Casino Partner Figures
01 · Term and function
What is Double Sombrero?
Extended Sombrero figure using several successive two-hand and side-changing pathways. One common version begins with Sombrero, moves into a reverse-Sombrero-like return pathway, and then uses further turning and hand pathways before resolving with Dile que no.
a-tiempo, contratiempo
Lead, Follow
a tiempo · contratiempo
02 · Positions, timing and variants
Starting point, direction and variants
Timing, role context and spatial orientation are described separately. Names and execution details can vary across salsa styles, schools and regions.
Double hat
Casino Partner Figures
casino, rueda
a-tiempo, contratiempo
Note: Naming and exact sequencing may vary by region or school. This entry describes a widely encountered core idea and does not claim a worldwide rueda standard.
03 · Technical execution
What matters in Double Sombrero
One common version begins with a complete Sombrero organization.
The Follow then travels through a reverse-Sombrero-like pathway toward the other side. Direction comes from steps and hand pathways rather than lateral arm pulling.
Further turning and position changes develop from the reverse position. One documented version also includes a brief back-to-back organization.
The hands are reorganized early between pathways so head, shoulder, and elbow space remain free.
The commonly documented version eventually returns to a clear partner position and resolves through Dile que no.
04 · Body knowledge
Body organization in Double Sombrero
Sombrero Doble extends basic Sombrero organization through additional reverse and return pathways.
Repeated overhead and side pathways require sufficient hand height and movement reserve early.
The name is used differently across regions. The specific learned version matters; three identical Sombrero cycles are not a universal defining feature.
05 · For beginners
Build Double Sombrero clearly first
Practice normal Sombrero with free head and shoulder pathways.
Then add only the reverse-Sombrero-like return before introducing further turns.
After every side change, is it clear where both body axes are and which hand travels next over or beside the head?
06 · Teaching and feedback
What to observe in a controlled Double Sombrero
Sombrero, reverse pathway, and further turning organization remain distinguishable sections.
The arms do not move faster or farther than the body axes allow.
The taught Sombrero Doble version remains consistent without presenting one regional sequence as the only correct form.
07 · Continue learning
From Double Sombrero to related movements
Rueda extension of Enchufla: the Follow performs the Enchufla action twice in succession. In the common basic version this is followed by Dame una or the corresponding partner change.
The name Setenta Doble is not used consistently across schools. One variant uses two clearly separated Setenta wrap-and-unwind cycles before the final exit.
Casino figure using overhead arm pathways that resolve into a characteristic side-by-side finishing position.
Alias entry for the same closed-position Casino base action as Adentro y afuera: rhythmic opening and closing of the couple space with elastic weight transfer. Regionally the name does not identify a uniquely different choreography.
Bayamo denotes a family of Casino figures with crossed two-hand connection and a Rodeo-Inverso-like circular pathway as a recurring core idea. Entries and exits vary; Sombrero is a possible but not defining resolution.
Coca-Cola can denote the Follow’s traveling left turn layered onto a Casino walking/Dile-que-no passage. The rotation is superimposed on continuing travel rather than performed as a stationary spot turn.
In common Casino versions, El Dedo combines a guided Follow right turn with Enchufla or a Follow left turn, a Lead right/outward turn, and Dile que no. Starting handhold varies; right-to-right is documented alongside other one-hand variations.
Fundamental Casino figure and common transition from closed to open position: the Follow passes the Lead on a curved walking pathway while the Lead opens space, and both finish oriented toward each other again.
The name Dile que sí is school-dependent. One couple variant uses a hand-held Vacílala from open position to bring the Follow back into closed or near-closed couple position.
Additional professional background
Book on learning, body knowledge and partner communication
The movement lexicon complements The Salsa Teaching Tree by Mathias Ellmann. The book connects movement, perception and partner communication with body knowledge, motivation, musicality and sustainable learning.
The Salsa Teaching Tree
A holistic orientation model for salsa learning and teaching that goes beyond collecting steps and figures and connects body organization, music, perception, decision-making and partner communication.
View The Salsa Teaching TreeConcept · Salsa knowledge · learning · partner communication
Mathias Ellmann
Mathias Ellmann develops the Salsa Movement Lexicon as a connection between dance technique, body knowledge, musicality, learning and partner communication.
Movement is not considered only in terms of which steps or figures are danced, but also how weight, timing, space, perception and connection interact.
Leading and following are treated as reciprocal communication: one person prepares movement possibilities and makes them perceptible, while the other responds through self-organized movement. Both roles remain perceptive, adaptive and autonomous.