Creating a Safe and Fun Dancing Environment

The atmosphere at Rueda Libre events is electric, enjoyable and entertaining. A big part of this is due to the community. Every one of them understands the values Rueda Libre exhibits at each event; respect, positivity and inclusivity. It keeps the events wholesome, fun and memorable. 

So please, when you decide to attend, keep this in mind. And if ANYONE is making you feel in any way uncomfortable, please please tell one of the Rueda Libre members. We’re more than happy to help!

Why Dance with Rueda Libre?

There's a level for everyone, every week.

BEGINNERS

Here you’ll learn the basics of Casino (Cuban Salsa). You will gain the footwork and timing to build a solid foundation for Casino. 

No prior experience needed.

INTRO TO CASINO

Got the basics down but need some polishing and smoothing round the edges? Or did you do some other form of Salsa and have seen the joy Cuban Salsa brings? This is the class for you.

Here we will ensure you have a firm understanding of the basics of  Casino (Cuban Salsa). 

Requirements: Timing of basic steps, Side to Side, Back to Back.

CASINO IMPV.

Once you’re comfortable with the basic steps of Cuban Salsa, here you’ll learn more walking patterns and positions. This leads to a good solid foundation to learning new moves. 

A firm grip on the basic footwork is essential before joining. 

Requirements: Firm grip of basic steps, turns and transitions. Intro to Casino, Exhíbela, Caída & Paséala, Díle que no y Guapea

 

CASINO BASICS

Once you’re comfortable with moves from Casino improvers, you can step into Casino Basics. Here you’ll learn all the moves you need to dance Casino (Cuban Salsa) anywhere.

If you have danced elsewhere (or not), we recommend joining intro to Casino and not Casino Basics.  

Requirements: All "Casino Improvers" moves, Enchufla, Vacílala, Cubanita/o + Puente + Adiós

INTRO TO RUEDA

Once you’re comfortable with the basic steps of Cuban Salsa, here you’ll learn & understand how to dance Rueda de Casino.

A firm grip on the basic footwork is essential before joining. 

  1. Requirements: Firm grip of basic steps, turns and transitions.

All "Casino Improvers" moves, Dile que no, Enchufla, Sacala, Rodeo.

RUEDA BASICS

Once you’re comfortable with moves like Díle que no, Vacílala & Enchufla in a Rueda, you can step into Rueda Basics.The aim of this class is to give you the tools to enable you to do Rueda anywhere with anyone.

If you have done Rueda elsewhere, this is a good level to step into as moves are different in each place. 

Requirements: All "Intro to Rueda" + "Casino Basics" moves, Dame, Enchufla, Setenta

RUEDA PLUS

Looking for a challenge? Here you’ll learn more challenging moves to step your Rueda game up a level. Rueda Plus builds upon what is taught in Rueda Basics by adding more complex turns, variations, and interchanges. 

You should be able to perform Rueda Basics moves in time and without a partner. 

Requirements: Rueda Basics, Cero, Ochenta, Sombrero, Vacílense los dos, Mambo Italiano & Alarde.

RUEDA PRO

Rueda Pro takes your rueda journey to a diffrent space. We cover new structures, concepts, interchanges and calling. 

You should be able to perform Rueda Plus moves in time and without a partner. 

Requirements: Rueda Plus, Cangrejo, Ocho para mujeres, Ya tu Sabes & Cero con la vecina.

LIBRE

Libre classes are exactly that, open classes that can be anything from Rumba to Son to Afro. These classes provide an insight into other areas of Cuban dance and culture. It covers dancing techniques as well as knowledge.

These classes should help you develop own style and and expose you to new ones. 

You should be able to lead/follow comfortably before joining this class. 

Leads and Follows Explained

In Casino (Cuban Salsa), the ideas of “lead” and “follow” sit at the core of the dance. The “lead” proposes the direction, timing and structure of a movement, while the “follow” receives and interprets that information & actions it. It is less about control and more about communication. The lead suggests/invites, the follow responds, then the lead responds and it goes on and on like that, and together they build something that feels spontaneous but connected. When it works, it feels effortless, like a conversation where both people are fully listening.

 

Traditionally, these roles were shaped by gender norms. In mid-20th-century Cuba, men were expected to lead and women to follow. That reflected the wider social expectations of the time, not just the dance floor. But Cuban social dance has always carried a strong spirit of individuality. Women were never passive participants. They added styling, rhythm changes, and expressive detail, influencing the evolution of Casino itself, which grew from Rueda de Casino, which originated in a place called Casino Deportivo de la Habana.

