Rueda etiquette

In all ruedas:

·         Try to help your partner and everyone else have a good time!  If you grimace  or roll your eyes when something goes wrong, your partner might think you are upset at them.  Smiles are good.

·         Beware of hurting your partners.  This applies to both leads and follows.  Give your partners clear cues, not force!  Do not try to move your partner around with pushing or pulling.  Learn the cues and ask your instructor if you're unsure.  Once cued, follows should turn themselves.  Pay attention to  differences in partner sizes, shapes, flexibility, and agility.  Make adjustments as needed so your partner can relax and enjoy their turn with you.  

·         Make your partner changes on time!  When there is a partner change release your partner whether or not you have completed the figure!

·         Follow the caller’s timing, regardless of whether it feels right to you.  Everyone needs to dance to the same beat in a rueda, and the caller sets the pace.

·         Do what the caller does, even if it appears to be different than what he/she called.

·         Don’t back-lead moves unless your partner asks you to.

·         Every dancer is responsible for keeping the circle round and evenly spaced.

·         Clap when a dance is over to express your appreciation for the other dancers and the caller.

For social ruedas:

·        It is a good idea, in unfamiliar settings, to watch a rueda before joining and ensure you are comfortable with most of the moves being called.  

·         If a rueda is above your level, do not join without being invited in.  You will force the caller to simplify the dance.  Keep in mind that advanced dancers also appreciate the opportunity to dance the figures that they've been learning.   You will never or should never be asked to leave a rueda.  It is up to each person to check themself.  

.          Ruedas take space and don't always work in crowded settings.  If you are thinking about starting or  joining  a rueda on a crowded dance floor, first consider whether there is enough space.  Couples that are dancing nearby do not typically appreciate being bumped by an expanding rueda.   

·         Don't enter or leave a rueda circle without a partner, unless it is already unbalanced and you are making it more balanced with respect to leads and follows by doing so.

·         Do not bring a partner into the rueda who does not know rueda de casino unless you feel confident they can follow.

·         Obtain consent from your partner before joining the rueda.

·         If there are unfamiliar figures or you can't hear the call, watch and try to mimic the caller

·         If you miss a move do not risk hurting your partner by rushing through the move; return to the basic and observe what others are doing. Get ready to catch the next call or partner change.

In class:

·        The instructor is the boss.  You may think there is a better way to do/teach the move; you are not the instructor.  The instructor may modify the move to better fit the class or a  progression.

·         Arrive to class on time.

·         Arrive to class in clean clothes and take a shower before class if needed.

·         Don’t talk while the instructor is talking.

·         If, during a rueda, you get frustrated or are unable to execute a figure, do not call attention to yourself and disrupt or interrupt the rueda.  Wait for the rueda to end, and then ask politely for the help you need.

·         Unless you are a teaching assistant, generally avoid teaching your partner.  It is likely to disrupt class instruction and may be unwelcome. If you know your partner needs and wants your help, make it brief or wait until the next break.  Do NOT make the instructor wait for you while helping someone else.