Hi Erik,

From my experience as a Latin American competitive dancer as well as a social latin dancer, I would like to comment on your question. The latin hip motion described and taught by your Belgian teacher is very appropriate for many Latin dances for example the Merengue and the Cha Cha Cha when it moves to the side. However, if you see authentic Salsa/Mambo dancers at the clubs, you might notice a lack of this, what at times appears to be exaggerated, "latin hip action. When stepping forward, we do not step on the ball of the inside edge of the foot and therefore a bent leg. The leg straightens immediately with only enough weight on it to move us to the next step. I feel that there is more emphasis placed on the rib cage and on a fluid leg action rather that on latin hip action. I think that this tends to be more of a "studio" technique than a social or authentic technique. This does not mean that your Belgium teacher is wrong but I tend to agree with the Cuban teacher for the Salsa and use the other when dealing with actions that go side to side but to not overdo it.

Hi Erik,
The cuban motion you're describing sounds very much like the American style Mambo technique of delayed hip action. Although if I try it again standing here in front of my computer at work, people will start to wonder...
I'd be the last person to tell you your Belgian teacher is wrong. I'm not sure, but I think the word 'salsa' itself means something like 'a little bit of everything, and all mixed up'. I don't believe any organization (eg ISTD) has formalized Salsa, so I would suggest: take what you like, and leave the rest.
Best regards and happy dancing!