JORGE & INDIRA

WORKSHOP DANCE STYLES

CASINO RUEDA

Casino Rueda, or Rueda de Casino, is a Cuban salsa dance from the 1950s. It features dancers forming a circle, pairing up as leaders and followers, and frequently switching partners while performing synchronized steps. A caller, known as the "Il Cantante," announces the moves in Spanish or "Spanglish," sometimes adding playful challenges. Known for its vibrant energy and group coordination, Casino Rueda emphasizes musicality and social interaction, making it a popular and enjoyable way to experience Cuban dance culture.

RUMBA

In Afro-Cuban dance, "rumba" refers to a rich and dynamic genre of music and dance that originated in Cuba. It encompasses several distinct styles, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural significance:

1. Yambú: This is the oldest and slowest form of rumba, characterized by its relaxed, graceful movements. It often involves a call-and-response style of singing, with complex rhythms played on drums and other percussion instruments.

2. Guaguancó: This style of rumba is more upbeat and energetic, featuring a distinctive rhythm and lively, flirtatious dance movements. Guaguancó includes a "vacunao" or "vaccination" element, where the male dancer tries to impress the female dancer with his movements, often involving playful interaction and competition.

3. Columbia: This style is the fastest and most rhythmically complex form of rumba, performed solo by men. It is characterized by intricate footwork and energetic, athletic movements. The dance often highlights the dancer's strength, skill, and improvisational abilities.

Rumba is deeply rooted in African traditions, and its rhythms and movements reflect the influence of the Yoruba, Congo, and other African cultures brought to Cuba through the transatlantic slave trade. The dance and music of rumba are integral to Cuban cultural expression, often performed during festivals, celebrations, and social gatherings.

ORISHA

In Afro-Cuban dance, "orisha" refers to deities or spirits from the Yoruba religion, which originated in West Africa and was brought to Cuba through the transatlantic slave trade. These orishas are central to Afro-Cuban religious practices and are honored through dance, music, and rituals.

Orisha dance is a sacred form of expression that involves intricate movements and rhythms associated with specific deities. Each orisha has unique attributes, symbols, and colors, and the dance reflects their personality and powers. These dances are often performed during religious ceremonies, festivals, and rituals, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual connection between worshippers and the orishas.

The dances are characterized by their rich, symbolic movements, which include gestures and steps that convey messages to the deities and facilitate spiritual communion. These performances are highly respected and are an essential part of the Afro-Cuban religious and cultural landscape.