Cubans call their style of dancing Casino and its origins date back to the 1950’s when dancing was a popular social activity in the casinos and dance halls of Havana. Cubans were dancing to what is known today as “salsa” long before the music was named “salsa” in New York.
Casino differs from other styles of salsa in a number of ways. In general Casino is more spontaneous and less rigid than other styles. It is also less theatrical and places less emphasis on spins and acrobatics. Rather than strictly dancing within a “slot of space” the leader and follower circle around each other.
Rueda de Casino is Cuban-style salsa danced in a circle and was named after the Roulette wheel. Rueda is a fun, spontaneous, improvised dance where multiple couples participate and execute moves called out by a leader. Couples exchange partners every time the leader calls out to do so.
The step known as Guapea is unique to Cuban-style salsa. It begins with the leader and follower standing side-to-side then on beats 1-2-3 the leader does a backward basic followed by a forward basic towards the follower on beats 5-6-7. The follower does the same but starting with the opposite foot, thereby mirroring the leader's movements.
Dile Que No is another characteristic step of Cuban-style salsa. This step is used at the completion of combinations to return the follower to the leader's left side. This step is also essential in Rueda de Casino. It is used to exchange partners and to position the new partner to the leader’s left side.
These videos depict the elements that make Cuban-style salsa unique, highly entertaining to watch and a lot of fun to dance! Enjoy!
Videos from the Vancouver Rueda Festival 2010. Enjoy!
These videos are also available on Youtube. Click on these links:
