For the followers the addition of a Ronde makes little difference as they are led into a basic Enchufla which they continue to complete whether or not the leader decides to add a Ronde into their move. Leaders will usually switch their hands while doing this move to end up in a right-handed Dile Que No instead of the left-handed version so it is important for followers not to forget to put their left hand onto the leader’s right shoulder to maintain contact when finishing the move.
The description “Ronde” is a foreign element that has been introduced to Cuban salsa where any turns are usually just referred to as Vuelta such that this move is still referred to as Enchufla con Vuelta in some Rueda groups. However, as there are many different types of turns for the leaders, the description “Vuelta” is somewhat ambiguous and has over time been replaced by the word “Ronde” to describe this particular right-turn where leaders will use three beats (5, 6 and 7) to complete one full turn.
The origin of Ronde is not known but it is a common description in various dances as diverse as Cross-Body Salsa, Tango and Ballet and has probably been borrowed from other dance styles to differentiate this turn from other Cuban salsa turns categorised as “Vuelta”. It may have come from the Spanish word “ronda” meaning “round” commonly seen for instance in Tango with the spelling “ronda” and “ronde” but it is also possible that this is a loan word from ballet referring to “ronde de jambe”. Either way, while this description is seen in various dance forms it describes a distinct and separate motion in every style of dance that is completely unrelated to the Cuban salsa Ronde.
At Tiempo España Dance Academy the move Ronde is a particular important move to learn well as all Setenta variations are taught to finish with a Ronde to make Ruedas synchronised across all dancers. While it is sometimes necessary to turn on the spot when executing Ronde moves in Ruedas such that the leaders finish their Dile Que No towards the centre of the circle, this move looks particularly good when travelling as much as possible while turning to the right hand side. Particularly when dancing “en parejas” the fact that dancers travel during Ronde is one of the key distinctions between Cuban salsa and Cross-body salsa and should be aimed for at all times. Cuban salsa is about creating as much motion as possible and turns in general should not be executed on the spot unless there is so little space available that dancers cannot possible travel anywhere during the turn.
For the hand sign the caller makes the hand sign of Enchufla follower by a right circle with their index finger describing the move Ronde itself.
To see a video of the move Enchufla Ronde Con La Mano Izquierda as well as the hand sign, please click on: https://youtu.be/tejmp86ABCk
