A. Rueda de Casino is an intricate form of Salsa dancing that evolved in Cuba by means of improvisation and practice in different Casinos and social clubs in Havana, such as El Casino Deportivo.
Rueda (wheel) refers to a group of couples that take part in Salsa dancing in a circle/s that can range anywhere from two couples and beyond as you can have one circle within the next! In Rueda, the couples execute a variety of complex dance combinations, rapid turn patterns, and a multiple exchange of partners simultaneously on the same beat following the leaders "call." There is always one leader, male or female, that will either call (shout out) or signal (with his/her hands) the combinations while all the couples in the circle follow. Every turn and combination has a name and most have a hand signal. It appears to be a choreographed performance to the spectator, but technically it isn't.
What movie featuring Vanessa Williams and Chayanne, shows a nightclub scene with people dancing Casino Rueda?
“Remember, it’s not how you feel, it’s how you LOOK.” “Four simple words to remember when you’re out on that dance floor: MAKE - IT - LOOK - EASY”. “It’s not what you do, but HOW you do it.”
Edie "The Salsa Freak"
What can I do when I discover that the guy that I am dancing with wants to press his face up against mine our entire dance or he wants to climb inside the sexy shirt I am wearing so bad, that he so busy hugging me that he hasn't noticed that the song is over?
The Salsera
For the in your face salsero:
1. Attempt to separate his face from yours by moving your head back or to the side.
2. Cough in his face and say "Excuse me I have a terrible cold."
3. Give him a cute lady like headbunt in the nose with the breaks or peaks in the music and politely say "Excuse me, I didn't mean to hit you in the nose", "Can I get you a drink of water?"
For the too close for comfort salsero:
1. Simply shout at the top of your lungs, "I CANT BREATH" and tell him "THANK YOU", with a cute little smile.
Salserodalante
Salsero's Corner
In the past few weeks, I have seen some great salsa dancing on the behalf of our gentlemen. You have rhythm, timing, combinations, and style, but have forgotten the most important ingredient of the salsa recipe, "MUSICALITY". Everyone is so busy doing combinations that they forget all about the music
(peaks , valleys, breaks, pauses, dips, etc). Dancing salsa andDancing salsa to the musicare two different things. If you have been dancing for more than six months and feel that you are no longer a beginner, its time to concentrate on the music 1St and concentrate on the rhythm & timing 2ND. Paint a picture for the salsera you are dancing with through the music.
Blandon with Albert Torres, Producer of International Salsa Congresses.
Hard work and dedication has brought Jolyn Clemens to the cover of salsa magazine. In less than one year she already has a performance under her belt.
How to be the best follower on the dance floor!
This has been a very popular question for the past few months and here is the secret to the art of following:
1. Make the man that you are dancing with look good regardless of his ability to lead you and his rhythm and timing issues.
2. Have a lot of patience with the man you are dancing with regardless of his skill level.
3. Have your hands ready for anything and make them available for him when he asks for them.
4. Give the salsero that you are dancing with that rush he is fiending for and you will stay on the dancefloor all night, because he will tell every guy he knows what a great dancer you are.
How to become a Good salsa DJ?
1. Play more damn salsa!
2. Play 6-8 salsa songs to 2 of anything else you decide to play.
3. Play Cha Cha...!
4. Try playing a whole song.
5. Respect the Artist and don't make him sing any faster than the original song because you are trying to mix the music.
6. Remember scratching is for Hip Hop!
7. Remember that if you can't dance to what your playing, how can the dancers on the floor?
8. Do a sound check every time you play cd's that are not original. Salseros don't like shouting when they ask a lady to dance.
9. Use vintage salsa classics to pack the dance floor after you kill it. (ex. Sonora Poncena)
10. When in doubt always refer to rule #1!
Tips For the Beginners
One more thing that will help your dancing is listening to the music. Buy a few salsa CD's, and listen to them as often as possible, even as background music. You will be improving your timing and musical understanding -- both key aspects for becoming a good dancer. This is especially important if you do not have any music or dance background. This will also help you get the most out of your dance classes. Learning the proper timing is one of the hardest things to teach so if you are comfortable with the rhythms and the music you will find it a lot easier to dance.
