Enchufla Doble is one of the many variations of Enchufla and is arguably the most common Enchufla version that is being taught and danced internationally. It creates a very nice visual effect despite the fact that it is a simple modification of the standard Enchufla version and is therefore often taught fairly quickly after students have mastered the Enchufla step. “Doble” meaning “double” is a common qualifier that is used to differentiate various salsa moves such as Vacilala Doble, Sombrero Doble, Rehilete Doble, Setenta Doble etc.
Other tuples such as triple, cuádruple, quintuple, etc. as qualifiers for salsa variations exist as well but they are significantly less common than the doble versions. Usually, the way the doble version of a move is executed provides a general structure for how the n-tuple version of a move should be done. I.e. this means after learning Enchufla Doble dancers can immediately extrapolate from what they have learned to be able to incorporate Enchufla Triple, Enchufla Cuádruple etc. into their dance without having to be shown these moves explicitly. However, there are some n-tuple moves which are standalone versions and have to be learned separately i.e. Bayamo Triple.
What differentiates tuples from other qualifiers such as complicado, loco, moderno etc. is the fact that the move is executed several times according to the number implied by the tuple while being changed at least once from the standard version of the move. I.e. it is like connecting different versions of the same move into one large combination.
It is common for tuple combinations to contain the standard version at least once (i.e. Enchufla Doble contains Enchufla, Vacilala Doble contains Vacilala, etc.) and usually there will be a reversal of some of the steps as part of the move (i.e. in Enchufla Doble the first 3 steps are reversed on 5,6,7. In Sombrero Doble the first 8 count is reversed in the second 8 count etc.)
This is a key differentiation to cardinal numbers being used as qualifiers which either signal repetition of the move when mentioned before the name of the move (i.e. Dos Vacilala), or signal repetition of a key element of the move (i.e. double turn in Vacilala Dos), as supposed to a sequence of different versions of the same move (i.e. Vacilala Doble). The fact that these nuances sound similar especially when being called in a noisy environment does not make it easier for students to grasp these somewhat technical but very important differences. Many students as well as teachers therefore, get confused between the various number systems used to describe specific versions and it is not uncommon to find instructional videos or classes that mix up these terms (i.e. calling a move Siete Doble but meaning Dos Siete etc.).
In terms of the hand signals used for qualifiers, generally speaking the hand signals follow the same order as the name of the move. I.e. Signalling Dos Vacilala uses the signal for “Dos” followed by the signal for “Vacilala” whereas signalling Vacilala Dos switches the order in which these components are being signalled. Additionally, cardinal numbers are signalled with the palm of the hand facing the inside of the Rueda whereas tuples are beings signalled with the back of the hand facing the inside of the Rueda. To signal “Doble” we lift both the index and middle finger in the air forming a fist with the other finger and showing the back of the hand to the centre of the Rueda. To signal Enchufla Doble we show the signal of Enchufla followed by the signal for Doble.
To see a video of the move Enchufla Doble as well as the hand sign, please
click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H38D0yz9HZg&feature=youtu.be