 

Today, the picture is broader. Leads and follows are no longer tied to gender. Many dancers choose to learn both roles, which sharpens musicality, empathy and technical awareness. In Rueda de Casino especially, where partners rotate in a circle and moves are called collectively, understanding both perspectives strengthens the group dynamic, this dialogue becomes a lively circle full of creativity and playful interaction, reflecting the history and community spirit of Cuban salsa.

 

At its heart, lead and follow is about connection. It asks you to pay attention, to share weight and timing, to trust. The roles give structure, but the connection comes from the experience of an exchange between two people having a conversation without words, with the music. This is the aim.

Events

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Today

  • Columbia Intensive with Cristian

    GHappy Feet Studios GHappy Feet Studios, 19-23 Ironmonger Row, london, United Kingdom

    Welcome to the first of a series of courses that is aimed at improving your level of Columbia with some of the leading artists in the world. This first course […]

    Get Tickets £90.00

  • Casino Libre

    Featured Casino Libre
    Farr's Dalston 17-19 Dalston Ln,, London, United Kingdom

    Casino (Cuban Salsa) Partnerwork Classes Mondays | 7:00–11:00 PM Drop-in classes | 3 Levels Join us for a focused evening of Casino (Cuban Salsa) partnerwork, dedicated to building strong foundations, […]

    Get Tickets £9.00 – £20.00

  • Casino Libre

    Featured Casino Libre
    Farr's Dalston 17-19 Dalston Ln,, London, United Kingdom

    Casino (Cuban Salsa) Partnerwork Classes Mondays | 7:00–11:00 PM Drop-in classes | 3 Levels Join us for a focused evening of Casino (Cuban Salsa) partnerwork, dedicated to building strong foundations, […]

    Get Tickets £9.00 – £20.00

  • Rueda Libre Wednesday

    Rueda Libre Wednesdays Season 6
    Coal Drops Yard Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, London, United Kingdom

    Join Us for an Unforgettable Outdoor Cuban Salsa Event! Get ready to dance, learn, meet amazing people, and embrace the joy of salsa dancing! Our outdoor salsa event is the […]

    Get Tickets £9.20

  • Casino Intensive with Ramses and Sandra

    Featured
    Saw Swee Hock Centre Saw Swee Hock Centre, 1 Sheffield Street, London, United Kingdom

    Learn Cuban salsa from one of the best in the world After an incredible Casino bootcamp at La Dosis, the Cuban salsa festival in London, Ramses and Sandra are back […]

    Get Tickets Free – £90.00

  • Casino Libre

    Featured Casino Libre
    Farr's Dalston 17-19 Dalston Ln,, London, United Kingdom

    Casino (Cuban Salsa) Partnerwork Classes Mondays | 7:00–11:00 PM Drop-in classes | 3 Levels Join us for a focused evening of Casino (Cuban Salsa) partnerwork, dedicated to building strong foundations, […]

    Get Tickets £9.00 – £20.00

  • Rueda Libre Wednesday

    Rueda Libre Wednesdays Season 6
    Coal Drops Yard Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, London, United Kingdom

    Join Us for an Unforgettable Outdoor Cuban Salsa Event! Get ready to dance, learn, meet amazing people, and embrace the joy of salsa dancing! Our outdoor salsa event is the […]

    Get Tickets £9.20

  • Casino Libre

    Featured Casino Libre
    Farr's Dalston 17-19 Dalston Ln,, London, United Kingdom

    Casino (Cuban Salsa) Partnerwork Classes Mondays | 7:00–11:00 PM Drop-in classes | 3 Levels Join us for a focused evening of Casino (Cuban Salsa) partnerwork, dedicated to building strong foundations, […]

  • Rueda Libre Wednesday

    Rueda Libre Wednesdays Season 6
    Coal Drops Yard Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, London, United Kingdom

    Join Us for an Unforgettable Outdoor Cuban Salsa Event! Get ready to dance, learn, meet amazing people, and embrace the joy of salsa dancing! Our outdoor salsa event is the […]

    Get Tickets £9.20

  • Libre Cup – Football tournament

    Featured

    Rueda Libre Social Club hosts a dance community day tournament where different dance schools/genres face off against one another to claim the Libre Cup.  

