An international Rueda de Casino Festival will be held in Havana, Cuba, from April 4, 2009, aiming to promote the development of this style of Cuban dance throughout the island and internationally. Rueda de Casino —or just plain “rueda” as it is commonly known— is a native Cuban salsa dancing style originating from choreographies in the late 1950's by the historic comparsa group Guaracheros de Regla, as it was initially performed in large Casino halls so prevalent all over Havana at that time. It’s usually danced in a circle of couples that synchronize their movements with each other and to the rhythm of the music, usually Cuban salsa or timba. A leading couple calls out the dance moves, which involves swapping of partners. The traditional Rueda incorporates movements and aesthetics from traditional Cuban dance styles such as cha-cha-chá, mambo, son and many others, as well as from Afro-Cuban orisha dance, and. This modality of dance has become very popular in Cuba, Latin America and Europe.
“The festival aims to help preserve Cuban culture and identity. Fostering dancing also promotes the music the country produces," said Adalberto Álvarez, honorary president of the competition and leader of one of the country’s most important Cuban salsa orchestras. Alvarez also spoke about the importance of the participation of young people, and for casino dancing to remain a healthy daily activity of the population.
The festival will feature performances by dance academies, workshops led by arts professors and exchanges with experts in this dancing style. Teachers and specialists will be dispersed in many communities to offer instruction to those interested in learning how to dance, and tips for how to improve.
The event will feature concerts in multiple locations in Havana by important performers of timba, or Cuban salsa, like Juan Formell y Los Van Van, Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, and N.G. la Banda. The festival will be held throughout April and May in different communities around the city, and will later travel to the other Cuban provinces and towns.
From the Cuban TV program “Dancing Casino” in Guanabacoa, Cuba, with Adalberto Alvarez y su Son Orchestra.
