• Introduces dancers to the fundamentals of Casino & Rueda de Casino by exploring composition and structure, navigation, lead and following dynamics, fine-tuning, combinations and improvisation, and style/adding “sabor”. This is also a great option for experienced dancers who haven’t danced in a while, for those who would like to polish their basics, and for learning a new role (lead & follow). Fundamentals are currently taught using a six-week series format.

  • Pre-requisite: Fundamentals 1. Students must be familiar with the following figures before taking this class: El Marcaje (Two-step), Paso de Son, Salida Lateral (Caída) with variation of hacia dentro, dile que no, and guapea.

  • Prerequisite: Fundamentals 1, 2, or permission by the instructor. This class engages the fundamentals of Casino and Rueda de Casino and introduces dancers to more complex figures, routines, structures, timings, styling, and improvisation. The Intermediate level is currently taught using a drop-in format.

  • Not a formal class, not a dance social, but a third place where Cuban Dance Project students can practice what they are learning in class, meet students from other levels, ask the instructor questions, catch up on class content missed, experiment with new movements and figures, and gain confidence.

  • Son Cubano is a partner dance that emerged in the late 19th century in eastern Cuba (Oriente), defined by its contratiempo (off-beat) connection to the music, requiring dancers to initiate movement on the second and fourth beats of the measure. Historically, it reflects the fusion of African-rooted polyrhythms with a European-style closed embrace and elegant posture, evolving from its rural roots into a sophisticated urban style that dominated Havana in the 1920’s and established the foundation for Casino and modern salsa.

  • One-on-one instruction available to those looking to engage more deeply with the following:

    Casino (follow & lead technique/styling)

    Musicality

    Son Cubano

    Rumba (Yambu, Guaguanco, Columbia).

    Rate is $65/hr.

  • Casino is a Cuban partner dance that developed in the 1950s in Havana by combining traditional Cuban social dances like Danzón, Son, and Cha-Cha-Chá, taking its name from the "Club Casino Deportivo de La Habana" (dance hall) where it was popularized. This dance style is characterized by circular movement, intricate arm patterns, strong lead/follow connections, and syncopation, often incorporating Afro-Cuban movement. Commercially, it is known as "La Salsa Cubana".

    Rueda de Casino is a synchronized dance format in which multiple couples perform moves and frequently swap partners in a circle (the "rueda") led by a caller who shouts or signals the figures.