Candela

Candela is a specialized call within the Rueda de Casino repertoire, a social dance tradition originating in Havana, Cuba, during the mid-20th century. While Rueda de Casino is defined by its circular formation and a caller—historically known as a bastonero—who directs synchronized group movements, the specific execution of Candela varies significantly by regional scene and local rueda dialect ^[1]. In many contexts, the term is used to signal a high-energy transition or a specific sequence of partner changes that increases the intensity of the dance ^[1]. Because Rueda de Casino relies on a standardized yet evolving vocabulary, the term Candela is frequently employed to denote a 'hot' or fast-paced segment of the dance, sometimes serving as a stylistic placeholder for improvised flair or specific group-wide rotations ^[1]. It is essential to distinguish this figure from the common use of 'Candela' as a branding term for Latin dance events, socials, or school names, which do not represent the technical dance move itself. Dancers should verify the specific regional variation with their local caller, as the figure’s mechanics—such as the direction of the partner switch or the specific hand-hold—are not universally codified across all international rueda communities ^[1].