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The Rueda Congress – A Global Meeting Point for Rueda de Casino

👉 For Rueda Club members, this is one of the most highly recommended dance festivals to experience!

At Rueda Club, we follow the Rueda Standards and continuously update our naming conventions and teaching methods in line with the annual developments from the Rueda Congress.

Rueda Congress 2026 – Save the Date!

Overview and highlights from last year
Rueda Congress 2025

Workshops

Wrokshop link >> https://www.ruedacongress.com/rc2025/workshops/workshop-descriptions/

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

This year we have over 80 workshops to choose from! We have made a brief description of each workshop below. Please use the descriptions both to help you choose which workshop you want to attend, and also to get any useful information about requirements to attend the workshop.

You can also find very useful explanations, illustrations and videos of many of the Rueda structures on the SalsaNor video platform rueda.casino.

First some general descriptions:

• All workshops named Rueda de Casino will be Rueda figures selected by the instructor.
  • On level 2 and 3 some of the figures will be standard Rueda figures that you may find videos to on the SalsaNor video platform rueda.casino.
  • On level 4 some of the workshops may focus on more complicated figures, speed, challenging combinations of already known figures etc.
• Workshops marked with a * indicate that there are certain requirements of knowledge and experience in order to attend the workshop. The requirements are listed in the description of the workshop. Please respect this so that the instructor may carry out as planned.
• Rueda LAB The Rueda LAB is an opportunity to exchange and test Rueda de Casino ideas with other Rueda enthusiasts. It will be monitored by some of our innovative SalsaNor Rueda Congress artists who loves to experiment with new rueda ideas, but it is not a workshop with teaching. Do YOU have a Rueda idea you would like to explore? 

FRIDAY WORKSHOPS

Evaluation class #1 and #2 *

In response to previous feedback, some classes this year will be offered on a master level. Access to these classes is by invitation only. Those who have registered in their sign-up for level 4 that they also wish to be evaluated for access to the master classes, must participate in one of these evaluation classes Friday 5th 17:00 – 19:15 (which one have been communicated directly to each one).

Rueda ponchada *

Ready for some fun musicality challenges in rueda? Try the Rueda ponchada! A playful class adding musicality to rueda, incorporating calls that hit specific musical patterns like cuatros, tresillos, and ponches.

* Special requirements: In order to participate you should be comfortable executing a certain repertoire of basic Rueda moves and dynamic transitions, such as dame, dame 2, dame arriba, various types of enchuflas, etc.

Rueda from rueda.casino

This class will be led by teachers that actively use the rueda.casino platform from SalsaNor, and have chosen some of the figures from the platform to teach and dance in the class. They will also share their rueda.casino video playlist with you. Later you may also wish to make your own playlists.

If you would like to know more about how to use the platform, how to make playlists, use the rueda map etc., please join our Sunday Coffee break 14:10-14:25 with rueda.casino information (check program og info desk for room).

Rueda – basic casino technique

A must-have class for a good kick-off for the weekend. This is a non-rueda class learning the foundation of good casino. Very useful and suitable for all levels.

Reggaeton

A fun non-rueda class with Mr. Fun himself, Moe Flex, kicking off the weekend with some great, Cuban moves to use in your freestyle dancing.

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS

Rueda Bamboleo

Are you familiar with the Bamboleo steps? What did you think of playing with these cool steps through different variations in rueda? This can go anywhere, and that´s exactly why Enrique & Meli thought that the Bamboleo deserves it´s own rueda class 😉 

Rueda structure transitions (4 couple ruedas) *

This is a high level workshop for the rueda structure enthusiasts. During the workshop you will do transitions among different rueda structures. 

The participants will form 4 couple ruedas in order to be able to make all the transitions planned for this class, which means the number of participants have to coincide with groups of 8 dancers. This will be organized as you show up for the workshop.

* Special requirements: All participants should know these 4 different rueda variations: rueda mixta, avenida, rueda en línea, and línea moderna.

Cuban footwork

Learn from one of the best! Catch the latest steps and moves to shine while improvising on the dancefloor! This non-rueda class with Oliwia will be a lot of fun.

