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Introduction [ edit ]

Rueda de Casino is a style of Salsa where several couples dance choreographically around a circle, with the dance moves being called by one person, a caller. This style was developed in Cuba in the 1950s [More at Wikipedia]. The wiki is to help all students of Rueda remember and refine their Rueda patterns, reflecting local variations, and growth of the dance. Please contribute! Below are step-by-step instructions for each rueda move and under the fold, where possible, a link to an online video.





Basics [ edit ]

Closed position - Right arm of the lead goes around the left side of the follow, left arm of lead holds the right hand of the follow at about shoulder height.

Guapea - - The basic default movement, follow mirrors lead who swings left hand down while stepping left, right, left for 1,2,3 and pushes on right while stepping right, left, right on 5,6,7.

Hammer lock - - Lead and follow face each other with the follow's left arm behind their back holding onto the leads right hand. Follow's right hand holds lead's left.

Open position - - Lead holds the opposite hand of the follow, left to right, right to left.





Rueda Patterns - Level One [ edit ]

Abajo - - The lead initiates an alternating cross step with the follow in place. On one, the lead steps left and on two pulls the follow past them while stepping to the right. The follow meantime steps back, then crosses with left, steps right and crosses back on 6,7.

Al medio - - Lead and follow in closed position, with lead facing the "downstream direction" (left shoulder towards inside of the circle), and the follow facing the lead. On 1,2,3, the lead taps with left foot while leaning outward holding left arm up. On 5,6,7, lead bends leftward, taping with right foot. The follow mirrors the lead.

Arriba - - Lead and follow in closed position, with lead facing downstream. Lead moves the follow backward, counter clockwise around the circle - leads starts with left arm down, and goes up/down to the beat.

Bulla - - (una, dos) - A loud yell on 5,6,7. Usually called during Al medio, though could be called at other times.

Cucaracha - - Stamp inside the circle killing the cockroach, right foot for lead, left for follow.

Cucaracha doble - Like Cucaracha, but stamp twice.

Matala - This call usually follows Cucaracha or Cucaracha doble.

Dame - - Lead goes to the next follower downstream and Dile que no.

Dame con una - Like Dame, but with a clap on 7.

Dame con dos - Like Dame, but with two claps on 7.

Dame dos - - Lead goes to the second follower on the right (downstream) and Dile que no.

Dame dos con dos - same as Dame dos, but with two claps on 7 and 8.

Dame tres - Lead goes to the third follower on the right (downstream) and Dile que no.

Dile que no - - cross body lead.

Enchufla - - Lead steps back and pulls the follow past on the right, turn to face the follow. Keep the elbows bent!

Enchufla Doble - - Stop the follow on 5,6,7, then do another enchufla.

Enchufla con Clave - - Enchufla, and the lead stops beside the follow and both clap to the clave beat.

Enchufla con Mambo - - Enchufla, and the lead stops beside the follow and both do a tap, tap, then tap, tap, tap with their feet to the clave beat.

Mentira - - Spanish for "it's a lie", called while some other move is in progress, and means that the lead keeps the same follow (in a move where normally the lead would go to the neighboring follow).

Numbers:

Cero (zero) - - Enchufla, on 5, lead steps back and then into the circle 6, clapping on 7. Then spin out, as the follow duplicates the move, stepping back on 1, and into the circle on 2 and clapping on three. Back to the same partner for a Dile que no.

Uno (one) - - Switch hands, leaders switches position 4 times behind the follower, then the leader prepares and executes a complete inside turn, followed by a Dile que no.

Seis (six) - - Enchufla, step in front of the follow, then behind, then in front and go to the follow on the right. While stepping around the follow, the leads should hold the arm(s) at all times.

Siete (seven) - - On 7 of the previous move, lead preps the move by putting the left hand into the circle, then swinging it back out. The follow on 1,2,3 then spins clockwise ending up with their right shoulder on the chest of the lead. Unravel on 5,6,7.

Ocho (eight) - - Enchufla, then the lead walks in front of the follow, then around the back and then front of the follow on the right. Then head back to the original partner, going around back and then Dile que no back to the left. The follows mean while step forward when the lead is behind, and back when the lead is coming around front.

Nueve (nine) - - Same as Seis, but go to the follow on the left side. If done right, the motion of the lead draws out a 9 on the floor

Una Para Arriba - - Lead goes to the next follow upstream.

Pelota Uno - - Enchufla, and before getting to the next follow, clap once on 7.

Pelota dos - - Same as Pelota uno, but two claps.

Pelota Tres - - Three claps, clapping on 7,8 and then 1.

Prima - - Back break and the lead pulls follow up close with the follow's right arm up and catches follow, spins with the follow, then going to the next follow on the right.

Prima con Hermana - - Like Prima, but instead of going to next follow, lead spins to the right, faces follow and does a normal enchufla going to the next follow on the right.

Prima con Familia - - Like Prima con hermana, but at the end of the enchufla, lead hooks arm and leads the follow around for an eight count before going to next follow to the right.

Sacala - - Lead the follow into the centre of the circle and back out.

Sientate - Spanish for "sit-down", this is usually called at the end of a song as the last move. Starts like Siete, lead preps on 7 of the previous count by putting the left hand into the circle, then swinging it back out. The follow then spins clockwise on 1,2,3 ending up with their right shoulder on the chest of the lead, and seating on the lead's lap.

Sombrero - - Lead switches hands, right to right, left to left, then spins the follow around clockwise while walking the follow around to the right side of the lead. Drop the arms down, then back up, over the head and onto the shoulders. The lead should have their right arm around the back of the follow and the left hand over their left should.

Un tarro - - on 5,6,7, lead steps back, puts the follows right arm up and pulls themselves under going to next follow.

Rueda Patterns - Level Two [ edit ]

Abanico - - As shown.

