Welcome to the Afro-Cuban Dance Festival Havana 2027
11th Anniversary Special Edition
In Tribute to and Collaboration with the 65th Anniversary of the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba
Havana, Cuba
23 April – 4 May 2027
Join us for an authentic Afro-Cuban cultural experience in the heart of Havana.
For more than a decade, the Afro-Cuban Dance Festival Havana has connected Cuba with the world through cultural immersion, artistic exchange, and the preservation of Afro-Cuban dance, music, rhythm, singing, and tradition.
For this special 11th Anniversary Edition, we proudly celebrate in collaboration with the 65th Anniversary of the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba — one of Cuba’s most important cultural institutions, internationally recognised for its contribution to Afro-Cuban heritage and artistic excellence.
This is more than a dance festival.
It is a cultural experience designed to help you learn, grow, connect, and experience Afro-Cuban culture directly from the source through workshops, live music, rumba, cultural activities, performances, and shared experiences.
What Makes This Festival Unique?
Live Music in Every Class
Every workshop is accompanied by live music, helping participants develop rhythm, musicality, body coordination, listening skills, and a deeper connection to Afro-Cuban movement traditions.
40+ Hours of Intensive Training
Train with exceptional Cuban artists through more than 40 hours of carefully designed workshops in Afro-Cuban dance, music, rhythm, singing, and cultural understanding.
Learn Directly from the Source
Our teachers, musicians, assistants, and collaborators are carefully selected by Luanda Pau and Maestro Domingo Pau for their dedication to Afro-Cuban traditions.
Artists and collaborators come from some of Cuba’s most respected institutions, including:
• Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba
• Academia de Danza Carlos Acosta
• Cabaret Tropicana de Cuba
• ENA – Escuela Nacional de Arte
• Teatro América
Growth, Not Competition
Whether you are a beginner, experienced dancer, teacher, musician, or cultural enthusiast, this festival supports learning at your own pace in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Global Community
Join participants from around the world in an authentic, welcoming, and inspiring cultural environment built around learning, respect, connection, and community.
Why This Festival Matters
Afro-Cuban folkloric traditions are at the heart of Cuban music, dance, rhythm, and cultural identity.
This festival was created by Luanda Pau, Maestro Domingo Pau, and a community of artists and collaborators committed to preserving, celebrating, and sharing Afro-Cuban culture with the world.
Your participation directly supports Cuban artists, teachers, musicians, and the continuation of this living cultural heritage.
Booking & Next Steps
Complete the registration form and share any important information, questions, requests, allergies, or concerns.
Once your booking and payment are confirmed, you will be invited to our private participants’ WhatsApp group for festival updates, travel guidance, logistics, practical Havana support, and important announcements before and during the festival.
If you do not use WhatsApp, please let us know in the form.
Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1976, Luanda is a powerhouse of Afro-Cuban dance with 32 years of professional experience as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Her journey began at the prestigious National School of Art of Cuba (ENA), where she graduated in 1994 as a dancer and folk dance teacher. Her exceptional talent was recognised early, earning her a First Level Choreographer Certificate from the Cuban Ministry of Culture in 2001, followed by a Certificate of Direction, Screenplay, and Artistic Production in 2002. Further solidifying her pedagogical expertise, she obtained a Diploma in Popular and Cultural Education for Children and Adults in France in 2010.
Luanda’s performance career is equally illustrious. For eight years, she graced stages as a soloist with the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba, showcasing her mastery of traditional forms. Her artistry has since captivated audiences at countless festivals and artistic events across Cuba, Europe, America, and Africa, demonstrating her global impact. Most recently, she lent her expertise as a creator choreographer at the Paradise Under the Stars Tropicana Show at The Lost Estate, a testament to her enduring relevance in the performing arts.
Now based in London, Luanda remains deeply passionate about her cultural heritage. She dedicates herself to its authentic development by organising and teaching a wide array of masterclasses and workshops. She’s also a driving force behind numerous UK and international events, all aimed at broadening awareness and understanding of Afro-Cuban culture and heritage outside of Cuba. Her influence extends to significant institutions, as she has served as artistic programmer manager & community artistic programming and dance educator for the Carlos Acosta Dance Centre/Foundation and works as a freelancer for Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
Looking ahead, Luanda is embarking on an exciting new venture: collaborating with Simon to bring the Afro Cuban Dance Festival to London. This ambitious project is currently in its careful planning stages, seeking a dedicated logistical team and key sponsors to bring this vibrant celebration to life.
Luanda Pau is a dynamic force with over 30 years of experience as a teacher, dancer, and choreographer. Her international presence effortlessly bridges the gap between Cuban and European cultures. Multilingual and deeply passionate, Luanda continually develops projects that contribute to global cultural exchange and development.
As one of the first Capoeira Masters outside of Brazil, His exploration of Afro-Cuban dance has been pivotal in developing Rhythmic Rope Flow and gaining profound insights into the foundational ways we move. Beyond his passion for movement, Simon is a 2009 graduate of the School of Social Entrepreneurs and a devoted father.
