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During the late
1950's in Cuba, there was a popular dance -- some might call
it a "dance craze!" -- that was done in the streets and in
the clubs, and in people's homes. It was called Casino Rueda,
or Rueda de Casino, or simply Rueda. Rueda means "wheel".
Casino refers to the kinds of turns and breaks you might
normally see in ordinary partner Salsa dancing.
"Swing Your
Partner Round and Round..." If the first few words of this
notorious dance command ring a bell, then open your ears, as
you may start to hear phrases like "dame una" (give me one),
"dame dos con vuelta" (give me two with a turn), and "exhíbela"
(show her off)... the list is endless. Rueda de Casino is
Country and Western square dancing SALSA STYLE! If you like
dancing Salsa, then imagine the sensation of doing so not
with one person but with an entire group. Picture this...
you step out to your favorite Latin nightclub. Later in the
evening, the floor opens as couples gather in a circle. You
know the moves, the names, the signals. You grab a partner
and you're about to enter into the most incredible Salsa
experience. 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 is rapidly making its way across
the United States.
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 "adios", "enchufa", or
"dame..." 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. Each pattern also comes
with a hand signal or gesture which are well needed in large
circles and/or loud night clubs. 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.
The form of
the Rueda -- passing partners in a wheel -- hints at its
early, colonial origins, which were probably a "mezcla", a
blend of French Court Dances (brought to Cuba by Haitians)
and the indigenous Afro-Cuban dance movements. With Cuban
emigration to the US -- with an especially large influx into
Miami -- the Cuban culture, music and dance blossomed here,
and, along with Mambo, Cha cha, and Salsa, Rueda has
reemerged. Recently, Rueda has sprung up in Los Angeles and
here in San Francisco (a dance group from L.A., led by Tomas
Montero, performed Rueda at last year's SF Carnival Parade!) |
