — each looking to her for guidance — Elisa Baena demonstrated the basic step pattern of a salsa dance. "1, 2, 3 — relax your shoulders — 5, 6, 7 — ...