Rueda Levels & Moves

We’ve compiled a list of the fundamental moves our rueda de casino group uses for its beginner and intermediate levels. We recognize that, like a language, rueda has many “dialects” and is constantly evolving and, as such, there will be other groups that may have different move names or styling conventions. That’s okay! We’re not here to establish ourselves as the one all-knowing rueda group, we’re just here to share what we’ve learned and are continuing to learn about a music genre and dance style we love with a community we love. ♡

For the safety and enjoyment of everyone participating, we ask that you demonstrate you can comfortably and consistently dance all beginner moves before joining the intermediate level, and all intermediate moves in your primary role as well as all beginner moves (plus vacila, sombrero, and setenta!) in your non-primary role before joining the advanced level. Staying at a level to hone your skills helps you become a better dancer, ensures you are appropriately challenged in class, and supports the learning of the entire circle! You can learn moves from our classes, other rueda groups, or online, and if you have questions about specific moves or general partner dance connection, don’t hesitate to ask us!

Beginner Movements

Closed position

• Pa’l medio

• Caminamos (pa’arriba/pa’bajo)

  • Tarro - when moving in the “pa’arriba” direction (leads forward), leads raise their left hand and walk under on the inside of the circle to the next follow; when moving in the “pa’bajo” direction (follows forward), leads raise their left hand and follows walk on the outside of the circle to the next lead

• Exhibe - leads extend hand on 3 towards the center of the circle and raise it on 5 so follows can turn to the inside of the circle over their right shoulder

• Flaco / gordo

Transitioning from closed to open position

• • Dile que no (DQN) 

Open position

• • Guapea

  • Echeverría - turn away from guapea partner on 7 and twist on 123, then continue guapea

  • Dame - open up on 7 and connect with the next person to complete a DQN

  • Enchufla y vete - switch partners at the end of this move

    • Enchufla DQN - stay with your original partner

  • Prima (adios)

  • Especias

    • (Un / dos / tres) fly (pa’arriba / pa’bajo / con la vecina) - clap on 1 / 12 / 123, jump and clap high / squat and clap low / high five with your dame partner

    • Suena (doble) - stomp (twice) on 5(6)

    • Una bulla

  • Flaco / gordo

Transitioning from open to closed position

• • Enchufla caminamos - stay with same partner and begin caminamos