  • Casino Libre

    Featured Casino Libre
    Farr's Dalston 17-19 Dalston Ln,, London, United Kingdom

    Casino (Cuban Salsa) Partnerwork Classes Mondays | 7:00–11:00 PM Drop-in classes | 3 Levels Join us for a focused evening of Casino (Cuban Salsa) partnerwork, dedicated to building strong foundations, […]

Treat someone special

If youd like to give the gift of Casino (Cuban Salsa), we are here to support it!

There is so much fun and a large community too, so you’re not just gifting a skill, you’re gifting joy

Looking to take your dancing or Rueda to the next level?

 

We do not have any courses at the moment. However you can join our drop in classes on Mondays or Wednesdays

Courses

Have a question?

Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE ARE THE CLASSES HELD?

Classes are usually held outdoors in the King’s Cross/Granary Square area (Coal Drops Yard is our primary location) at a pre-confirmed location, for specific events please check out the “Events” section of our website or look out for announcements on our Instagram page.

CAN I ATTEND THE CLASSES WITHOUT A PARTNER?

Yes! The beauty of Rueda is that we dance in a group so we will be able to partner you up with one of the other students. Everyone is nice and friendly, and partners are rotated regularly, so by the end of the class, you would have danced with everyone! 

WHAT LEVELS DO YOU OFFER?

We cater for many levels, from “Absolute Beginners” who have never danced Salsa before. Those who the basics of Salsa but have never danced Rueda are better suited for the “Intro to Rueda” class. “Rueda Basics” is reserved for teaching the fundamentals of Rueda de Casino. “Rueda Plus” is for anyone already familiar with Rueda and want to challenge themselves. Finally, we have “Rueda Plus” & “Rueda Libre” for those who want to put their Rueda skills to the test in our more advanced classes! For more details, check out our Class Levels page on our website.

WHAT ARE LEADS AND FOLLOWS?
In Casino (Cuban Salsa), the ideas of “lead” and “follow” sit at the core of the dance. The “lead” proposes the direction, timing and structure of a movement, while the “follow” receives and interprets that information & actions it. It is less about control and more about communication. The lead suggests/invites, the follow responds, then the lead responds and it goes on and on like that, and together they build something that feels spontaneous but connected. When it works, it feels effortless, like a conversation where both people are fully listening.

 

Traditionally, these roles were shaped by gender norms. In mid-20th-century Cuba, men were expected to lead and women to follow. That reflected the wider social expectations of the time, not just the dance floor. But Cuban social dance has always carried a strong spirit of individuality. Women were never passive participants. They added styling, rhythm changes, and expressive detail, influencing the evolution of Casino itself, which grew from Rueda de Casino, which originated in a place called Casino Deportivo de la Habana.

 

Today, the picture is broader. Leads and follows are no longer tied to gender. Many dancers choose to learn both roles, which sharpens musicality, empathy and technical awareness. In Rueda de Casino especially, where partners rotate in a circle and moves are called collectively, understanding both perspectives strengthens the group dynamic, this dialogue becomes a lively circle full of creativity and playful interaction, reflecting the history and community spirit of Cuban salsa.

 

At its heart, lead and follow is about connection. It asks you to pay attention, to share weight and timing, to trust. The roles give structure, but the connection comes from the experience of an exchange between two people having a conversation without words, with the music. This is the aim.
HOW DO I PAY?

Prices for classes are set at £8 for our regular classes and £10 for our partnerwork classes. You will be able to via cash, card or bank transfer.

WOULD I BE ABLE TO JOIN THE SOCIAL DANCING?

Our socials are free of charge and are open to all levels. They usually start straight after our classes. All we ask is that you bring good vibes and that we all look after one another, treating everyone with respect. If there are any concerns, please let one of the organisers know. We all want a safe fun environment to dance in that is inclusive of everyone.

WHAT MUSIC DO YOU OFFER?

We mainly play Cuban Salsa but we are more than happy to cater for other Latin genres. Feel free to make requests with whoever is in charge of the music, 9 out of 10 times your requested songs will be played. 

DO YOU OFFER PROVIDE PRIVATE LESSONS?

Yes we do, please contact us either via email or the Instagram page to discuss any details so we can offer you the correct service. 

Got a question or want to know more?

Contact us

We’re always happy to help, so if you have any queries, please email us. You can also find FAQs by clicking above.

Rueda Libre

London's Home of Outdoor Cuban Salsa

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