Arcoiris - - Start like setenta and walk the follow around, then step in front with right hand up. Then lift both hands and start to spread them and the follow should spin to end up back to back. Drop the hands low, then turn toward the follow your right and duck back under the arm and the lead should be in a hammer lock at this point. Back break out.

Babosa - - Lead takes both hands, back steps and pull the the follow into a "hug" or sweetheart move on the lead's right (both facing inward). The lead holds the right hand and spins the follow out to the next lead on the right while looking for the hand of the follow on the left. Enchufla the follow and then cross body. The enchufla is only done if an enchufla complicado is not called.

Chisme - Exactly like Babosa, but after the enchufla, return back to your original partner

Besito - - As shown,start like sombrero, but walk the follow behind as the lead keeps their right hand low. The follow should end up on the left hand side of the lead and the lead puts their left arm over onto the should over the follow. Then kiss the cheek of the follow. Lead then turns clockwise under the arms and then enchuflas the follow back into a sombrero.

Balsero - - Start like Sombrero but instead of putting the arms on the shoulders, bring the follow around behind, making sure to get the follow behind and to the left of the lead on 7, with their right hand on the lead's right shoulder. Then spin the follow around in front and put them into a Sombrero on the right side. Finish as a normal Sombrero.

Cagua - Starts similar to Sombrero with the follow ending up on the right side of the lead, with arms around each other's shoulders. From there and on the second eight count, the lead puts their right arm under the left arm of the follow and asks for the right hand. The lead's right arm should still be tucked around the follow's left arm with the back of the lead's hand resting on the follows hip or stomach. The follow then back rocks and ducks under turning counter clockwise as lead pulls with the right hand up and over the head of the follow. The lead and follow should be facing each other with left over right. On the next eight count, the follow back rocks again and is pulled into a sombrero on the right side of the lead, right hand on follow's shoulder, left on lead's shoulder. Cross body back to neutral.

Carrusel - - Starts with an Enchufla, then Sacala, then enchufla pulling the follow past to the next lead. The lead grabs the hand of the next follow ahead and repeats the Sacala then Enchufla three times, on the fourth follow, do a cross body lead to end. The leads will naturally stay facing out of the circle for most of this move.

En Chavarria or Tres Dos - - This is called off a cross-body lead and on 1 of the next eight count while still in a right to left hand hold and facing into the circle, the lead with bent legs, plants with their right foot and then points their feet first left, right and then left again. The follow does the opposite, planting their left foot and doing a right, left, right shifting motion. This is similar to Coca Cola which can be called off a cross body.

Cheveria Complicado - Starts like Chavarria (aka Tres Dos), but after the touch on 5,6,7, the leads spin to the right twice and presents the shoulder or fore-arm for the touch on 5,6,7.

Coca Cola - - On a cross body lead, the lead spins the follow by the shoulder and with the same left hand, pulls the follow behind all on 1,2,3. On 5,6,7, the lead finished the cross body back to the left.

Cubanito - - Start with an Enchufla, and the lead then steps in front of the follow facing into the circle, switching hands. The lead and follow then back rock twice and on the third back rock, the lead puts the right hand on their shoulder and finishes like Balsero

Dame con Chocolate - - On 1,2,3, lead turns counter-clockwise facing away from the follow and on 5,6,7 both jump back with hands up and leaning forward slightly.

Dame Diente - Prep on 7 with the left hand, then check the follow in a wrap (follow turns clockwise) and unwrap. On the next eight count, the lead then wraps in, turning to the left, touches hands on 5 (right to left) then unwraps. Then, prepping on 7 again with the left hand, the follow is wrapped and the lead wraps as well, making sure to switch hands from left to right. The initial prep is done with the lead's left to the follow's right and then as the follow goes into their wrap, the lead switches to a right to right hand hold, making sure to bend their own arm around the follow. Then both follow and lead unwrap and do a vacilala con dos with Lead and Follow both doing spins.

El Dedo - - As shown

El Dedo Complicado - - Similar to El Dedo, but on 5 while leading the follow around, back step and pull the follow's arm over your shoulders. Then grab the follow around the waist and lead the follow around for an eight count. Automatic dame.

Al Directo - - The lead pulls the follow past on the right and claps the hands of the next follow on 5.

Al Directo Doble - - Like Al Directo, upon clapping the hands on 5 of the next follow, the lead spins to the right going past and connects with the next follow. The leads move clockwise and the follows walk counter-clockwise.

El Dos - - Enchufla and while stepping in front of the follow, the lead asks for the followers right hand. Then on the next count, the lead presents the left hand and continues in a cumbia motion with the follow behind. Step to the left and right, and lastly the lead keeps the right hand high and pull the follow around with both arms, spins the follow and does a sombrero.

El Doce - - As shown

El Nudo - - Setenta, lead follow around back and then with your right hand blind lead follow from behind you around to in front, then setenta.

Enchufla Avion - Starts with an enchufla and the lead holds the right hand of the follow (with their left) and steps forward with the lead's right arm over the follow's right. The lead should be standing with the follow's arm at chest height at the end of the eight count. The lead then ducks under the follow's arm to the right, bringing the follow around. The lead should end up with their right hand over the right shoulder of the follow and lightly on the back of the neck of the follow. The lead, with their left arm, then rotates the follow's right arm up and around clockwise as the follow ducks their head under the right arm of the lead and the lead keeps their right hand on the back of the follow to guide both in half turn. The lead should have their right hand on the back of the follow and as both move continue to move around each other, and the lead pushes the follow toward the next lead. The lead then takes the partner ahead in a cross body lead.

Enchufla con Dracula - - Enchufla and as the follow goes by, make a mock attempt to bite their neck.

