In the vast universe of Cuban social dances, where complex rhythms and refined styles have evolved over generations, a brilliant mind emerges with a revolutionary revelation: the Mechanical Casino Method (MMC). Its creator, Joel Mamero Caraebailla, has granted me this exclusive interview to explain—using a logic that defies comprehension—how his method will forever change the world of Cuban social dances.

From his innovative idea of counting dance steps as if they were mathematical equations to his bold claim that his method allows dancers to execute casino figures “with the precision of a Swiss watch,” Joel immerses us in his peculiar vision of this Cuban dance. With the enthusiasm of a misunderstood genius (or perhaps just incomprehensible), he explains why his method is not only necessary but the only hope for the future of Cuban social dances.

Join us on this fascinating journey where, between spins, numbers, and a whole lot of imagination, we will attempt to understand the MMC… or at least pretend that we do.

Dáybert Linares: Good afternoon, Joel. Today, we have the privilege—or the sociological experiment—of talking with you about the Mechanical Casino Method (MMC). Before we begin, could you explain what your method is all about?

Joel Mamero Caraebailla: Absolutely, Dáybert! The MMC is the ultimate evolution of casino dancing. It is the perfect synthesis of advanced biomechanics, applied quantum physics, and controlled chaos theory. I discovered that the reason most dancers fail to achieve efficient casino is that their movements are based on primitive impulses instead of scientific principles. With my method, every turn, every step, and every directional change is mathematically calculated to optimize energy flow and eliminate unnecessary movement.

Dáybert Linares: Fascinating. So, for decades, people have been dancing wrong without knowing it. It must be frustrating for them to realize that enjoyment and natural flow are not as important as energy optimization.

Joel Mamero Caraebailla: Exactly. A common mistake is thinking that casino is about having fun. In reality, it’s about executing perfect movements within an efficient mechanical framework. For example, when turning, most people fail to calculate the exact angle of rotational torque, leading to a loss of accumulated inertia. That is unacceptable in the MMC!

Dáybert Linares: I can imagine. There’s nothing worse than a casino rueda where people are too busy having fun to worry about accumulated inertia.

Joel Mamero Caraebailla: Precisely! In fact, I propose that before any casino rueda, dancers should perform a series of biomechanical alignment exercises to synchronize their gravitational axis with the rhythm. If they don’t, their movements become erratic, and the rueda loses structural coherence.

Dáybert Linares: What madness. So, how did casino dancers react when you revealed to them that they had spent decades executing their movements in a structurally incoherent manner?

Joel Mamero Caraebailla: At first, there was denial—just like with any innovation that challenges established dogma. But when I explained my Mechanical Orbital Displacement Theory, they realized that traditional casino was riddled with errors. For example, Cubans think they are stepping “forward and back,” but in reality, they are executing a dislocated pendular movement that disrupts the dance flow.

Dáybert Linares: What a revelation. The pioneers of casino must be rolling in their graves upon learning that they weren’t actually dancing—they were dislocating themselves pendularly.

Joel Mamero Caraebailla: Exactly! That’s why I designed the MMC-Bot 3000, a device worn around the waist that vibrates if the dancer moves outside the optimal angles. I am convinced that in the future, all dancers will wear one.

Dáybert Linares: No doubt, the MMC-Bot 3000 will be the ultimate revolution. I wonder how we’ve survived without it until now. Tell me, what are your thoughts on improvisation in casino?

Joel Mamero Caraebailla: Improvisation is the greatest enemy of efficient dancing. It’s a remnant of the primitive human instinct to move without control. In my method, dancers can only improvise within a predetermined framework of approved combinations. Dance should not be a manifestation of uncontrolled emotions but a systematic execution of optimized rhythmic patterns.

Dáybert Linares: What a relief. For a moment, I feared people might still believe they could use dance for self-expression. But tell me, how do you get people to accept your method without rebelling?

Joel Mamero Caraebailla: Easy. I developed a dance re-education program that reconfigures a dancer’s relationship with movement. It begins with visualization sessions where students watch videos of mechanical gears in motion to internalize rotational precision. Then, we move on to exercises where each student must spin exactly 720 degrees in 1.8 seconds. If they fail, we repeat the process until their body memorizes the correct pattern.

Dáybert Linares: That sounds incredibly natural and not torturous at all! I imagine your students thank you with tears of joy for freeing them from the slavery of spontaneity.

Joel Mamero Caraebailla: Yes! Many cry at first, but later, when they manage to execute a figure with the precision of a Swiss watch, they experience true dance enlightenment.

Dáybert Linares: I have no doubt it’s a near-religious experience. Final question: If the MMC is so precise, what happens if someone decides to improvise outside the method?

Joel Mamero Caraebailla: In that case, they are no longer dancing casino. They are executing arbitrary movements without foundation. Essentially, it’s a structural collapse of the system. In fact, I have plans to create a patrol unit at casino dance events to identify and correct dancers who deviate from the method.

JMC’s casino patrol unit hard at work at the Cuban Dance Festival in Boston (United States)

Dáybert Linares: What a relief. It’s good to know that soon, we’ll be able to dance without the annoying uncertainty of creativity. Joel, it has been a pleasure—or at least a unique experience—having this conversation with you.

Joel Mamero Caraebailla: Thank you, Dáybert! Remember: the future of casino is mechanical, precise, and free of unnecessary emotions.

Dáybert Linares: How could I ever forget!1

  1. This is most definitively a real interview and not at all ficticious. ↩︎