Figures

In rueda, dile que no is a basic figure, called in certain settings. One implication of dile que no, is that it leads to the basic steps in open position, guapea (unless a new call is issued). So if it is called from closed position, it ends up in open position. The same is the case in ábaco. The footwork in this ábaco figure is often called “a lo cubano”. Note the long step on beat 2. The footwork is essentially the same as guapea, but with more movement, especially on beat 2.

Americana in ábaco follow the ladies’ steps from the rueda figure americana. Americano in ábaco follow the men’s steps from the rueda figure americano, but starting the turning early (on beat 7), slightly before the rueda figure starts. So be aware if the caller is in the rueda, you might have to act fast.

In rueda, tarro is the most common way to change partner when in closed position. In ábaco, a quater turn left is normally corresponding to a partner change in rueda. So the ábaco figure tarro is a quarter turn left, where you do the actual turn on beat 7. Dos tarros in ábaco is a half turn left on 7 (two quarter turns at once).

Diagonal steps. This is a basic step, so after a regular figure (like exhibela) is called, you return to these steps.