Cuban, Miami &
Local Rueda Conventions

About Rueda de Casino
Rueda de Casino is a group form of Casino in which several couples dance in a circle and perform figures announced by a caller.

Rueda has developed through communities in Cuba, Miami, and many other places.

Common Areas of Variation
- Direction assigned to Arriba and Abajo
- Hand signals used by the caller
- Timing and preparation for figures
- Handholds and arm paths
- Entries, endings, and partner-change patterns
- Naming conventions

Labels Used on This Site
Labels such as “Cuban,” “Miami,” and “local variation” describe the version shown in the linked video. They should not be treated as universal standards.

Move families are practical navigation groups for related figures, not universal classifications. Alternate names may be listed when different sources use different names for similar movements. When the same name is used for different movements, check the linked video and version label.

Joining a New Rueda
Before joining, watch the group and confirm that there is enough space and that both you and your partner can follow the calls, partner changes, and pace being used. Confirm that your partner wants to join, and wait for the caller’s acknowledgment before entering an ongoing rueda.

Follow the caller and the conventions used by that group. Each dancer is responsible for keeping their place in the circle, maintaining spacing with adjacent couples, and completing partner changes on time. If you miss a call, return to the basic step, observe the group, and rejoin at the next clear call or partner change.

Confirm unfamiliar names, directions, hand signals, timing, or partner-change patterns before joining when possible.