Rueda mixta I *
This rueda structure mixes ideas from rueda por fuera and rueda cruzada. Every second couple is facing in, and the others are facing out. Like in rueda cruzada, it needs an even number of couples. This class of Rueda mixta I will give you the basics of rueda mixta.
Explanation, illustration and videoon rueda.casino
* Special requirements: All participants need to be familiar with rueda por fuera and rueda cruzada.

Rueda switch I *
In rueda switch, you constantly switch between leading and following. This is a nice challenge, and it is also useful to learn and understand more of the other role than you usually dance. A bonus is that this rueda concept does not require an even balance between leaders and followers to dance, because everyone switches roles. 
Illustration and explanation on rueda.casino.

* Special requirements: To attend the Rueda switch I workshop, you must have experience in leading and following basic rueda figures like dame una, dame dos and enchufla. 

Rueda elegante

Get some new tricks and ideas on how to manage to dance an elegant rueda de casino with control, flow, smoothness and those small details that makes the whole difference.

Rueda de la calle
Street rueda (as opposed to dance school rueda); short, fun figures to be used in a rueda on the street or at a party, where the dancers might not even know the figures already. 
See explanation of street rueda on rueda.casino.

Rueda cantantes – tools

Calling a Rueda in your home group probably feels easy – but what if the dancers are new to you, the dynamic is off, or energy is low? Here you will receive some very useful tools on how to meet the challenge to perform as a cantante in any social rueda, where you do not know most of the dancers, like at the SalsaNor Rueda Congress. 

This workshop will focus on those who are already at least a bit experienced cantantes. There will not be basic calling instruction. The instructors will work with presence, energy, trust-building, and strategies to engage and challenge any group – even when your usual tools stop working. So join to level up your ability to adapt, connect, and lead with confidence.
You are most welcome to participate in this exciting workshop, even if you are not in for the calling, because we also need people dancing.
Participants calling: intermediate/advanced
Dancers: intermediate

Bachata dominicana

Give yourself a rueda break diving into this beautiful couple dance from the Dominican Republic.

Rueda por fuera

This is a rueda structure where the rueda wheel is turned outwards instead of towards the center of the circle.

See illustration and explanation on rueda.casino.

Rueda con paseos

Paseo («walk») is one of the classic ‘caminando‘ figures, where the whole rueda is rotating with walking steps. And the paseo comes in many forms and variations, like paseo abierta, reina, saloneo, etc. Enjoy a full hour of different interesting combinations within the family of the many paseos, with great flow and smooth transitions.

Rueda equis *
In Rueda equis the concept of leaders and followers does not exist, and the moves combine leading and following techniques. All dancers dancing in Equis are using the exact same moves and footwork and all dancers have active roles. This brings high dynamics and energy to the Rueda!
* Special requirements: All participants need to be able to both lead and follow in rueda.

Rueda de cha cha cha

The best of both worlds, if you love rueda de casino and also love cha cha cha. Some say that rueda de casino actually started off as a variation of the cha cha cha.. Come and enjoy this lovely workshop dancing rueda using cha cha cha steps and to the beautiful cha cha cha music.

Rueda caleidoscopio *

If you combine rueda torno  with rueda llanta  and rueda mixta you get a kaleidescope of patterns. The combination of these three structures is also called rueda caleidoscopio. Rueda caleidoscópio requires an even number of couples, and you need fairly experienced rueda dancers. Join in this workshop to learn a new crazy rueda structure.
* Special requirements: All participants should know the basics of rueda llanta and rueda torno.

Afro-Cuban technique

In order to dive into the movements of the different Orishas like Elegua, Yemaya, Shango etc., it is very useful to understand the ABC of the technical preparation for afro-cuban dance.  Either you already love dancing afro-cuban, or you want to start, you will love this class.

Rueda caminando

The rueda consist of figures where the circle is constantly rotating, with focus on good combinations to make the dance flow nicely.

Rueda contrario I

Some rueda calls are extended to include “contrario”, for example “enchufla contrario”. “Contrario” means “opposite”. In these figures, every second leader will change partner the regular direction (abajo), and the others will change partner the opposite way (arriba). Chaos? Not if you follow the traffic rules! 
Illustration and more description at rueda.casino.

Rueda espejo I

Espejo means mirror. In this rueda the figures are performed as a mirror image of the original figures. A fun and challenging rueda structure. Try it out!! 🙂

Illustration and description at rueda.casino.