Enchufla con pa - Starts with an enchufla, switch hands and step ahead (upstream) of follow. Lead then steps into circle and on one says "Pah". Lead the follow behind into the center of the circle as lead goes into hammer lock and follows, like a sacala, says with "pah" sound on 5. Lead is doing a cross step at this pint. The lead then backs out to the left and brings the follow in front and to the left while spinning the follow into a counter clockwise turn. At this point, lead is on the right facing in and follow is on left facing out with left arm under right. Lead the grabs the right hand of the follow on the right and steps forward and backward as follow steps backward and forward for an eight count. Then on the next eight count, lead turns the follow, while still holding both lead's hands, on the left clockwise and hair combs the follow's hand over the lead's head, closely followed by the hand of follow on right, with whom is done a cross body.

Enchufla Complicado - - Enchufla, and as the follow steps in front, the lead grabs the follows left with their right, then steps under, asks for the hand behind the leads back and the enchuflas again. Then grab the right hand of the follow and present it to the next lead on the right while looking for the hand of the follow on the left. Enchufla the next follower and then back to neutral.

Enchufla al Medio - - Enchufla, lead steps into the circle, then back out on the follows right. The follow and lead then alternatively step into and back out of the circle. The following moves are then called:

Derecha - As the leads step into the circle, they step to the right and back out between the next set of followers.

Izquierda - Same as derecha, but to the left.

Ocho - Like Ocho from the beginner level, it can be called for either the mujueres or hombres.

Treinta y Tres - Similar to derecha, on 1-2-3 leads put their hands up and push off each other going to the right. On 5-6-7, the follows then step into the circle and go to the left. Repeat three times.

Sopa - after everyone joins hands, each lead back rocks the follow on their left and on 5,6,7 brings the same follow's hand over their head in a hair comb like fashion. And then back out

Enchufla Rodeala y Mambo - Starts like Seis with an enchufla, and the follow is lead behind and back in front of the lead. When the follow is standing in front facing into the circle, a mambo is started on 7. The lead starts on the right and on left for follows and is done for five steps (i.e. for the leads they start,right, left, right, left, right on the counts 7,1, 3, 5, 7 respectively). While doing the mambo, the lead keeps their right hand on the shoulder of the follow and can initiate the back-rock by pulling on the shoulder. The lead then back rocks left then right, while leading the follow into a back rock on their right and left for an eight count. On the next eight count, the follow back rocks with the right foot again and then spins counter-clockwise to the right and is picked up for a cross body lead. Leads can also spin before picking up the follow.

Enrocate- - Two cross body leads in a row over two eight counts, going 360.

Evelyn de Cuba- - Starts with an enchfula doble and when stopping the follow the second time, the lead spins to the right and faces the follow. The lead should be right hand to right hand with the follow. Another enchufla, and the lead does a hook turn (helps if the hand doing the enchufla is kept low) and the lead pulls the follow behind their back to pass to next lead. The lead then picks up the next follow to the right.

Estrella Doble (meaning two stars) - Starts with an enchufla, then the leads walk into the center of the circle heading counter clockwise and put their left hands on the left shoulder of the lead ahead of them. They then walk around the circle for two eight counts and on the 5,6,7 of the second eight count, the leads change direction back to clockwise and put their right hand on the right shoulder of the lead in front. The follows move in the opposite direction and switch direction at the same time, again going the opposite direction. After changing directions, both leads and follows walk in their respective directions for another eight count and on the second eight count they should be close to their original partners. The leads then do a hook turn (to the right) and face their original partner, prepping to the right, in a right to right hand hold. On the next eight count, the lead then turns the follow around clockwise in place and as the follow comes around to face the lead again, the lead does another hook turn but stops when facing upstream away from the follow. The lead should be facing the next follow ahead of them and have, from behind them, the follow's right hand on the lead's right shoulder. On the next eight count, the lead then drops the right hand on the right side of their body and throws it up in a arc over their body, while immediately doing a cross body lead of the next follow upstream.

Fly - - On 5,6,7, jump to the right and clap killing the "fly". Mini is a sub call and the same movement is performed, but don't actually clap.

Festival de Fly - Starting on 1, clap up to the right, then down to the left, the in front, clap once, then twice more. The leads then cross arms and the follows pull their fists back on either side of their bodies and thrust their chest out. Everybody goes "huh" at the same time. Then clap once and then three quick claps and cross body the follow on the right.

La Havana - - Starts with a two handed enchufla with check, then repeat. On the third two handed enchufla, the lead does a hook turn under and pulls the follow's hands down in front while the lead faces into the circle. The lead then lifts their right arm up, then the left and, turning to the right a bit, leads the follow into a hammer lock. Unfold the hammer lock with a back break and then momentarily hook the follow's left arm with the lead's right elbow. Cross body back to finish.

La Isaura - - Enchufla and as the lead passed the follow on the left, continue onto the next follow on the left, cross body, then go to the follow two down, i.e. the one on the right of the original follow, cross body and back to the original partner. The pattern is one to your left, two to your right and then one back to the original partner.

Jardin - - Enchufla and grab the follow's left hand with right and walk into the circle. Then go under the arm raised by the lead on your left. Then wait for the Bota call then grab the hand of the follow on your left and enchufla the follow back into the slot, then cross body lead the follow. Make sure to "explode" the circle when doing bota.

Juana la Cubana - - Exactly as shown, start with sombrero, then keep your left hand high and spin the follow around to your left putting your left hand on the follow's left shoulder. Then pull the follow back to your right, keeping the follow's right hand low and fold it behind the follow's back and step up beside on the left. Put the follow's hand behind your head, then pull it out and sacala, and coming back into a sombrero. Cross body lead back to wapea.

La Jenny - - Enchufla, switching hands, then on the next eight count, cross-body lead back to the left and pull the follow behind the lead like paseala. After switching hands (right to right), on the next eight count, pull the follow around in front and then spin the follow into a hammer lock with the follow's arm behind their back. At this point, the follow should be facing the lead with their right arm behind their back and the lead is facing downstream. On the next eight count, then cross body lead, and catch the follow by the left shoulder. The lead should be facing inward slightly and the follow outward. On the next eight count, spin the follow to the clockwise and when they are facing the lead, the lead raises their arm and does a hook turn under it, ending up in the circle facing outward to the follow. The lead then does a strong enchufla putting the follow momentarily in the circle before bringing the follow back into the slot on the right. Cross body back to neutral.

