Havana ( CNN ) -- Young and old burn up the dance floor at Havana 's Las Canitas nightclub every weekend . On a recent Saturday night , half of the dancers twirling to the latest salsa hits were from Switzerland . Cubans pride themselves on their intricate , hip-swiveling moves and can usually tell the difference between locals and foreigners . `` See , look at him . He needs to move his hips more , '' a young Cuban woman shouted over the blaring sound system as she watched the Swiss tourists . But some of them surprised her . `` Wow , he 's got tremendous feeling , '' she said pointing to another dancer as he spun his partner in circles . `` He could definitely be Cuban . '' This Caribbean island may be best known among tourists for its pristine beaches and classic American cars , but travelers are increasingly headed to Cuba for salsa dancing . The tropical music has taken Europe and Asia by storm , with salsa clubs and dance studios in high demand , especially in the UK , Germany and Japan . And when it comes time to travel , they 've still got salsa on the mind . Cuban dance instructor Marisuri Garcia opened a dance school in Switzerland , where she lives part of the year . Back in Cuba , she receives locals and tourists in her second-story apartment on a rundown street in the center of Havana . Many Cubans like her have bought licenses from the government , which allow them to offer private lessons , charging around $ 5 per hour . `` Dancing helps you live better , '' she told CNN . `` It helps you to look inside and open up , to be free in mind and body . '' Cuba 's Culture Ministry also offers salsa packages with state-run dance studios like SprachCaffe , where tourists are paired with individual instructors . A two-week tour including dance classes , hotel and some meals runs about 900 euros , or about $ 1,300 . Garcia has converted her terrace into a studio with a green plastic roof , mirrors on the walls and views of her neighbors ' laundry drying in the sun . `` More sexy ! '' she shouts to the rows of Swiss visitors as they roll their hips and practice their steps . This group has come on a two-week package that includes beach time and city tours . But their main goal is to go home dancing better than when they arrived . `` I have been dancing for three or four years , '' said Peter Schaffer , an accountant . `` Now I will find my individual style . '' The origins of salsa are disputed . It has its roots in Cuba 's son and mambo but was heavily influenced by American music and Latin Americans living in New York . Evelyn Hiestand , a flight attendant , says she has been dancing salsa for years but feels that she has found something more genuine in Cuba . `` Because I think it 's the roots of salsa , '' she said . `` It 's joy . It 's joy of life . '' Because of U.S. travel restrictions , very few American tourists make it to Cuba . Cuba : Easing of U.S. travel restrictions does n't go far enough . Garcia thinks salsa dancing could be a bridge as more cultural exchanges are allowed by President Barack Obama 's administration . She hopes to help people overcome political differences on the dance floor . `` We 've got Swiss and Germans dancing salsa like Cubans , '' she says . `` It 's time to see more Americans ! ''
Many European and Asian visitors are traveling to Cuba to improve their salsa technique . Licensed dance instructors offer lessons for about $ 5 an hour . Cuba 's Culture Ministry also offers salsa package tours . Because of U.S. travel restrictions , very few American tourists make it to Cuba .