NMHU News

 Salsa rueda classes are back this semester at New Mexico Highlands University.

Carlos Mora, who first taught the popular salsa rueda dance classes at the university in 2005, will be teaching both beginning and intermediate classes beginning fall semester.   

“The difference between traditional salsa and salsa rueda is that we dance in a spinning circle and change partners,” Mora said. “Rueda means wheel in Spanish, and rueda is my favorite style of salsa because its so community oriented. I’m not just teaching dance. I’m fostering people coming together. What students remember most about salsa rueda is that it’s extraordinarily fun.”

Mora also established Los Rumberos Salsa Club with Highlands University students in 2005. The student dance club toured Northern New Mexico and went on to take third place at the Salsa Rueda Congress of the Americas in Miami in 2006.

Mora said he hopes to re-establish Los Rumberos Salsa Club this fall at Highlands University, and see the club tour and compete again. He is proud of four of the original club members who are now now salsa teachers themselves.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Mora first learned the rueda style of salsa in Miami in the 90s. He  taught salsa dancing in Minneapolis, Savannah and Austin before moving to New Mexico.

Mora is based in Santa Fe and teaches salsa dancing at Pomegranate Studios. He founded the first annual Salsa Rueda Festival in Santa Fe in 2008. The 2009 festival drew dancers from around the country.

Mora is known locally for also teaching salsa classes at the United World College, Luna Community College, West Las Vegas High School, and Robertson High School. 

“I’m thrilled to be back teaching at Highlands,” Mora said. “I’ve made so many friends in Las Vegas that I consider it a second home.”

Mora will also teach a beginning Salsa Rueda class at the Plaza Hotel this fall.

He can be reached at 505-426-7471 and his Web site is www.SantaRueda.com