La Pisa - - Enchufla and then lead and follow hold left and right hand respectively and lean back for 8 counts.

Leonsio - - Start with Setenta, and like El Nudo, lead steps in front of follow and with left hand up, right hand low, turns to the right until facing into the circle and with arms, left over right, cross in front. On the next eight count, first raise the left (on the right side of the body) and then right hand (on the left side), keeping the left up over the head as the lead turns to face the follow to the right. The lead should now be in a hammer lock with their left arm behind, holding the follow's right hand. Then lead the follow until the lead is facing upstream (counter-clockwise). The trick here is to rotate locked with the follow 180 degrees, until the lead is facing upstream, and then pull the follow the rest of the way behind. The lead then steps under their own arm and turns to the left to face the follow downstream. You have done this part right if you are in a position, to do a two handed enchufla with hook turn (show them the L with the arms), and cross body the follow back to neutral.

Mambo - On 5, hold the hands up and the lead step right on 5 left on 7 right on 1 left on 3 and then pushes off ready for the next eight count. Callers note: This move is called on beat 3, not the typical 1.

Mambo con la Vecina (mambo to the neighbour) - Called on 1,2,3 and then pushing off on 5, the lead turns to the right to face the follow (who turns left) and then one next eight count, does the mambo step on 1,3,5,7, Cross body back to neutral.

Mambo Tipiando - Like Mambo, this start on 5 and the leads start their taps on the right and follows with their left. Two taps are done, i.e. the lead does right, left and then steps right and crosses left over and then does two taps again, right and left and then steps left. Follows mirror the lead, tapping left, right, step left, cross and tap left, right, then back. The entire sequence of two taps, cross to the right, two taps and cross back is repeated twice and should end on a five with a hand press.

Chavarria - Tres can be added to the end where Chavarria is done three times on 1,2,3 then 5,6,7 and 1,2,3.

Mariposa - - enchufla then sacala and as the follow comes back, continue to pull them out of the way and grab the right hand of the next follow. Enchufla and hook turn and then enchufla and cross body back to neutral.

Melody - Enchufla and the lead stands in front and to the right of the follow, looking over their left shoulder at the follow. The follow and lead, in a similar manner to Dos or Cubanito back rock, four times, then the lead picks up the next follow.

Mezclado - - Leads turns to the follow on the right and catches the hand and brings the follow to the left, then catch the hand of the right hand follow again but spin the follow on the left (nobody lets go!), then the leads, then the follows again. Leads then spin the follow on left into a hammer lock. Back out of the hammer lock, bring the arms up and hook in the elbows. Make a little dip.

Montaña (Montana) - - Start with switched hands, right to right and left to left, then back break and switch places. Then back break again and do a hook turn under the follow's arms, then switch places again back into a sombrero.

Noventa (ninety) - - as shown, the trick is to lift the left hand and step under it.

Ochenta y uno - - enchufla and switch hands, lead the follow into a sacala with the right hand and as the follow comes back, hair comb the right hand over the follow's head.

Ochenta y uno con bikini - - upon ending the sacala, move to the second follow to the right.

Palmadas - Enchufla and like Enchufla con Mambo, the lead and follow stand next to each other and count out the follow steps to time - stomp left and right, then clap once, then stomp left and right again and clap two times. Lead picks up the follow they are facing.

Parte el brazo - - Lead the follow clockwise and into the center of the circle. Lead puts right hand on follow's left shoulder and then, back stepping, grabs the back of the follows right hand and spins to the left, spinning the follow as well. Then enchufla back into neutral.

Parte el Brazo Complicado - - Similar to Parte el brazo, but after back stepping, put the follows arms behind their back when they face into the centre.

Paseala - - Pull the follow behind your back.

Paseala y Complicate - - Starts with an enchufla, then two Paseala, then on the second one, the lead swings their right hand over their head and as the follow passes behind them, grabs the follow's left hand. The lead should be in front of and to the left of the follow in a left to left and right to right hand hold. On the next eight count, the lead then pulls the follow forward and wraps the follow. One the next eight count, the follow is unwrapped and spun to the right, keep the left hand low behind the back and the right hand leading the turn. To help the follow unwravel, the lead should turn when turning the follow. Then end in a sombrero facing into the circle.

Patin - - Do an enchufla doble, then another one and lead goes into the center, put arms on the shoulders of the other leads and step with left foot behind right and then right behind left, then spin back out and grab the partner to your right (not the same follower!!). When joining the other leads, to put left hand low and right hand high and to start with left behind right.

Patin Mujeres Solo - - Similar to Patin, but the follows move into the centre and then spin back to the same lead.

- Similar to Patin, but the follows move into the centre and then spin back to the same lead. Patin Todo el Mundo - - Similar to Patin Mujeres Solo, but after the follows finish, the leads move into the centre and then back to the next follow in the circle.

Prima y Enredala - - Prima and catch the hand of the follow on the right, back step and pull the follow on your left into a counter clock wise spin. While pulling the follow out, hair comb your right arm over your heard, face to your left. Then repeat, back step and rotate the follow on your left, etc. Once facing outward, continue to rotate to your left and back out under their arms. You should be backing out under the arms of the two follows and backing out of the circle. Take the hand of the follow on your right, stamp your foot, and lead the follow around your back and enchufla, then put the follow's hand on your shoulder and go the next follow on your LEFT!

Principe Malo - - Enchufla and slap the hand of the follow before moving on.

