Some historians suggest that it was originally
innovated and danced by the poorer black Cubans who could
not afford to dance in the social clubs, or casinos.
Other historians suggest that the form of
Rueda, the passing of partners in a circle, may reflect
some influences of French Court Dances, brought to Cubans
by the Haitians.
Whatever the case, it did originate on the
streets of Cuba and eventually caught the attention of the
more affluent Cubans, who brought it to the clubs and gave
it the name 'Rueda de Casino'.
The dance remained in Cuba until the poorer
Afro-Cubans were able to migrate abroad, particularly to
New York and Miami, where the dance underwent additional
changes as it was influenced by a variety of cultures and
styles.
Nevertheless, today's Rueda is actually
quite similar to the Rueda that was danced 50 years ago.
As the Spanish name suggests, it is a dance in a 'wheel'/circle.
It consists of a rapid exchange of partners
around the wheel, through a variety of standardised moves.
These moves are composed of the same footwork as in Salsa.
A "caller", who yells them out in Spanish or delivers
hand signals, communicates the moves to the group.
Rueda can be danced with a minimum of 2
couples and it's maximum is unlimited!! It requires a high
level of awareness to ensure the group dance flows smoothly,
and looks co-ordinated.
Dancing Rueda, unlike solo or partner dancing,
helps dancers enhance new skills such as opening their sphere
of awareness and their peripheral vision.
It is also a good way of meeting new people.
Unlike Salsa where you are limited to one partner per dance,
Rueda gives you an opportunity to swap and change partners
constantly, providing a brief way of meeting new people.
It also helps people overcome any shyness
they might have about asking others to dance!
Some people estimate that there are over
200 different patterns of Rueda with new patterns emerging
all the time.
There are obvious variations depending on
the country and the caller however no matter which dance
floor, club or city - Rueda is an exciting and fun dance
that will have you hooked from the first try!!!!
By Nathalie Kelley
