Salsa (film)

Salsa is a 1988 American romantic musical drama film directed by Boaz Davidson. It stars Draco Rosa (credited as Robi Rosa) as Rico, a young Puerto Rican man living in East Los Angeles who dreams of becoming a professional salsa dancer.

The film revolves around Rico's passion for salsa dancing and his pursuit of stardom. He works as a mechanic by day, but spends his nights practicing his moves and competing in local salsa clubs. Rico is supported by his close-knit family and friends, who believe in his talent and encourage him to follow his dreams.

He faces various challenges, including rival dancers, personal setbacks, and the temptation to stray from his values. He is torn between his longtime girlfriend Rita and a new, glamorous dancer named Luna who could help him achieve his ambitions.

The film features numerous salsa dance sequences and musical performances, showcasing a variety of Latin music styles. The soundtrack includes songs by Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, and other notable salsa artists.

Salsa explores themes of ambition, family, love, and cultural identity within the vibrant world of Latin music and dance. It is considered a cult classic, particularly among salsa enthusiasts, for its depiction of the salsa scene in the late 1980s. The film's success helped to popularize salsa music and dance in mainstream American culture.