Principe Bueno - - Enchufla and then kiss the hand of the follow before moving on

Setenta - - As shown

Setenta Complicado - - As shown

Setenta con Dos Manos - From a basic Guapea, this starts on the 7 count by the lead grabbing the follow's hand on the right. As the lead grabs the follow's hand on the right, they prep their partner on the left by putting their left hand inward, similar to a Setenta. Then while the lead holds their right hand low, they rotate the follow on the left in a clockwise outside turn until wrapped. On the next eight count, the lead unravels the follow and then as the follow comes around anti-clockwise, the lead turns to the right under the follow's arm. The lead should now be facing the back of the follow with their right arm around their own waist holding the left arm of the follow behind them. As the group starts to move forward with Arriba, the lead then hair combs the follow's right hand over their head and onto the follow's left shoulder. Dance until Dile Que No is called.

Setenta Moderno - - Start like setenta, but lead the follower around behind and the lead steps in front with left hand up. Lift hands up and lead the follow a round until behind again and the lead stands in front ducking under the right hand this time. The lead then ducks slightly and leads the follow to the right grabbing both the follows hands leading into a sacala, then duck under the follows arm and cross body back into neutral position.

Setenta Nuevo - - Start like setenta by putting the follow into a hammer lock on the first eight count. On the next eight count when unravelling the follow, the lead puts their left hand low and right hand high and continues to rotate to the right until the lead is in a hammer lock facing the follow on the right. The lead then pulls on the follows right hand and transfers them behind the lead on 1-2-3. Once the follow is on the left, the lead is now in hammer lock with their right hand behind their back and facing the follow on their left, the lead does a turn to the right, holding their left hand high. The lead should now be facing the follow in an open position. The lead now does a two handed enchufla and hair combs the follow.

Setenta por Abajo - - Almost identical to what is shown in the video, except the ending is different - the lead faces into the circle and once the lead stands up and does the enchufla, it follows the same ending pattern as setenta (starting at the 16second mark)

Setenta y Dos - - Starts like setenta, but end it by hooking first the left elbow over the follow's left on 5 and then the right elbow on 7. Then cross body lead back.

Setenta y Tres - - Starts like setenta with the lead ending inside facing outward. On the next eight count, the lead then raises both hands and steps under, turning to the left to face the follow, ending with cross arms. The follow is then lead in an outside turn (clockwise) ending with a hair-comb on the right hand side, and cross body back to neutral.

Setenta y Uno - - Similar to Setenta y dos, but hook just the right elbow on 7.

Siete con Coca Cola - - Starts like siete, but spin the follow around while stepping around, then cross body back to neutral.

Siete Loco - - Starts with the Setenta style prep with the lead stopping the follow in a wrapped position on 1,2,3 and then spinning the follow with both hands. Then cross body and prep with both arms into the center of the circle. Then spin back-to-back with both hands over the head, ending with the follow in a sweet heart position. Two sacalas ending with the right hand going in a hair-comb over the lead's head.

Siete con Moderno - - Like siete, put your left hand into the circle but before the follow spins all the way out, flick the hand and grab the follow's left hand and put your right hand on the follow's back to stop the follow from spinning. Then spin the follow back anti-clockwise and the haircomb the follow's arm over your shoulder and do a cross body.

Siete Setenta - - Start like setenta but put the follow into a hammerlock along the edge of the circle. Then back-break, and pull the follow around until they are facing outward, and hook both arms in on 7. On 1,2,3, unhook first left then right, then lead the follow around in a clockwise turn until they are behind with their left arm across the leads backs exactly like setenta complicado.

Sombrero Doble - - Start with a sombrero, then lead the follow back to the left into a quick reverse sombrero, the lead preps inward with the left hand and rotates the follow around back to back leading back to the right and then cross body back to neutral.

Sombrero Con Mambo - - Start with a sombrero and when the follow is on the right, step out the mambo step. The cross body the follow back to the left and then around your back and back to the left side. The follow keeps their hand around the mid-section of the lead.

Sombrero con Patada - Like Sombero con mambo, starts with sombrero and the lead holds the follow on the right side. Once in the Sombero, the lead and follow both jump forward, back then forward, back and kick, all following the 2-3 clave beat. The lead kicks with their right and the follow with their left. Then cross body back to neutral.

Tumbao Francesa - - Enchufla, and then the lead pulls the follow past on the right with the follow's right arm. Then grab the left arm of the next follow and moves to the next follow, grabbing their right arm. Repeat until "Bota" is called, then only when the next follow presents their right arm, pull them behind and enchufla them back.

Toma Corriente - - This move requires an even number of couples in the Rueda circle because the leads pair up. Before this call is made, make sure you know who your other lead is by counting in twos, from the caller and the caller's pair to their right. This is important because it means you turn left or right to face your partner, depending on if you are up or downstream of them (counter clockwise being "upstream", the direction the leads "swim"). When called, start with an enchufla and switch hands (right to the follow's left), then reach with your left hand and grasp the left hand of the other lead. On the next eight count, back break and pull the follows under your joined arms making sure to raise your left hand so the follows do not have to duck. On the next eight count, the leads pull past each other and turn to face their respective partner, but keep the hand hold and watch elbows. While still connected, the leads then spin the follows into a sweet heart move (hand on the shoulder of the follow), then spin them out on the next eight count, throwing the follow's hand up in an arc, letting go of the other lead. The leads then move onto the next follow and cross body lead.

y quedate - After the throwing the follows hand up into the air, the upstream lead moves to the downstream follow (like para arriba) and a little mini two man rueda is created. All the subsequent called moves are done in the two man rueda until the call "Dame Rueda??" is made. For the leads to avoid crashing into each, they should be diagonal to each other in their two man rueda.

Vacilala - - Spin the follow around to the right.

Vacilala con Dos - - The lead also spins as the follow spins.

