Cuban salsa, known in Cuba as casino, is a partner dance born in Cuban ballrooms in the 1950s, a direct descendant of son. It is recognizable by its circular movements, armwork, and group version, the rueda de casino. To dance it, a suede-soled shoe, securely fastened at the ankle and with a reasonable heel, does most of the work.
Several salsas, one common root
The word "salsa" actually covers several ways of dancing. The Puerto Rican and New York styles are danced in line, the latter often on the second beat. The Los Angeles style, also linear, focuses on fast turns and spectacle. Cuban salsa turns: partners move around each other in a circle.
The word itself arrived late. It was in New York in the 1970s that it became established to sell several types of Latin dance music under the same label, notably through the Fania label. In Cuba, the dance already existed under another name: casino. The term "Cuban salsa" spread later, mainly to distinguish it from the other styles.
Origins: Cuban son
It all starts with son, a music born at the end of the 19th century in the mountains of eastern Cuba, in the former province of Oriente. Son combines the Spanish guitar and its cousin the tres with percussion instruments of African origin: conga, maracas, claves. It then made its way to Havana, where in a few years it became the island's great popular music.
It was also around this time that son adopted the clave, that five-beat rhythmic pattern spread over two measures that still structures all salsa today. Dancing Cuban means learning to feel this clave.
Other Cuban genres also nourish the dance: the older danzón, then the mambo and cha-cha-chá of the 1940s and 1950s. Each leaves its mark on the way of moving.
Casino, the dance of the clubs
In the 1950s, Havana dancers developed a partner dance from son, borrowing figures from mambo, cha-cha-chá, rumba guaguancó, and even North American jive. It took the name of the places where it was danced: casino deportivo, social and sports clubs where people went to dance.
What distinguishes it:
- A circular movement. Partners turn around each other instead of staying in line.
- Rich armwork, with under-the-arm passages, knots, and unknotting that follow one another without pause.
- The timing of the dance. Casino was traditionally danced on the offbeat. Today, it is most often danced on the first beat, which makes it easier for beginners to access.
- Afro-Cuban influences: many dancers slip rumba or orisha dance movements into their casino, especially in free passages.
The basic figure, the guapea, serves as the starting point. Then come figures whose names have become familiar in all schools: dame, enchufla, vacílala, sombrero.
The rueda de casino, salsa in a circle
At the end of the 1950s, a group version appeared: the rueda de casino. Several couples form a circle. A leader, called the cantante, announces the figures out loud, often accompanied by a hand sign when the music covers his voice. All couples perform the figure at the same time.
Many figures involve a partner change: the female dancers pass to the next male dancer, then the next, and the circle turns. Born in a Havana club, the Casino Deportivo, the rueda then spread to other clubs and then throughout the city.
For a beginner, it is a great school: you dance with everyone, you learn to react quickly and to follow the music together.
Today's music: from son to timba
Cuban salsa is danced to son, salsa, and timba, a genre that appeared in Cuba at the end of the 1980s, more nervous, nourished by funk and jazz. Timba is rich in breaks and rhythm changes, which Cuban dancers like to emphasize with torso and hip movements.
What shoes for Cuban salsa
Cuban dance works the foot in a particular way: many rotations around the partner, steps close to the ground, weight often placed on the ball of the foot. Three criteria count.
A suede sole
It grips enough for weight transfers and slides enough to turn. This is the most important point. Rubber soles lock the foot in turns and tire the knees.
A heel you master
Casino does not require very high heels. Many female dancers choose a medium heel, around 5 to 7 cm, wide enough to stay stable. Beginners gain by starting lower, then going up when turns become secure. On the male side, a low-heeled dance shoe or a smooth-soled dance sneaker works very well.
A well-supported foot
An ankle strap prevents the foot from coming out of the shoe during rotations and rueda partner changes. Choose a fitted sandal, without toes sticking out.
Our guide shoes for merengue and Cuban salsa goes into detail about models and heights. If you are starting out, also read choosing salsa shoes when starting out. You will find our models in the collections women's salsa shoes and men's dance shoes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Cuban salsa and Puerto Rican salsa?
Cuban salsa, or casino, is circular: partners turn around each other. The Puerto Rican and New York styles are danced in line, the New York style often on the second beat. The two share the same musical root, Cuban son.
What is the rueda de casino?
It is the group version of Cuban salsa, which appeared in Havana at the end of the 1950s. Several couples dance in a circle, a leader announces the figures, and partners change regularly. It is very practiced in class to learn to lead and follow.
What heel height to dance Cuban salsa?
A medium heel, often around 5 to 7 cm, suits most dancers comfortable on their feet. When starting out, a lower and wider heel helps stabilize turns. The important thing is to remain master of your balance during rotations.
Can you dance Cuban salsa in sneakers?
Yes, with smooth-soled or pivot-zone dance sneakers, quite common among male dancers. City sneakers with lugged soles should be avoided: they grip the parquet and hinder turns.