Casino – Cuban Salsa

A Cuban dance which evolved from SON (the most influential Cuban music style in the XIX/XX-th century Havana). A word “Salsa” was invented for the commercial purposes in the 60-ties in the USA. However the Cubans never really accepted it. The name “Casino” is still widely used in Cuba to describe the dance. On the other hand “Casino” survived in an expression “Rueda de Casino”, which means “The Circle of the Casino”. It is the most favorite form, where at least 2 couples dance together. Each step has a Spanish name, and a leader is responsible for shouting the name so that everybody does the step in the same time.

Timba

Contemporary performing style of Cuban dance music. As Snr Formell says (the founder of Los Van Van) “Timba is a style which lies halfway between the traditional Cuban son and salsa”.

Despelote

which means “letting it all out” – is the way to interpret timba. The elements of despelote can be then used when we dance with a partner.