Internationally recognized Cuban Salsa in little ol’ Corvallis?

Although we may be better known for our technological and research developments, Corvallis is also on the cutting edge of a lesser-known cultural scene: Cuban Casino Rueda Salsa dancing! Developed in Cuba in the mid-1900s and now practiced all over the world, Casino has a fun, athletic, informal style that grew out of several Afro-Cuban folkloric dances. In the US, Corvallis is right up there with Miami, Atlanta, Detroit, and San Francisco as a Cuban Salsa hot spot. Although it is also a partner dance, it’s often danced in a circle by as many couples as can fit in the space! A caller announces moves, and the group follows along - to see a rueda in action, check out this clip of Corvallis' own Rumbanana Salsa Group.

Local instructors Simona and Mike, directors of Rumbanana Salsa Group, are internationally known Casino instructors and performers, but the community they’ve created in Corvallis is remarkably accessible. Lessons, practices, parties, clothes, and community are all easy to come by and won’t break the bank.

Compared to dance lessons in Portland, lessons taught by Rumbanana are a steal. At $40 for eight hours of lessons over four weeks, it’s an unbeatable deal – and the price drops to $35 if you pre-register by emailing Simona. Level one lessons are held on Tuesday nights from 6-8 pm at the Platinum Club on 4th Street (between the Vibe and Ti Amo).

After you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll want to practice! While many of us just shove the couch out of the way and crank up the timba music at home, it’s also fun to join the OSU Casino y Rueda Club for open practice at the Women’s Building on campus on Tuesday nights from 8-10 pm. It’s totally free – and you’re guaranteed to pick up ideas for new moves from other dancers.
While we expect to pay $8 and more just for the cover charge (not to mention drinks) when we travel out of town to dance, the cover for Latin Xplosion at the Platinum Club in Corvallis is just four bucks, on top of which well drinks are $1! Ask for the house special, the Rumbanana shot – we think they put rum and banana flavored something-or-other in it, but we tend not to ask too many questions when it’s that delicious. The DJ always plays the hottest Latin music from all over the Caribbean – from bachata to timba to reggaeton, there’s something for everyone. When you get tired of dancing and people watching, there’s always a good game of pool.

As for what to wear … apparently some club scenes care about the height of fashion, but the Corvallis community is way past that. Dress up if you feel like it, wear jeans and a t-shirt if you don’t, dress as your favorite sitcom character – probably no one will notice, and if they do, they won’t care. The bottom line is that getting dressed for going out to dance in Corvallis doesn’t cost a fortune. Hit the Goodwill or dig out that fun shirt or skirt that you never thought you’d have a chance to wear again, and you’re all set. Just be sure to wear comfy shoes!

It’s true that the best things in life are free, and the best thing about Cuban Salsa in Corvallis is the community. Folks who take advantage of the opportunity to meet other people in lessons soon find themselves recognizing people all over town. With about two hundred people in the extended salsa family, it’s small enough that you’ll see familiar faces at different salsa events right away, but large enough that there are always new people to meet. We are a truly diverse bunch – we’re from all over the world and span a wide range of ages, occupations, and dance backgrounds. You never know who you might run into at a salsa event, from a neighbor to your favorite mechanic.

See you on the dance floor!

By guest writer Michelle Marie