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Pelota means “ball” in Spanish. In Rueda de Casino, it belongs to a playful family of moves inspired by baseball. Like many rueda calls, it transforms an everyday idea into a movement that the entire circle can recognise and perform together. Pelota begins with the familiar action of an enchufla. As the dancers complete the movement, everyone adds one clear clap on count 7, creating the impression of hitting or catching a ball. The footwork is not particularly complicated; th

“Sandunguera,” also known as “Por encima del nivel,” is one of Los Van Van’s best-loved dance tracks from the 1980s. Its groove has the layered, rolling energy that makes songo so satisfying to dance to. Listen for the conversation between bass, piano and percussion rather than chasing every beat. Let the rhythm settle into your body, keep your steps grounded and give the music room to breathe. It is a wonderful track for practising sabor, musicality and relaxed Cuban movemen

Founded in Havana in 1969 by bassist, composer and arranger Juan Formell, Los Van Van became one of Cuba’s most influential dance bands. Formell and percussionist José Luis “Changuito” Quintana helped shape songo, combining the roots of Cuban son and charanga with a modern rhythm section and fresh influences from rock, funk and popular music. The result was music that felt unmistakably Cuban while continually moving forward. Across generations, Los Van Van have remained close

This month, I want to talk about one of the most important movements in Cuban salsa and rueda: Dile Que No. If you’ve been coming to classes, you’ve certainly heard it many times. It shows up everywhere, between moves, at the end of sequences, bringing partners back together. And because of that, it’s easy to overlook. But the truth is… Dile Que No is everything. What Does “Dile Que No” Mean? Literally, “Dile Que No” translates to “tell her no.” In a way, it’s like the lead t

This month I'd like to share one of my favourite timba songs: "Mi Música" by Alexander Abreu and Havana D'Primera. Released on Havana D'Primera's debut album, Haciendo Historia (2009), the song arrived at a pivotal moment in Cuban music. After years of being one of Cuba's most respected trumpet players, performing with groups such as Paulito FG, Issac Delgado and Irakere, Alexander Abreu formed Havana D'Primera in 2007 to create music that reflected his own vision. Mi Música

This month, I want to highlight an artist who, for me, represents the very soul of modern Cuban music - Alexander Abreu. If you’ve been in my classes for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about how important it is not just to dance the steps, but to really listen to the music. And when it comes to music that invites you to listen, feel, and respond… Abreu is right at the top. 🇨🇺 A True Force in Cuban Music Alexander Abreu is not just an incredible trumpet player, he is

Discovering the Magic of Llorarás: The Heartbeat of Salsa If there is one song that defines the energy and emotion of salsa, it is Llorarás. From the very first notes, this track builds a powerful connection between the music and the dancer. The rhythm is rich, the phrasing is playful, and Oscar’s voice carries both strength and feeling in a way that is unmistakable. The Song Was Almost an Afterthought One of the most interesting stories is that Llorarás was reportedly not ex

$20 entry, including a salsa class. Get ready for the next night of rhythm, energy, and connection! Start the evening with dinner and drinks, then join JR & Katherine from Cuban Salsa Club for a fun and social Salsa class, followed by an unforgettable night of Salsa & Bachata dancing. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already love to dance, this is your chance to move, laugh, meet new people, and enjoy the vibrant latin dance atmosphere. What’s happening: 7:00 PM - Event

When we talk about salsa, energy, and pure connection to the music, it’s impossible not to mention Oscar D’León. Known as “El Sonero del Mundo”, Oscar is not just a singer—he is a force of nature. His music has filled dance floors for decades, bringing people together through rhythm, joy, and that unmistakable Caribbean sabor. A Voice That Moves the World Born in Venezuela, and one of my favourite salseros, Oscar D’León rose to prominence in the 1970s and quickly became one

If there is one movement that sits at the very heart of Cuban salsa, it is Guapea. At first glance, it might look like just a basic step—but in reality, Guapea is much more than that. It is the foundation of Casino, the rhythm that anchors everything else, and the starting point from which connection, expression, and play emerge. What is Guapea? Guapea is the basic step of Cuban salsa (Casino), danced in an open position where both partners: Step back and forward in rhythm Ma

