(FYI---Rueda is a sort of "square dancing" for salsa dancers---parnters dance in a circle (aka "wheel"); a person calls out moves, and partners do the move which was called; partners are switched around the circle in the circle---It's totally fun & somewhat easy).
While in Seattle over the weekend, I happened upon the Seattle Rueda website when searching for something to do on a Sunday afternoon. "Seattle Rueda" is a website/blog which covers all the Casino de Rueda/Cuban Salsa activities in the Seattle area. As it so happens, Sundays are a night they have Rueda practice. Score!
During the warm months, Rueda practice is outside at Gasworks Park. Specifically, the practice is on the Wallingford Steps--these are a steps which are just across the street from Gasworks Park. It's such a perfect spot. The steps are cool with lots of tile work, and there are large circular areas which are just perfect for a rueda. This area is also nice, because the surrounding buildings offer shade, and the breeze from the water was also nice...until it got chilly toward the end (but I'm hot-blooded, so I was happy!).
So, the practice is for two hours. If there are new dancers, one can get some introductory lessons/basics off to the side. I am fairly familiar with rueda so I was more interested in getting some practice in "the wheel". The group was really cool. Once everybody showed up we had about 30-40 people dancing the rueda (we even had a circle on the inside of the big one).
There was mainly one caller for the evening. We went over some of the basic moves. She even worked in some new moves for everyone. The people were all very nice and welcoming. I'm new to Rueda & Casino (Cuban Salsa), so it was good to see how other people dance to this style of dance.
I had a totally awesome time!
Oh, I did forget to "donate" $5 (I'll do that next time). Their music was played of a small boom box which skipped sometime---it didn't matter though--we all had fun. As the weather gets colder, I hear they will move practice indoors somewhere up in Greenwood. Be sure to check their website for practice info and any other Cuban Salsa info in the Seattle area.
I can't wait to dance with this group again! read more