Advice from Sandra in Austin....

I have a good friend Sandra Moro Sleeper, back in Austin, Texas who has one of the most successful rueda programs in the country.  Most of what I know comes from her and the good times I used to have when I'd drive from Houston to Austin for her Sunday afternoon rueda groups at Ruta Maya Coffee House. 

Here's some good info I got in a recent email from her:

One reason why Rueda is truly unique is that it is a group dance. Whereas this makes it great fun to dance, it also means that the normal "protocol" applied to partner dancing is not quite enough to keep the circle turning smoothly. Here are some guidelines to help with handling this group dance.

Joining a Circle
Do:

• Feel free to join any Rueda - it is supposed to be a friendly, fun, group activity.
• Ask someone who has done at least level 2 of Rueda to partner you.
• Get into the "Guapea" hold with your partner and signal the "Caller". Wait for "Dame" to be called, and ease into the circle with the "Guapea" step.
• Be prepared for "Dile que No".

Don't:

• Ask someone with no Rueda experience to partner you. Even the best of dancers just aren't prepared for this if they have not been exposed to it before.
• Push into the circle before "Dame" is called. Besides accidents,  it can also cause a good deal of irritation to the dancers trying to perform the calls and pass partners.
• Wait for the 'appropriate' gender - some girls can lead and some guys can follow!

Dancing in a Rueda

1. If you don't know or don't hear a call, stay in Guapea and watch for the "Dame"! You will avoid fumbling, embarrassment and missing the "Dame" which can save the circle.
2. Read Rule 1 again! Be patient and courteous with whomever you are dancing with, even if they are not as proficient as you are. We all need support and encouragement to improve.
3. Keep your eyes and ears on the caller, but spare a smile for your partner as you whiz by!
4. Be alert for calls like "Dame Dos", "Una Para Abajo" and "Pa' Fuera" - They can undo you and the circle quite suddenly!
5. Keep an eye on your neighbors, and try to match the size of their steps and gestures - this way you will assist in keeping the shape of the circle.

Leaving the Circle
After a Rueda is finished; thank your partner and those around you for the dance!

If you need to exit the circle before a song is finished, signal the caller, wait for "dame or dile que no", and exit with your current partner. It is essential to balance the ratio of leaders to followers in Rueda.

In an emergency, if you cannot get the attention of the caller, try to exit with your partner while the circle is 'stable' (i.e. not switching partners). If you are the unfortunate partner, exit graciously and find another partner if possible, or wait until your partner is able to return. Re-enter using the aforementioned
guidelines.

Starting a Rueda
You don't have to wait for a Rueda to start in order to dance in one - Start your own! Get a few Rueda couples together and start with "P'al Medio" or simply break out of your salsa, into "P'al Medio" and direct your inward motion towards another Rueda couple - this is an irresistible invitation. You know what that means though don't you - Be Prepared to Call!

Calling a Rueda
Try not to call anything too complicated to start of with - work your way up from simple to difficult. This way you can gauge the level of the circle. If you're not sure who knows what, avoid calls like "Dame Dos", "Una Para Abajo" and "Pa' Fuera/Pa' Dentro" these will undo your circle very quickly if anyone is in doubt. Mostly everything else can be managed by staying in "Guapea" and watching for the "Dame". Keep eyes out for couples wishing to enter or exit
and call "Dame" as soon as possible.

Use hand signals where possible in conjunction with your calls.

Time your calls so that the dancers have enough time to prepare for and execute the step. Try to call your calls on the "down beat" or "the one".

Project your voice and your personality to the centre of the circle so that everyone can hear or see you, and everyone knows who is calling. Try not to leave the circle idling in "Guapea" for too long. Try Calling "Dame" or "Festival de Enchufas" which will give to time to think......

You may pass the calling responsibilities on if there are 'eager callers' in the circle - It's nice to share! (It can be a relief too!)

New and 'Soon to Be' Rueda Dancers
Do not under any circumstances walk through the center of a happening Rueda - it is inexcusably rude! It can also cause accidents and leaves everyone feeling offended. It would be just like someone barging through you and you partner on the Salsa floor - very poor taste. Also, don't not attempt to push out a couple who has decided to occupy the center of the circle. It can start a fight. Wait for them to move out & then keep the circle tight in order to prevent others from attempting to steal the center.

Don't be shy to give it a go - if you don't know a move, don't panic, Just stay in "Guapea" and watch for the "Dame".

For everyone
Be considerate, courteous and encouraging to your fellow Rueda dancers. Remember, the aim of all this is to have fun!

Check out Sandra's site at http://www.streetsalsa.com