Rueda – tempo and movement

Rueda is all about being on the move and ready for any command from the caller.

This is a master level rueda class where your ability to move swiftly and execute the Cuban moves correctly is challenged, but where you will have a lot of fun when the flow gets going!

Columbia

A non-rueda class on one of the rumba genres, the Columbia. Originally danced by men to show off strength and ability, as it is the fastest and most demanding form of cuban rumba. Today you will see lots of female Columbia dancers also. The class is of course for both men and women.

Rueda de bachata

A variation of the rueda, the dominican way, to bachata music and with some bachata moves, but still with change of partner. Good fun!

Rueda canon I *

Rueda Canon combines Rueda Eco and Rueda Cruzada, having three or four groups/teams dancing on different timing: primeros on 1, segundos on 5, terceros on the following 1 etc. It’s super fun and a true team effort. It requires at least 6-8 couples (and multiples of 2 or 3).

* Special requirements: All participants should be familiar with Rueda Cruzada. 

Rueda contratiempo I *
Rueda danced contratiempo (on 2, the timing used in Son). Related to the music, instead of dancing on 1-2-3 and break on 4, you break on 1 and dance on 2-3-4.  Gives you a new dance feeling, and be aware, you might be looking for Son classes afterwards!
(Note! Rueda contratiempo is not the same as Rueda de Son, which would use only son music and son figures, in rueda.)
* Special requirements: You should have some experience in dancing salsa in contratiempo mode. (If not, we recommend to study this in couple dance first.)
See illustration and explanation of rueda contratiempo on rueda.casino.

Rueda con la Reve

When you manage to put musicality into action, that is, really listen to, interpret and use the details in the music in your dance, the connection between the music and the dancer is complete! In this class we will connect the rueda to songs of the Cuban band Elito Reve y su Charangon, focusing on syncing the ruedas with any Reve song 🙂

Rueda calling – practice for cantantes

This session focuses on practising the tools from the class ‘Rueda calling – tools for cantantes’ earlier that day. When more dancers are able to call in a rueda, your local rueda group will benefit from more opportunities to dance rueda. 

You may also attend this session if you just would like to join the social rueda, as dancers are needed for the cantantes to practise 🙂 

Video documentary – Origin of Rueda de casino

Welcome to this session where you will enjoy our own documentary from 2024, explaining how rueda de casino started, and comparing that to Rueda de casino of today. The video is made by Bernt Rygg. He will also introduce the documentary, and show a little extra material.

SUNDAY WORKSHOPS

Rueda trio caliente 1

In rueda trio caliente, triples form the rueda, instead of couples. Every second triple consists of one leader and two followers, and the others of one follower and two leaders. A fun challenge, a bit out of the ordinary!

Rueda caminando con Yuka

A rueda class where you will learn various figures and have lots of fun, using movements combining caminando with the traditional Cuban Yuka dance.

Rueda dinámica

Rueda dinámica is a fast-paced rueda with frequent combinations and partner changes where both leaders and followers have an active role. New modifiers and quick commands that seem simple, but create a fun & challenging rueda!

Rueda – partner awareness

A very useful rueda topic in order to become a good rueda dancer and achieve good flow in the whole rueda: how to actually dance with your partner in the rueda, how to meet the next partner (called the ‘neighbour’) during partner change, and even more important, how to leave the partner you have just danced with, in the correct way. Rueda is a couple dance and a group dance at the same time, but often we forget our partner and just focus on our own steps and the caller. This class is a must!

Cuban styling

Improve your Cuban movements and boost your personal dance! A very useful class for your individual development as a salsa and rueda dancer. For all levels.

Rueda switch 2 *

In rueda switch, you constantly switch between leading and following. This class introduces new switch commands, and suit rueda dancers that already are experienced switch dancers.

Illustration and more explanation.

* Special requirements: All participants must be experienced switch dancers

Rueda Elegante

We have all been inside a chaotic and messy rueda, which neither looks any good nor has a good flow. This workshop focuses on how to execute the figures with control, style and smoothness, to really boost the rueda experience.

Rueda with Santeria stories

A new and very interesting concept workshop where you will use movements from Santeria in the rueda, and get an understanding of the stories behind it, to take you to a whole other level of cultural understanding.

