Social Rueda Sydney

pm in Rhodes (at The Connection)

Please keep an eye on the page for any adjustments or updates, as well as special events. Our group is run by volunteers so please understand that we may not always see individual messages but we will respond when able. COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

»Do you have a health policy?«
Please observe the current recommendations of local health authorities. In particular:
• it is strongly recommended to be up-to-date with your vaccinations; and
• do not attend if unwell/contagious.

»Where is the dancing?«
Check Facebook for updates, as the host will always post the location on the day of each rueda event or earlier. On Sundays dancing is normally either in Hyde Park (near Park St) or at Circular Quay West (past the Overseas Passenger Terminal). On Thursdays dancing is normally in The Connection precinct.

»I want to learn salsa, can I come?«
We don't teach salsa, as we are a social group. There are various dance schools you can attend to learn Cuban salsa and/or rueda in Sydney. We don't recommend or endorse any particular school.

»What's the cost?«
There is no cost, because this is not a class, it's not a studio, and it's not a business. It's just a group of people getting together to dance rueda de casino, and it's organised by volunteers.

»So is it really free?«
Yes, the weekly Social Rueda Sydney events really are free to participate in.

»I know salsa basics, is this group suitable for me?«
We welcome dancers of almost all levels. LEADERS have to know at least the fundamentals of rueda de casino. FOLLOWERS may join if they have some experience of dancing rueda de casino; alternatively, they may join if they have some prior experience of Cuban salsa (other than rueda) or else a strong foundation in other forms of salsa. Occasionally some dancers may choose to have an advanced rueda: if this occurs we ask that beginners either watch or dance as separate pairs.

»Do you have a list of moves that your group calls?«
We do not have an official list. There might be ~100 calls that various people use in our group: of those some are very commonly called, and others only rarely. Have a look through selected video posts from 2023 onwards, as many of them have the applicable calls listed in the Comments section.

»What should I do if don't know the move that's called?«
As a follower, you can often rely on the leader to guide you through the move. As a leader, you can continue to dance the basic step while watching others do the move. After watching a few times, you can try to get through it yourself — preferably with an experienced follower, who may be able to 'back-lead' you. During a break between dances, approach one of the more experienced attendees and ask them for tips on that move. You will usually find that they're very happy to help you out!

»What should I do if I can't hear the call?«
Tips for dancing rueda in a loud environment. People located further around the circle may not be easily able to hear the caller.
• If you are close enough to hear the call, echo it for the benefit of others.
• If you can't hear well, look for any associated hand signals* made by the caller.
• If neither of the above apply, then just watch what move the caller does and try to copy it.
* Hand signals (as with calls) are not totally universal, but those for the most common calls are fairly consistent. Many dancers will have seen them before. Several are listed in Ian Smith's compendium, 'Dancing the Beautiful Wheel' (https://beautifulwheel.wordpress.com/). Others can be found online (e.g. Steve Frankel's demonstration at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovl2U2YhQfk).

»Where else can I dance rueda?«
• Check online salsa & rueda event listings in your city/country. For Sydney, an example is http://www.sydneysalsascene.com/
• Check for local salsa & rueda groups. There are some listed at https://latindancecalendar.com/events/location/sydney-aus/

»How long has Social Rueda Sydney been going?«
Whilst Social Rueda Sydney was established online circa April 2012, its roots extend back to mid-2011.

»Are there any similar groups elsewhere in Australia«
Yes! There are other groups around Australia, including
• Melbourne: www.facebook.com/SalsaAndRuedaInThePark
• Darwin: Darwin Community Rueda Dancers www.facebook.com/groups/1483395195243135/