Mariposa

Mariposa is an advanced figure within the Rueda de Casino repertoire, a style of salsa originating in Havana, Cuba, during the 1950s ^[1]. The name, translating to 'butterfly,' describes the open, flowing aesthetic of the movement ^[3]. Mechanically, the figure begins with a standard enchufla, where the leader initiates a connection with the follower ^{[1, 2]}. The leader then transitions into a behind-the-back hand exchange, securing the follower's left hand with his own left hand while maintaining the connection ^[2]. This configuration allows the leader to guide the follower into an overhead clockwise turn ^[2]. The sequence typically concludes with a secondary enchufla and a cross-body lead to return the couple to their neutral position within the rueda circle ^[1]. Because the figure requires precise timing and coordination of multiple hand-holds and rotations, it is categorized as an advanced move ^[1]. It remains distinct from unrelated Bolivian folk traditions that share the same name but occupy entirely different cultural and choreographic contexts.