Casino (Cuban-style partner dance) and Rueda de Casino
Portland's only dedicated Casino program.
"Outside of the Cubans, [Rob is] one of the best Casino dancers in the United States."
— Jorge Luis Fernandez
ENA Graduate · Cirque du Soleil · Las Vegas Salsa Bachata Congress
International performer & instructor, Las Vegas
Rob, Unfiltered.
"Hey, Brie… you know who you're sleeping with?"— Rob, to his girlfriend, right before going to bed
Who the hell is this guy?
Rob Hilario fell down the Casino (Cuban-style partner dance) rabbit hole in September 2005 in the Bay Area and never bothered to climb out. He became an original member of Salsa Vale Todo in San Francisco in 2007, training and performing with the team until 2011.
Since then, Rob has chased Casino across the United States, Spain, Portugal, and Cuba, picking up the kind of details you simply don't get from YouTube or a "Cuban-inspired" salsa class on a Thursday night. Students and peers describe his dancing as "super clean" and "flawless." His Rueda de Casino calls and choreography show exactly how deep that obsession goes.
But here's what actually separates Rob from the rest: he teaches the system, not the shortcut. Partnering, angles, handwork, and footwork — all broken down so follows can express themselves and leads feel clear, intentional, and not chaotic, all while ensuring the safety of their follows. The goal isn't to give you a bag of random patterns and send you out into the world confused. The goal is to turn you into the kind of social dancer people actually want to dance with.
Rob moved to Portland in 2012 and has spent over a decade building a real Cuban Casino home in the Pacific Northwest — for dancers who are done settling for a "Cuban flavor" sprinkled on top of something else and are ready for the real thing.
Watch the Real Thing.
This is what Casino looks like when the foundation is actually there.
Find Your Level
Class location varies by level. See below.
Casino Partnerwork
Brand new? A little rusty? Perfect. Level 1 is where you build the foundation that everything else in Casino depends on. No partner and no experience required.
- Basic footwork, timing, and rhythm
- Lead-and-follow communication
- Closed-position frame and connection
- Cornerstone vueltas that show up everywhere later
Casino Partnerwork
Feeling solid in Level 1? Level 2 is where your Casino starts looking and feeling more like actual Casino instead of isolated moves. More vocabulary, more connection, more sabor.
- Intermediate vueltas specific to Casino
- How to chain movements without falling apart
- Adding sabor and style without forcing it
- Deeper musicality and social-dance readiness
Casino Partnerwork / Intro to Rueda
Been sitting in Level 2 feeling comfortable? Good. That's exactly who this class is for. This is where you get into the good stuff that does not belong on a beginner night.
- More advanced movements built on L1 and L2 fundamentals
- Common Casino-style arm pretzels
- Common Rueda calls used in the US and abroad
- Runs in monthly sessions starting at the beginning of each month
Advanced Casino Partnerwork / Rueda de Casino
For the most challenging concepts, calls, and pretzels that are unique to Casino. Only serious students need apply!
- The toughest Casino concepts and combinations
- Advanced Rueda calls
- Unique pretzels and transitions
- Think you have what it takes? Contact Rob.
Tailored to You
Custom instruction designed around your specific goals — whether you're brand new or want to refine advanced technique.
Intro to Casino: What you'll learn
- Guapea: The foundational partner position and movement.
- Dile que No: The signature cross-body movement that is key to transitioning between steps.
- Enchufla Variations: The cornerstone turn pattern in Casino.
- Timing and Rhythm: Understanding the music and dancing in sync with your partner.
- Partner Connection: Techniques to improve leading and following with fluidity.
Intermediate / Advanced: What you can work on
- Technique refinement & body movement
- The "crazy arm stuff" unique to Casino
- Movement through space on the floor
- Advanced turn patterns & transitions
- Musicality & connecting with Timba
- Rueda de Casino calls & responses
What People Say
Is that what they're saying about Rob...?
"More than anyone I know, [Rob has] dedicated [himself] to studying the dance from many different teachers, and obviously, it's really paid off."
"Robert is a talented and focused individual. When he sets his mind to mastering something, he succeeds. His drive is one of his greatest qualities, as well as his impeccable attention to detail."
"[A dance with Rob] is like a fine wine."
"[Rob is] freakishly easy to follow. One time, we were dancing, and all of a sudden I realized, 'Oh, we're doing Tornillo.'"
"Rob is the best Casino salsa instructor in Portland... His teaching method is based on having the student learn consistent fundamentals applicable from the most basic moves to the most advanced."
"I've always loved dance... Casino is by far my favorite! Rob has a knack for breaking down the fundamentals of each movement, as well as all the nuances that lead to its flawless execution."
"Excellent teacher who clearly enjoys what he does: teaching and dancing. A plus in his classes is that he plays the best music, varied and up-to-date!"
"Rob is thorough, clear in his instruction, makes it really fun, and is a pleasure to dance with. I highly recommend taking any of his classes."
"[I] have danced with Rob for more than 5 years. His attention to detail helps us learn something every single class."
"[Rob]... makes it easy to dance Cuban [Casino]."
Timba Night - usually every last Saturday of the month.
A monthly social dancing event dedicated to authentic Timba music and Cuban Casino. Come to dance, listen to great music, and connect with Portland's Casino community.
Whether you're fresh out of Level 1 or a seasoned social dancer, Timba Night is where the classroom meets the dance floor.
Sign up for the newsletter to get event dates, class announcements, and more — once or twice a month max, no spam.
Ready to Dance?
Have questions about classes, privates, or Timba Night? Drop Rob a message.
Free 30-Min Intro
Not sure where to start? Book a free, no-pressure 30-minute intro with Rob to talk through your goals.
Thanks to…
Rob would like to thank the following people who have influenced him the most in all facets of his life:
John Abiol, Louis Reynaud, Duane Wrenn, Mike Eskeldson, and many more who shaped the person Rob became…