Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa is a specialized figure within the Rueda de Casino repertoire, a style of synchronized circle dancing that originated in Havana, Cuba, during the 1950s ^[1]. As with other figures in the rueda, the move is executed by multiple couples in a circle, directed by a caller known as the líder or cantante. The figure is characterized by a specific sequence of rotations: the follower is guided through a double-spin, which serves as the primary mechanical focus of the move ^[1]. Following the completion of this double-spin, the couple transitions directly into a cross-body lead, known in the Cuban context as 'Dile que no' ^[1]. Because Rueda de Casino relies on a standardized set of calls that may vary by region or local group, the execution of the Mona Lisa requires dancers to be familiar with the specific stylistic conventions of their rueda circle. The move is typically performed to salsa or timba music, reflecting the broader musical environment of the dance ^[2].