Rueda de Casino is a style of salsa dancing that originated in Cuba in the early 1950s. It is characterized by a group of dancers, typically two or more couples, who perform a series of pre-choreographed moves led by one leader. The leader calls out the steps while the pairs execute them in synchronization with each other.

How it Works

While dancing in pairs (as leads and follows), dancers form a circle with each pair facing the center of the circle and dancing the basic step in place. They wait for the main leader to call out the next step, and once the leader calls out the chosen step, each pair does the step in synchronization with the next 8 count. Most steps require the leads to swap partners and move counter-clockwise with respect to the circle, while follows go clockwise.

The leader may also use hand signals to represent what the next step is, as it can be challenging for the leads to hear the caller through all the noise and music.

Differences from Other Salsa Styles

Rueda de Casino differs from other styles of salsa in that it is danced in a group with one lead calling out the steps for all the other couples to follow. It shares many similarities with Salsa Cubana, another style of salsa from Cuba, but has its own unique characteristics.

In terms of turn patterns and steps used, Rueda de Casino follows a circular pattern, unlike New York-style salsa and LA-style salsa which are danced in a slot. Unlike New York-style salsa, Rueda is typically danced on1, with the break step happening on the first beat of the music.

History of Rueda de Casino

Rueda de Casino emerged in Havana, Cuba in the early 1950s as a derivative of various Afro-Cuban dance styles. In 1956, it evolved into its current form with multiple partners forming a circle. It quickly gained popularity throughout Cuba and spread to Miami's salsa community in the 1980s.

In 1994, Rene Gueits, founder of "Salsa Lovers", created a more structured version of Rueda de Casino, removing some of the original Cuban dance influences. From there, it spread to other U.S. cities with large salsa communities and eventually around the world.

Commonly Used Steps

Some commonly used steps in Rueda de Casino include:

• Guapea
• Enchufla
• Dile que no
• Dame
• Sombrero

Rueda de Casino is a unique style of salsa dancing that has gained popularity worldwide. Its group format and choreographed moves make it a captivating and energetic dance to watch or participate in.

Referensi

• Lau Dance, ¿QUÉ ES LA SALSA CASINO? (2023)
• [Other sources]

Note: The article is written in English with some references to Spanish texts. The translation from Markdown combines synchronized steps in a random order is not provided as it is unclear what this phrase means in the context of Rueda de Casino.