Vascilon (pronounced "Bah-sa-lawn") - Called on 1, the lead presses the hand on the follow on 5 as normal and then immediately turns to the right to face the next follow (who turns to the left) on 6 and 7 and steps forward on 1. Then continues to turn to the right to face original partner for pressing of hands on 5.

Vascilon Mentira - Similar to Vascilon, but with two claps on 1,2 and the lead and follow do half turns, i.e. lead turn to the right, clap twice and turn back to the left to face the original partner. The lead and follow do not spin all the way around.

Rueda Patterns - Level Three [ edit ]

A Bayamo en Coche - - Starts with setenta complicado, but don't let go of the right hand when pulling the follow behind and put them into a locked elbow on the lead's left on 1,2,3. To get the elbow over the follow's elbow, the lead should keep their arm up, as if they were kissing their bicep. Lead and follow then walk forward on 5,6,7, back on 1,2,3, repeat and on second 5,6,7 lead turns to the right. Then enchufla, sacala with the right hand and pull the follow into a sweet heart move on the right and grab the lead's arm ahead of you. Then walk around the circle for two eight counts. On the second eight count, push the follow outward on 5,6,7 and then pull the follow back on 1,2,3 back into the sweet heart and repeat twice, on the third time, pull the follow back and hook turn under the raised arm to face upstream (to the right). Clap twice on 7,8, and pick up the next follow.

Ahorcala - - As shown.

Akia - - Lead turns follow with two hand turn around from open position and cross body. Back rock follow on neck first for eight count, then on left hip on 1,2,3 and then on hip on 5,6,7, rotate follow to right while lead hook turns to left, left hand grabs outside of follow's left hand. Then enchufla 360 and lead asks for left under right. Cross body, then hair comb lead first right hand and then left.

Algodon - Starts like Tunturnun where the follow is put into a hammerlock with the right hand in a hair comb. However, the hair-comb is a fake and the lead undoes the hair-comb and immediately does an enchufla with a hook turn. While doing a hook turn under the arms, the lead hops on one foot and pulls the follow from behind to the next lead on the left. The lead then continues onto the next lead as usual.

Agamemnon - - As shown.

Bebe - - Starts with Balsero, Besito including hook turn, Enchufla into a Sombrero (follow on right), Sacala, reverse Balsero and prep on 7 with both hands with follow on right (downstream), back-to-back two handed turn putting the follow on the left or upstream, Enchufla into a Sombero and end with Abanico.

Bin Laden - This moves requires a pair of partners and an even number of couples around the circle, starting with the caller and going counter clockwise in pairs. Starts with an Enchufla and the lead does a hook turn, then the leads grab a left to left hold. The follows is then lead with a Sacala in parallel to the leads. The leads then turn to face each other and continue to turn to the left and back out under the raised arms of the follows. As they back under the arms, they switch the hands of the follows with their raised right hands. The leads then lead the new follow in a outside turn and hook turn. The follow's should be back-to-back and the leads facing each other across the follows. Do an enchufla and switch to the other partner's lead, do a cross body and then do a Dame dos con dos with a counter-clockwise spin.

Control - Start like Sombrero with right over left, spin follow to the right and then hook your right hand behind the head of the follow. Then back-break sending the follow outward unwrapping the arms into a cross position. Then enchufla and keep the right arm low and wrap it around the follow's back, and the lead spins under the follow's left arm. As the follow goes under, keep the follow's arm straight, then back-break again and pull the follow back into a cross-body.

Conqueta con Meloa (sp?) - starts with Setenta complicado and when the lead rotates to the right, place the left hand on the lead's left shoulder. Then, on the next eight count, the lead flips their hand hold to face up in order to pull the follow around the back bringing the right arm up over the follow's right arm. Leads should be facing into the circle at this point. Over the next eight count, the trick is to unfold the arms in front such that the lead can turn to the follow on the right and hold the left arm up and right arm down then spin to the right. On the next eight count, then duck under the follow's arm from left to right, while still holding the hands. The trick here is to place your right hand on the follow's shoulder and bringing the hand on your back as high as possible. Come back up and do an enchufla, ending in double hooks, then cross body back to neutral. Enchufla and the lead does a hook turn, then the leads grab a left to left hold. The follows is then lead with a Sacala in parallel to the leads. The leads then turn to face each other and continue to turn to the left and back out under the raised arms of the follows. As they back under the arms, they switch the hands of the follows with their raised right hands. The leads then lead the new follow in a outside turn and hook turn. Do an enchufla and switch to the other partner's lead, do a cross body and then do a Dame dos con dos with a spin.

Corona Triple - Setenta, then unravel and hair comb the follow on 5,6,7. Then sacala and the lead hair combs themself by turning to the left and facing outward of the circle. Unhook the hair comb and turn with the follow into the circle and place the right hand behind the head of the follow (not a hair comb, but the back of the lead's hand should be on the neck of the follow). Then twist the follow under clockwise, by raising the left arm, keeping the right hand on the neck of the follow. The follow will need to duck under slightly. Then lead behind while the lead turns to the left to face outward. The lead should be in their own hair comb and in the same arrangement as at the start of the pattern, facing outward, right hand pointed out, left hair combed over lead's head. Unhook the hair comb and lead the follow around 360 until facing into the circle and hair comb the follow. Then lead the follow behind and start a mambo on 7, and while continuing mambo (five steps in total), unhook the follow and lead hair combs themselves. Then cross body.

Dame con Azucar - Starts off a dame, on count 7 8 when the lead is leaving the follow, they stand in front of the next follow to the left and roll the hips and upper body on 123. On 567, jump to the left and cross body the next lead.

Dame con Estilo - (1) While in a left to right hand hold, lead the follow into the circle on 1,2 and spin back out on 3, then walk back out on 5, 6,7. (2) On 1 the leads plant the left foot and follows plant the right foot while both are facing into the circle. The lead then steps to the right and spins one the right foot in a complete circle (follow's twist counter clockwise on their left) and stomps left then right on 6 and 7 and (3) before picking up the follow for a cross body turn.

