At least 2,040 dancers gathered at the National Sports Institute in the Venezuelan capital Caracas to attempt a Guinness World Record for the largest salsa casino circle dance, news agencies reported.
The dancers rehearsed for about six months before making their attempt last Sunday. The previous record holder for the Guinness World Record for the largest “rueda de Casino dance,” or Casino dance circle is held by Spain where 1,291 dancers performed in Tenerife in 2019.
The dancers from 102 dance academies danced at the Teo Capriles velodrome, while two judges and more than 30 observers evaluated the performance that went on for 12 minutes.
“Casino dance emerged in Cuba in the last century, at the end of the 50s, and it is one of the ways to demonstrate that it is still alive, that it is still relevant and that it doesn’t only belong to Cuba, but to the whole world,” Luis Llamo, the general organiser of the event, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
“And Venezuela has managed to demonstrate that it is really here where the largest number of dancers of this rhythm, this genre, are,” he further added.
The dancers who participated in the record-breaking attempt ranged from ages 7 to 65. They danced in a casino circle, which is a popular partner-trading formation for the dance, news agency UPI said.
“Super excited, exceptional. There are no words to say what we feel. It is joy, excitement, enthusiasm and super proud to represent my country,” said Maria de los Angeles Ramirez, a participant, according to the Associated Press.
The results are yet to be announced.
Another performer,Yurimar Vargas, said preparations were made for several months before making the attempt.
“I never imagined being in an event of this magnitude. It is quite exciting to be here, sharing (the experience) with colleagues from all over Venezuela. We have been preparing for many months to be here today. And well, happy, excited. It’s a very big emotion, especially for lifting Venezuela high,” Vargas was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
Llamo said the record has great significance because it supports the campaign for the ‘Son’ , a Cuban musical genre.
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