The founders of a popular dance in Cuba have inaugurated the International Rueda de Casino School in Havana, which will be hosted by an institution under the Ministry of Tourism.
The official opening took place this Monday in the gardens of Restaurant 1830, owned by Palmares, which will serve as the main venue for daily dance classes, offered at three different times.
Juan Gómez Barranco, known as Juanito "El Abuelo", one of the founders of this dance style and the director of the Rueda de Casino Project, emphasized the importance of integrating both Cubans and foreigners into this initiative. "We want people to dance like in Cuba, maybe out of patriotism, but it's fine that other steps exist. This style has evolved with the music; what's essential is that it's performed with heart, which is what identifies the casino and its dancers," Gómez affirmed.
The school will offer discussions and lectures on the history of classic casino, its origins, and the evolution of its steps. This project will also welcome students from foreign institutions and Cubans interested in learning more about this popular dance.
During the inauguration, national dancers and those from the Chilean school Antofa Latina from Antofagasta joined in a large rueda de casino to the rhythm of Cuban music, showcasing the passion and energy that characterize this dance.
The casino dance originated in Havana in the 1950s. It is similar to the son but with more speed and elegance. It gained international fame with the salsa boom in the late 1970s. Today, ruedas de casino with their complex choreographies are followed and practiced in many countries around the world, bringing dancers together on a common dance floor.
In May, amidst the economic crisis and rising inflation in Cuba, casino dancers were called by the authorities to the Havana Malecón and, after several years of attempts, managed to set the world record for the largest rueda de casino. The event took place on National Son Day and featured more than 2,900 dancers from all over Cuba and 142 ruedas de casino.
Key Details about the International Rueda de Casino School
Here are some important questions and answers regarding the new International Rueda de Casino School in Havana.
Who is Juan Gómez Barranco?
Juan Gómez Barranco, also known as Juanito "El Abuelo", is one of the founders of the casino dance style and the director of the Rueda de Casino Project.
What will the International Rueda de Casino School offer?
The school will provide daily dance classes, discussions, and lectures on the history and evolution of classic casino dance. It will also welcome both foreign students and Cubans.
Where is the main venue for the dance classes?
The main venue for the dance classes will be the gardens of Restaurant 1830, owned by Palmares.