Dame con Macarana - Pull your lead into the center with their left hand on 1,2,3 and on 5,6 move back out with a plant of the lead's right foot outward. The follow mirror's with a plant of their left foot. Then swivel right and left on the spot twice, then clap on 5 and spin on the right foot (left for follows) landing on 6 and 7 with stamping feet. Pick up the next lead.

Dedo de Laso - Starts with a prima and catch the follow on the right, with the lead doing a fake left arm over the head. Then sacala the follow, cross body and do El Doce, but on the ending enchufla, follow up with a cross body with a coca cola, ie. spin the follow counter clockwise by their right shoulder, and as they come around, put your right hand onto their back for a 360 cross body. Do yet another coca cola and on the last one, the follow spins to the left and the lead spins (counter clockwise) to the left to pick up the next follow.

Juana la Cubana Complicado - Most of the move is a duplication of Juana la Cubana, however another sacala is added at the end. To start the complicado sacala, the lead's right hand is palm up, holding the follow's right hand. The left holds the follow's left hand and leads the sacala. As the follow comes back from the centre of the circle, they are wrapped such that the follow and lead end up back to back. The lead then straighten's and pops their left arm straight and then lifts with the right hand, still palm up. Like Juana La Cubana, the difference is that a second scala is done after the first and the follow is wrapped to the right with the lead's right hand. The trick is to keep the left arm low and the right arm high. The follow then ducks back under the arms and is lead around back behind the lead into an enchufla.

Juegos de Manos - Setenta then a two handed enchufla and with a momentary hair comb with the right hand over the head. Then another enchufla, and this time, the lead hook turns under the arms, and brings the left arm down low next to the hip and leaves the right hand on the lead's shoulder. Then the arms are switched one at a time in the following sequence - left arm goes from right to left ending on the left side of the head, while keeping enough distance between the arms, them move the right arm and put it on the right shoulder. The follow's arms should be crossed at this point. Then move the left arm from the left side of the head back to the right side of the body, then bring the right and move it back to the left side of the head. Repeat. Only one hand is moved at a time, starting with the left, then right, left and right. While doing the arms movements, spin around for three eight counts. On the final eight count, make sure the follow is on the right and cross body them with a two handed grip.

Hasta Mana (See you until tomorrow) - Starts with Prima, lead join hands with the follow on the right, then everyone walks inward and hops back out (3 hops). Then, on one, spin the follow from the right to the left and with the left hand, lead the follow behind and on the next one, enchufla the follow on the left and leads step into the circle and face out. Follows face inward. Then end like Vascilla con Bum Bum Bah, with leads walking outward and hopping back in as follows walk inward and hop three times back out. Then cross body the upstream follow.

Leonsio Complicado - - Lead the follow in an outside turn with two hands and then step in front of the follow with arms up and crossed. Bring the left hand over the head drop it down the left and bring the right hand over and drop it down the right. The follow's arms should be cross at this point, the lead then ducks under the arms from left to right, then lead the follow in a 1/2 circle into a hammer lock. Then (read more)

Loka - Starts like Toma Corriente but after the leads have switched places on 1,2,3, they pull their follows past to switch places on 5,6,7 and keep facing the same direction (away). On 1,2,3 the leads pull again with their right hand, this time, the follow goes under arms of both leads between the two leads such that the lead ends up in a hammer lock with their right arm. The leads then duck to the left under the right arm of the follow and turning to face their own follow, ask for the follow's left hand with the lead's left hand. Then turn the follow around and pull them to the right into the slot on 1,2,3 and on 5, press, with their respective left hands, the hand of the other follow. Cross body to finish.

Media Prima (group move) - Start with a Prima and on the 5,6,7 the leads raise their left hand and step backwards, left foot first, under the arm of the follow on their left and stand back up. The circle should be very close now with the follows facing downstream (to the left) and the leads facing inward. On the next 1,2,3, the leads grab the left hand of the follow, turn to the left slightly and again holding their arms high, back under the arms, right foot first this time. The leads should now have crossed hands in front of them. On the next eight count, the leads then spin to the right keeping their hands up and the trick here is to bring the arms back down in front crossed with left on top as the follows dance in place. Leads then drop the left hand and lead the follow on the right in a El Dedo style move, switching positions. Then enchufla and immediately pick up the follow on the left, crossing in front for a 360 degree, cross body back to neutral.

Micaela - - Lead the follow in an outside turn with the left-to-left hand hold and as the follow comes around the lead spins to the right putting the lead in a hammer lock. Grab the right hand of the follow. Then...?

Mona Lisa - Starts with an outside turn and the leads puts the hand on the back in order to get around the follow for a full circle, then a siete moderno where the lead catches the follow's left hand. Then they are double spun and put into a cross body lead.

Morin - Start with a Setenta, and unwrap the follow, then on the next eight count, the lead steps under their right raised arm and spins to face the follow, prepping on seven, with the right hand across the front of the follow. While keeping the left hand as low as possible the right hand is used to wrap the follow behind the lead and then continue to unwrap. The lead then puts the right arm over their head in a hair comb and finishes with a Dile que no

Ochenta y Ocho - - Starts with a right to right hand hold and the follow is lead in a counter-clockwise rotation, ending up on the right. As the follow comes around the lead does a hair comb and asks for the left hand. Then on the next eight count, undo the hair comb and the follow is pulled around back in a reverse sombero like move, with the lead keeping their left hand low. For the next eight count, the follow is then pulled in front in wrapped with the right hand. On the next eight count, the follow is unwrapped and lead in a blind "pizza man" or spun around the back of the lead clockwise until they are completely around in a hammer lock position. At this point the follow should be on the left and in a hammer lock position. Then unroll the follow and do an Enchufla with a hook turn for the lead. While doing the hook turn, the lead (watching their elbows!!) , spins to the right pulling the follow behind them. If done correctly the lead is facing outward and has the follow behind them in a left-to-left and right-to-right hand hold. Enchufla to finish.

