About Cuban Salsa

Originally called Casino in its native Cuba, this unique form of salsa was popularized outside of the island in the 1970s. To help distinguish it from other styles of salsa from around the world, it is also referred to as Cuban-style salsa or Salsa Cubana.

Urban style

Because of its Afro-Cuban roots, Cuban Salsa has a more urban, ‘street’ flavour compared to other salsa styles influenced by ballroom dancing.

Consequently, Cuban Salsa is more spontaneous. Giving dancers the freedom to frequently integrate other dances moves, such as Rumba or Cha Cha Cha.

Cuban flavour

Technically, in Cuban Salsa, the footwork is simple and the complexity of the moves are more in the body movement than the steps. The hips are more visible and body isolation is more pronounced. Shoulders, chest and arms move nicely to give Cuban flavour to the dance.

Beginners are usually relieved to find that Cuban Salsa doesn’t have many fast spins!

Playful tease

While the focus of salsa forms influenced by ballroom dancing is more on the women showing off and the men leading; in Cuban Salsa (under the cultural guise of males having to attract attention and tease their female partner) it’s the male partners who play show off. This is the reason why in Cuban Salsa, the moves are not linear. And you’ll find that partners are constantly dancing around each other in a circular motion.

La Rueda

La Rueda was developed in La Havana (Cuba) in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. It is also referred to as La Rueda de Casino – which literally means “wheel of casino”. It consists of pairs of dancers forming a circle with dance moves called out by one person, the caller. As part of La Rueda, men move from one partner to another when the word “Dame” is said. It is the signal for male dancer to move to the next female partner in the circle. Many of the moves involve rapidly swapping partners so you need to have mastered the basic salsa steps.

Teamwork & group bonding

It’s a great way to promote teamwork and group bonding as everyone needs to work together and make it happen!
La Rueda is full of energy and fun so be ready to feel how amazing dancing Cuban salsa can be!