ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book concerns the making of Latin American cultural identities in London, with particular attention paid to those activities that are related to salsa music clubs. It shows that understanding Latin identity across salsa clubs cannot solely be understood through a focus on the clubs alone but by adopting an approach which takes in to consideration macro as well as micro elements. The book attempts to develop three different dimensions of analysis, as a way of understanding the movement of cultural practices around the world and the complexities and dynamics involved when analysing Latin identity construction outside of the geographical boundaries of Latin America. It explores in relation to the geographical distribution of the clubs, the routes and routines being created by participants, the monitoring of licensing authorities and policies and practices of club owners and promoters.