Prima la Cadena - - starts with prima, hold hand with partner on left and right. Step back and step forward on next eight count. Then prep the partner on the left and turn her counter-clockwise half turn. Then turn her back and turn yourself left. Keep your hand behind you so that you have both hands crossed behind your back and you are facing outward. Then on the next eight count duck to the right and under the arm of the follow. On 5,6,7 then hair comb the right follow's hand over your head. Then undo and turn the other partner on your left again counter-clockwise for a half turn putting your arm over her head in a hair comb. Then undo and repeat hair comb with partner on right and cross body lead.

Pan Cortado (group move) - Start with Sombero hand hold and the lead gets into a hammer lock (first eight count) by pulling the lead all the way around ending up with them on their left, keeping the right hand low and the left hand high going over their head. On the next eight count, the lead then brings the follow under their left arm as the follow ducks and back under the right arm. The lead should be facing around the circle and the follow should go under the left and back out, butt first, under the right. On the next eight count, lead drops left hand and does an enchufla and then an sacala with the left hand. As the follow comes out of the sacala, the lead, with their left hand, grabs the elbow of the follow's right arm and puts it under the lead's left arm. The lead should also pull the follow close and continue their momentum in order to get them into abajo. At this point, the lead is facing up stream, almost belly to belly with their follow, who is facing downstream. While doing abajo, the lead should be able to grab the right hand of the follow ahead of them with their left hand, forming a closed loop. Then do a close abajo and on the next eight count, the leads lifts their left hand and, like a cross body lead, pushed the lead under, while pulling the lead ahead of them outside the circle. The lead steps into the circle and turns to the left to face the follow who is now facing into the circle. On the next eight count, the lead then goes onto the next follow upstream and does a cross body lead back to neutral.

Sandokan - - Starts with a prima, then go upstream one follow. Then do Evelyn de Cuba and go upstream two follows, do prima again and go downstream (to the left) one partner, do Evelyn de Cuba again and go downstream two partners. Cross body to finish with the same partner you started with.

Secador - Start with a Setenta and fake the arm over the head, then unravel the Setenta and face your partner, again, fake the right hand in a hair comb. Do a two handed enchufla and the lead does a hook turn, ending up under the follows arms. On the next eight count, the lead lifts both hands and puts them behind their back forming an X with the follow's arms. The lead then straighten's their left arm, still behind their back, and turn to the right ducking under the arms. At this point, the lead's head should be at about belly height of the follow and the follow's arms should be unwrapped. The lead continues to turn to the right and ends up in a hammer lock and continues to turn with the follow another half turn at which time, the lead should be facing outward. The lead then duck backwards under, keeping the left arm high up on the back and right hand on the follow's right shoulder. Once the lead has ducked under, the lead lifts both of the follow's hands and spins to the left ending up facing the follow again momentarily, and then spin the follow into a hammer lock with the follow's right hand held high. Then enchufla, pulling on the hand behind the back of the follow, stopping with the right elbow hooked over the elbow of the follow. Cross body back.

Salauw (sp?) - With a prep on 7 with the left hand of the follow leading into the circle, raise the left hand and spin the follow clockwise, twice for the entire eight count, keeping the right hand low and putting the follow in a hammer lock (left arm up, right hand behind the follow's back). Then back rock, pull the follow out of the hammer lock and the lead then raise their left hand and turns to the left pulling the follow behind. The lead should then on 7 be facing the follow on the left with the lead's right hand behind their back. Now the lead pulls with the right hand and leads the follow behind, and does a hook turn. Enchufla and the lead does a hook turn and hair combs themselves (Show them the "L"ove).

Combo - Start with Setenta Tres and end with Salauw

Setenta y dos Complicado - Starts with Setenta y Dos and once hooked do an entire eight count going back and forth, lead facing outward. Then lead the follow around the back and to the right on the next eight count, then again, with both hands, from right to left and prep outward for a back to back turn. After the back to back turn, the lead holds the left hand high and the right hand low and spins to right, facing inward into the circle. On the next eight count, the follow is pulled behind the back from right to left by pulling the follow's right hand. Once on the other side, the lead does a hook turn and does a two handed enchufla, with either a hair-comb over the follow, or lead's head.

Sombrero por Debajo - - Start with the sombrero hand hold, then pull the follow around 360 and step in front of the follow to the right. The lead then ducks under the follow's right arm and spins the follow around to the right and does a hair-comb over the follow's head. The follow then takes the hand from behind the follow's neck and does an enchufla and immediately pulls the follow back into a sombrero on the right side (use your left hand!) making the follower again move 360 degrees. Then cross body to end.

Tunturnun - Starts with a sombrero hand hold and while keeping the left hand low, the right hand of the lead is used to spin the follow around and move them in a half circle. The lead then puts their right hand in a hair-comb over the follow's head and on to their neck making sure to keep the follow comfortable (no knuckles on the neck!). If done correctly, the follow is now in a hammer lock with their elbow pointed at the lead. The leand then ducks to the side and slightly behind as the lead extends their left arm straight. Then pull the follow around in a half circle. Still with the hand behind the head, the lead then initiates the Enchufla and the follow ducks under the arm ending up in a sombrero. Cross body to finish.

Vacilala con bum bum ba - - Starts like Vacilala the follow ends up looking into the center of the circle and lead, slightly to the left, looking out. Both the lead and follow spin to get into position. On the next eight count the lead walks forward and bends on 3, almost touching the ground, then on 5,6,7 hops three steps backward and says "Boom Boom Bah". The follows do a similar move, but hop outward and raise their arms. Then Enchuflaa and Dile que no back to neutral.

Other Sources [ edit ]

There are many other sources of Rueda moves, but here are a list of a few of the top sources: