During the late 1950's in Cuba, there was a popular dance that
was done in the streets, clubs, and in people's homes. It was called Casino
Rueda, or Rueda de Casino, or simply Rueda which means "wheel"
in Spanish. Casino refers to the kinds of turns and breaks you might
normally see in ordinary partner Salsa dancing Rueda de Casino was originally
danced in the 1950's to the Cha Cha beat in members-only clubs in
Cuba known as casinos deportivos. These casinos sponsored dances with
live orchestras where dancers would get together and create new styles.
It was in these casinos that "la rueda" was born.
Unfortunately, the Castro regime stifled a lot of popular cultural
activities, forcing them underground. Rueda de Casino eventually resurfaced
in people's living rooms, on the street, at clubs and parties. It was
first introduced to Miami in the early 90's and rapidly made its
way across the United States & Canada. It has become so popular, that
in 2003 the Salsa
Rueda Congress of the Americas was born. An
annual congress held in Miami attracts teams or rueda dancers coming from
all corners of the globe to compete and perform Rueda de Casino.
Rueda de Casino, in its truest form, is an art of communication that requires
dancers be alert and quick. A leader calls out or signals the dancers
to a short combination of intricate steps followed by commands such
as "adiós", "enchufla", or "dáme..."
which are patterns that lead dancers to a change of partners. There are
reportedly more than 150 moves, each with a name that often has a
double entendre or some cross cultural humor buried in it. It's incredible
to watch but certainly much more so to participate. Everyone in the
wheel, including followers, keep their eyes peeled to the caller.
When the dancers are on in "la rueda" it is intoxicating and
addictive.
Although both Miami and Cuban-Style Rueda have their collective roots
in Cuba, they have distinctive differences. Surprisingly enough though,
even evolving separately, there are still more similarities then
differences between the two. Some have described each style as being
very much a man's dance with a repertoire of multiple alardes
(a showy decoration with the hand, executed by the man that resembles
the gesture of combing one's hair) and hook turns.
Cuban-style rueda for most seems ''more sexually expressive''; a
raw and easy style that most non-Latino dancers may find difficult
to emulate.
Miami-style has evolved into a more refined and technically stronger
variation of the Cuban style; involving more precision and awareness
through the counting of each footstep.
Regardless of your "style preference" many of the calls (if
not most of them) are to some degree interchangeable. Both styles incorporate
traditional turns, intricate footwork, and play with the rhythm.
Many Cuban calls are duplicated in Miami-style under a different
name. In Miami-style a hand signal or gesture is associated with most
patterns which are well needed in large circles and/or loud night clubs.
Casino Rueda requires that students wishing to take this style of
Salsa must already have some basic experience in Salsa.
But I've got two left feet...
Make sure you register yourself for an introductory class or for
a couple private lessons. Practice often and try not to get discouraged
if you don't get it right away, it takes time. Mirrors are one of
the best tools you have... don't be afraid to use them. The instructors
are there to help not judge you; the first few weeks are always the
most difficult. Get as much practice as possible and you’ll
soon settle in to enjoy dancing at whatever level you feel comfortable.
You don’t have to be a World Champion to enjoy the dancing,
the music, the atmosphere and the company of friends. If you need
extra help, book a personal lesson so that you can concentrate
on your individual requirements at your own pace. If you’ve
got the interest, you’ll get there.
The answer is YES. Miami-Style Rueda differs from school to school as
much as Cuban and Miami Style Rueda differ from each other. All are fun,
all are fast, and all look great; but the subtle differences can wreak
havoc when teaching a group. Most rueda classes teach variations of the
same move. Ideally, all new dancers with Mambo will have some
form of "Latin Dance Essentials" or "Salsa Patterns"
regardless of previous dance background; equivilent experience may apply
with instructor approval. This ensures continuity between all moves we
teach. Many schools teach the same basic moves but those moves can
differ in name, execution, or technique. A good example of this is Kentucky
& El Pollo. These are exactly the same move with a couple of
exceptions. The most obvious is the name, the second is the hand signal.
Kentucky's signal is the motion of "knocking on a door with your
knuckles" while El Pollo's hand signal is "flapping your right
arm like a wing". When executed though, these should look identical.
Relax. A slower learner often retains things longer. If everyone
seems to be picking it up very quickly, remember that those who pick things
up quickly often forget them just as quickly. If you need extra help,
book a private lesson so that you can concentrate on your individual
requirements and work at your own pace. The instructors are your
resource, speak with them about your needs as a student, they’re
on your side.
Of course... attend the classes that you can and supplement
them with planned personal “catch-up” lessons, which
can be arranged on days and at times convenient to your schedule and
lifestyle. Once you have completed the course, you will be able to
join in the dance events that your schedule permits. You might even
choose to have occasional personal lessons to top up with a new move and
keep you on form.
Absolutely not, the main reason being, you don't get to keep them
for very long anyways. Rueda is a very social dance where all people involved
are "shared" with the rest of the circle through partner switching.
Whether it is the leader picking up a new follower or the follower going
to find a new leader; you won't be with the person you started with for
long. At first Salsa doesn't require a partner; you first will learn
the basic steps and how to dance on your own with the music to guide
you. If you don’t have a partner by the partnering stage, it won’t
matter because during class, the instructors will switch the partners
around so that everybody will get a chance to dance with someone. What should I wear to class?
Dress code is casual, many people come straight from work. Cool and comfortable
are the main things you are looking for. Jeans are fine but can also be
quite warm.
Initially, light comfortable shoes with a non-grip sole are fine
but as you settle down to enjoy your dancing; you’ll quickly find
that professional shoes with leather or suede bottoms will make a tremendous
difference. Low heeled or flat shoes with a non-grip sole are also fine.
Gentlemen - Cotton pants and short sleeved shirts work well, coloured
t-shirts can be pretty nasty if you sweat a lot so think black (sweat
shows up a lot less) and no trainers please. Guys, lose the ties... but
dress it up a bit for the ladies when you hit the club.
Side note for the gentlemen: I always keep a face cloth in my back
pocket... laugh now but I guarantee you'll swear by it after 20 minutes
of hard fast Salsa!
Ladies – Yoga pants and black slacks seem to be favourites.
Ladies please avoid the following: fussy tops, long heavy dresses, shirts
that have an abundance of strings and ties (leads can get their fingers
tangled in them), long flapping sleeves, long unrestrained necklaces,
bangles (or any other jewellery that may get in the way). Be aware that
wrist and finger jewelry can come off easily in the heat of the dancing.
Heavy earrings should also be avoided along with hair combs &
clips that stick up. You can dress up for weekend events.
It is a common misconception that everyone is looking at you. Spectators
may watch “good” dancers looking for tips and tricks
to assist their own progress (you will do this too); most will not
be focusing their attention on those still learning. If they happen
to observe you, be flattered, chances are they noticed something they
have forgotten or more often then not, it will be a reaction of support
as they remember that they went through the same process; remembering
that they were all beginners once. In any case, mistakes during a
class are part of the learning process and the FUN! Laugh it
off and have another go.
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