Which Latin dance became popular in New York City during the 1980s?

Salsa emerged as a dominant and vibrant Latin dance style in New York City during the 1980s. Its popularity can be attributed to a combination of cultural influences and the burgeoning Latin music scene. The dance is characterized by its energetic and rhythmic movements, often performed to lively music that blends elements of jazz, rock, and Afro-Cuban sounds.

During this period, New York City became a melting pot of diverse cultures, and the influence of Puerto Rican and Cuban communities played a significant role in popularizing salsa. Dance clubs and venues in the city embraced this energetic style, leading to salsa dance classes and competitions proliferating throughout the region. The salsa scene was further fueled by the rise of salsa music, which attracted not only Latin communities but also a broader audience enamored with the infectious beats and lively atmosphere.

Conversely, while the other dance styles mentioned have their own significance and history, they did not experience the same surge of popularity in the 1980s that salsa did. Samba, tango, and cha-cha each have their roots in different cultural contexts and followed distinct trajectories, but they did not dominate the New York City dance scene in the same way that salsa did during that vibrant decade.