If salsa today feels like a global language—played in clubs, danced in studios, and celebrated across continents—much of that legacy can be traced back to one name: Fania Records. The Birth of a Movement Founded in New York in 1964 by Johnny Pacheco and Jerry Masucci, Fania Records began as a small label with a big vision. Its goal was to capture the energy of Latin music being created by Caribbean communities in the city. At the time, this sound was a rich blend of Cuban son

Over the past few months, something special has been happening in Australia, and if you’ve been paying attention, you can feel it on the dance floor. The recent visit of Grupo Niche across multiple cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond, has been nothing short of historic for the salsa community. With over 40 years of legacy and timeless classics that have defined generations of dancers, their presence reminded us what live salsa music truly feels like: raw, powerfu

If there’s one move in Rueda de Casino that captures both the playful spirit and the visual elegance of Cuban salsa, it’s Sombrero. At first glance, Sombrero is all about style, hands lifting, arms crossing, partners weaving in and out of each other’s space. But underneath that visual flair lies something deeper: coordination, connection, and trust between partners. What is Sombrero? “Sombrero,” meaning hat in Spanish, gets its name from the circular motion of the arms over t

This month’s featured move is one of the most essential and widely used figures in Cuban salsa: Enchufla. Why Enchufla Matters Often one of the first moves students learn after guapea and dile que no, enchufla is a beautiful introduction to turning, flow, and connection in Casino. The move involves guiding your partner across your body while leading a smooth turn, before reconnecting on the other side. The word “enchufla” comes from the Spanish enchufar, meaning “to plug in”

Few artists have shaped Latin music—and Latin culture—as profoundly as Rubén Blades. Known for blending infectious salsa rhythms with powerful storytelling, Blades is more than a musician—he is a cultural voice, social commentator, and global icon. Early Life and Roots Rubén Blades was born on July 16, 1948, in Panama City. Growing up in a politically aware household—his father was a police officer and his mother a musician—Blades was exposed early to both music and social re

On the 24th of March, something truly special happened right here in Sydney. Against the iconic backdrop of the Opera House, dancers from across Sydney came together for a Rueda Flashmob , joining a global celebration of Cuban dance. Beautifully organised by Kelvin and Angelica from House of Salsa , the event brought together dancers of all levels to share in the energy, rhythm, and connection that make Rueda de Casino so unique. What made this moment even more powerful was t

If you’ve ever felt the irresistible urge to move your feet to a vibrant beat, you’re already halfway to understanding the magic of Cuban salsa. This dance and music style is more than just a fun pastime - it’s a rich cultural expression with deep roots and a lively spirit. Let me take you on a journey through the origins of Cuban salsa, where history, music, and dance come together in a colourful celebration. The Origins of Cuban Salsa: Where It All Began Cuban salsa didn’t

At Cuban Salsa Club, we’ve designed our pricing with one goal in mind:👉 maximum flexibility and value for money for our students. We know it might feel a little different at first, but once you understand it, you’ll see how it actually rewards you for dancing more (which is what we love! 😄). Casual Classes – Simple Start If you just want to drop in and try a class: 👉 $25 per casual class This gives you access to any single class on the schedule—perfect if you’re just getti

One of the most exciting things about dancing Cuban salsa is the music that drives it. Much of the music we dance to comes from the timba tradition, a modern Cuban style that grew out of salsa, son, jazz, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Timba is incredibly dynamic, playful, and full of surprises. For dancers, learning to recognise the structure of a typical timba song can transform the way you dance — helping you engage more deeply with the music rather than simply moving through pat

A Classic Move in Cuban Rueda de Casino If you spend enough time dancing Cuban salsa or Rueda de Casino, sooner or later you will encounter one of the most iconic moves in the repertoire: El Setenta.For many dancers, El Setenta is a milestone. It’s one of those moves that, once you learn it, opens the door to a whole family of more advanced figures. It combines flow, rotation, and coordination in a way that perfectly reflects the playful and dynamic nature of Cuban salsa. Why