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Casino Congress Information and Descriptions

Welcome to the exciting world of Casino and Rueda de Casino. Casino (aka Cuban Salsa) is an exciting couples' dance that is energetic, fun and infused with a ton of character. But the best way to describe it is to show you video:

Yanek Revilla and Diana Rodriquez: Example of Casino

> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9yugsVjfnc <

Casino also includes a fun, social, partner-switching dance style called Rueda de Casino (or wheel of Casino dancers).

Example of Rueda de Casino by the Cuban group: Casino.com

> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Yk03vge2c <

Do you know TIMBA?
One of the biggest characteristics of Casino is the style of music we dance to... called TIMBA! This is the sound that goes with this dance, but note - it is different, exciting, energetic and inspired by such musical sounds like Reggaeton, Hip-Hop, Son, Punk, and even Jazz. Popular music groups who play Timba include Los Van Van, Charanga Habanera, Pupy Y Los Que Son Son, Maikel Blanco, Adalberto Alvarez, Tirso Duarte, Manolito, NG La Banda and many others.

Workshops

First, check what level you are in regards to Casino and Rueda de Casino. Again, this is a different dance style from Salsa and is based on different foundation motions. If you have never danced Casino or Rueda de Casino - you are a beginner - even if you have years of Salsa experience.

• Beginner:
  Never danced Casino or Rueda de Casino - a total "newbie" to this dance style
• Intermediate:
  Good grasp of the foundation motions of Casino (such as guapea, vacilala, dile que no, enchunfla, etc. for couples' dancing). Good ability staying on the rhythm of Timba, and can get through the foundation motions comfortably and safely.
• Advanced:
  Foundation motions of Casino are like second nature. Excellent grasp of Casino technique, footwork, connection with partner, and can pick up complex combinations of motions quickly with minimal amount of instruction. Rhythm is excellent- especially to Timba music. Above all else, advanced dancers have control of their bodies and can dance complex Casino patterns safely and comfortably.

Please note: everyone is welcome to watch any level of workshop and participate; however, Casino instructors may ask anyone who is a danger to themselves and others to please step aside and just watch the workshop instead of dance in it.

Workshop descriptions are listed in the order they appear on the schedule for the Rueda Ballroom:

Thursday

• BEGINNER: Taste of Rueda de Casino (Danny Herzog): A quick introduction to Rueda de Casino - dancing Casino Salsa in a wheel.
  
  
• ADVANCED: Hooks, Alardes and Ducking Under Turn Patters (Vidal Cordova): Fun turn patterns that incorporate the stylistic arm elements like hooks and alardes that add so much flavor to Casino.

Friday

• INTERMEDIATE: Salsa Apretada (Nick and Serena): Closed-position Salsa ... Add Techniques from Danzon, Son, Casino, Tango and Tai Chi to your Salsa.
  
  
• BEGINNER: Rueda de Casino (Billy Chenoweth): Introduction to dancing Rueda de Casino - Casino Salsa done in a wheel.
  
  
• INTERMEDIATE and Up: Afro-cuban (Kati Hernandez): This class is a high-energy celebration of Afro-Cuban dance, music and culture. Participants will explore the Afro- Cuban roots of salsa  learning specific dance steps of Yoruba, Arara and Congo traditions, while getting comprehensive information about the cultural aspects of these sacred dances. The warm up will emphasize  isolations and undulations.  Whether you dance casino, N.Y or LA style  salsa, have fun  integrating some of the Afro-Cuban body movements and steps to your every day salsa routines.
  
  
• Adv. BEGINNER and Up: Casino Styling: What makes it Cuban (Mike and Simona): As the title states, this workshop will walk you through what makes Casino ... well - Casino. By using a Casino turn pattern, Mike and Simona will highlight techniques to make your dancing more Cuban and better prepared for advancing in Casino Salsa. This is a great workshop for "Salsa" dancers who want to know how Casino is different from L.A., NY styles of Salsa.
  
  
• INTERMEDIATE: Rueda de Casino (Alejandro Bouza):

Saturday

• BEGINNER: Rueda de Casino (Tania de la Pena): An introduction to dancing Rueda de Casino - Casino Salsa danced in a wheel.
  
  
• ALL LEVELS: Muevelo - Body Movement (Vidal Cordova): Using your entire body to dance. This will be useful for both men and women, but especially geared to helping the men using their entire body to move. Focus will be on learning how to move the hips in a smooth, controlled way, adding shoulder movement, and proper leading techniques so that your partner wants to dance again with you. How to switch up dance style according to changes in the song.
  
  
• ALL LEVELS: From Traditional Afro-Cuban dance through Rumba to Timba (Kati Hernandez): This class will be a mix of  Afro-Cuban  Orisha movements, Afro-Cuban Rumba and Salsa suelta full of timba flavor. Get ready to shake it and get down the Cuban way! 
  
  
• INTERMEDIATE and Up: Crazy, Wild Rueda de Casino (Mike and Simona): Incredible and fun Rueda de Casino motions that switch directions, incorporate fun footwork, change partners in a variety of ways and are just plain wild.
  
  
• Adv. BEGINNER and Up: Rueda TO Casino (Alejandro Bouza): If you have danced Rueda de Casino and want to know how to transform those motions into couples' dancing - this is your workshop.
  
  
• ADVANCED: Casino Turn Patterns From Santiago de Cuba (Nick and Serena): Returning from their July trip, Nick and Serena bring you the latest from Santiago De Cuba

Sunday

• INTERMEDIATE: rueda/ɐpǝnɹ (Patricia Martinez): Rueda de Casino moves that will challenge students to perform a Rueda in the other direction or in reverse way. Moves like Afuera, arriba, al revez, mandinga.
  
  
• ADVANCED: Casino Turn Patterns (Mike and Simona): Crazy turn patters for Casino that twist, wrap-up, move in different directions and heck, are just plain fun to attempt.
  
  
• INTERMEDIATE and Up: Salsa Tornillos (Nick and Serena): Technique and turns of Tornillos for La Rueda or the dance floor. Tornillos derive from Son Cubano dance style. Example of Tornillos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI7TDQxMACQ (motion is at 1:55 in the video)
  
  
• ALL LEVELS: Bootyology (Simona and the Ladies of Rumbanana): Revv-up your ability to move your body. Learn to shake it, grind it, and groove it on a dance floor. Tips and techniques on improving body movement. Session is for both men and women.
  
  
• INTERMEDIATE: Casino Combinations (Vidal Cordova): Putting together the basic building blocks: Intermediate Casino & Rueda patterns class.... Ex: combining setenta type patterns with Que Domingo, with Siete Loco, with Kentucky Complicado, etc.

Sunday, Beginner's Bootcamp Room

• BEGINNER: Rueda de Casino (Alejandro Bouza): Introduction to dancing Rueda de Casino - Casino Salsa done in a wheel.