The popularity of these type of moves is partly due to their distinct look and feel that makes them quite different and therefore interesting to other types of moves. In addition, the fact that many Setenta based moves are made up of a series of vacilalas and Enchuflas which balance each other out in terms of direction is also a reason leaders and followers alike appreciate Setenta-based moves as the moves can look complicated while being relatively easy to execute for leaders and the fact that there is a balance in terms of direction makes followers less dizzy when being turned multiple times. Leaders will often use a Setenta variation as a means to think about the next move they want to do as the fact that the moves are relatively long gives them enough time to think about the next moves they wish to execute.
It is therefore no surprise that there are hundreds of Setenta variations out there, arguably more than for any other type of move, not to mention the many moves that start like Setenta but whose name does not classify them as a Setenta variation such as “Arco Iris”.
Generally speaking, all Setenta variations will start in a very similar way and most dance schools will teach their students to finish Setenta variations in the same way. Even standard Setenta move can vary significantly from one Rueda to another but one of the key elements that makes any Setenta move recognisable around the world is the fact that the first 2 8-counts tend to be executed in a very similar manner for most Setenta based moves. Usually they are executed initially by the leader leading a Vacilala but taking hold of both hands and keeping the left hand high and the right hand low. At the end of the Vacilala, an Enchufla is usually added on where the leader keeps both hands again but once again the left hand is raised while the right hand stays low.
This Vacilala + Enchufla combination is a move in its own right and while rarely called in more advanced Ruedas it is the key element that makes a move recognisable as a Setenta based move. A common name for this move is “Mini Setenta” as it is essentially a short version of the move Setenta. Mini Setenta is signalled by the thumb and the index finger of the free hand pointing into the middle of the Rueda forming a small gap between the two fingers to signal the word “Mini” followed by the sign for Setenta (more on this to follow in a later post).
To see a video of the move Mini Setenta as well as the hand sign, please click on https://youtu.be/q9eZSD8a1_0