Rueda contratiempo 2 *
This class is for dancers that already control their contratiempo, and the whole class will be dancing contratiempo without explaining the basics of the timing. If you are looking to get a good introduction of rueda contratiempo, we recommend the Rueda contratiempo I class with Erodys & Tenna.

Illustration and explanation of rueda contratiempo at rueda.casino.

* Special requirements: All participants must be experienced in keeping the contratiempo timing, in order to follow the class.

Timba con Afro-Cuban

Join this amazing non-rueda workshop, combining two completely different dance genres. This is an explosive combination, the Cuban timba together with afro-cuban movements.  

Rueda secrets

Two of our stars revealing Rueda secrets is a no-brainer. A guaranteed hit. Just be there! ‘nough said.

Rueda con 2 mujeres

Rueda de casino danced with triples of one leader and two followers. It is a bit surprising how many regular rueda figures you can dance with triples. Even setenta? Challenging and great fun!

Rueda flow

If you know Moe Flex, this workshop needs no further explanation. If not, you are in for an hour of rueda dancing just like it is supposed to be, with fun figures and combinations in smooth transitions, and where complicated stuff just looks and feels easy. That is Flow with Moe! 

Rueda con estílo

You can never work enough on style and elegance in the dance. A very useful workshop, to let you enjoy the rueda to the fullest.

Rueda mixta 2 *

Rueda structure mixing ideas from rueda por fuera and rueda cruzada, using faster music and adding new challenges to what was done in the first workshop. Needs an even number of couples. 

Special requirement: For experienced dancers of rueda mixta.

Reparto

Cuban street dance. Some 25 years ago it was all about tembleque and ….

Then is was reggaeton in various forms and styles the next 10-15 years. The new era brings you reparto – which is Cuban slang for the suburbs or ‘the hood’, hence where most of these movements are born. Not only the dance style has evolved, but also the reparto music is here to stay. Groovy rhythms and some fun moves, and if you don’t understand Spanish, consider yourself fortunate, because the lyrics….are not worth listening to, in most cases…

Rumba – guaguancó

The Cuban rumba is based on African music and dance movements, and the dance has a stronger relation to the percussion and song than the popular Cuban dances. Guanguancó is one of the 4 Cuban rumba traditions, in addition to columbia, yambú and jiribilla. Rumba moves are also frequently used in rueda and casino/salsa, especially guaguancó.

Rueda con afro

Apply your Afro-Cuban movements in rueda commands. There will not be time to teach the movements technically in this workshop, so if you are a complete beginner for Afro-Cuban movements, we do not recommend this workshop. The goal is to use different Afro-Cuban movements in the rueda directly.

Rueda surprise

This one is what is says, for now…a rueda surprise 😀 

Cuban ladies styling

Improve your Cuban movements. A useful class for your individual development as a salsa and rueda dancer. Useful for all levels.

Rueda de la calle

Street rueda (as opposed to dance school rueda); short, fun figures to be used in a rueda on the street or at a party, where the dancers might not even know the figures already. 
Explanation of street rueda at rueda.casino.

Rueda con 3-4 parejas

A fun and challenging workshop focusing on relatively small ruedas. This rueda size is probably closer to what you will normally be able to dance in your own local community when dancing socially.

Rueda de son *

Rueda using figures and music from son. This means that dile que no is out, guapea is out, enchufla is out. So is anything left from the rueda de casino figures? And what new patterns and figures are used? There is only one way to find out.

* Special requirements: All participants must be experienced in dancing son in couples.

Rueda con sabor Cubano 

A real Cuban Rueda de casino with the authentic flavour from one of our Cuban artists and rueda fanatics!

Rueda avenida

This is a rueda structure commonly danced with 4 or 6 couples. It uses the idea from rueda llanta where you sometimes hange partner only with the closest couple, and sometimes in the entire group. This is a fun and interresting rueda variation, taught by Sassan, the creator of rueda avenida, and Eva.

History of Cuban music and dance

A 2 hour, highly recommended lecture using sound and image, to take you through the Cuban music an dance history. Those who have heard Jan Bervar lecture on this topic before, have been absolutely amazed. A perfect closure to a very active weekend.

Rueda con engaños

This workshop is a true blast! Playing around with all the different engaños (tricks) in rueda, finishing the weekend laughing through the entire workshop. Don’t miss this one!