Our Program
Our programme offers a fully folkloric and immersive experience with live music in every class. You’ll progress through the rhythms, chants, stories, and dances of Afro-Cuban culture.
Program Philosophy: The Path of Rhythms
This is a ten-day progressive journey designed to help you deeply explore rhythm.
Week 1: The core focus is on mastering the three most important Orisha rhythms: Batá, Güiro, and Bembé. You’ll discover how the expression and energy of each Orisha change when performed in these different cadences.
Week 2: You will immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Havana and the Western region, delving into the distinct styles of Rumba, Congo, Arará, and Abakuá/Brikamo
Throughout the Festival To complement your rhythmic skills, we’ve included daily rumba classes for the entire ten-day period. Our Matanzas Break will also serve as a cultural bridge, offering the perfect opportunity to practise and connect with the roots of rumba.
First Week: (April 3-7)
Orishas and Rhythms: The Sacred Connection
This week focuses on the fundamental Orisha rhythms of Batá, Güiro, and Bembé, with daily Rumba training to complement your learning and practice.
Thursday, April 3: Eleguá & Ochosi We’ll explore the playful movements of Eleguá, the Orisha who opens paths, and the precise dance of Ochosi, the hunter.
Friday, April 4: Oggún & Agayú Discover the indomitable strength of the warrior Oggún and the powerful energy of Agayú.
Saturday, April 5: Changó & Oyá Learn the movements of Changó, the king of fire and dance, and Oyá, the master of the winds.
Sunday, April 6: Yemayá & Oshún Explore the fluid and powerful movements of the mothers of the water.
Monday, April 7: Obatalá & Babalú-Ayé Focus on the movements of peace and healing, embodying the balance of creation.
Festival Break (April 8-9)
Trip to Matanzas Experience a cultural immersion by visiting “the cradle of rumba.” The trip includes an unforgettable concert by Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, allowing you to connect directly with the legacy of Afro-Cuban rumba.
Second Week: April (10-14)
The Pulse of the West: Rumba and Ancestral Rhythms
Dive into the vibrant rhythms of Havana! Beyond Rumba, you’ll immerse yourself in the energy of Congo, the powerful beats of Arará, and the traditions of Abakuá and Brikamo.
Thursday, April 10: Arará A deep study of Arará dances and their connection to the Yoruba tradition, along with your daily Rumba classes.
Friday, April 11: Congo Explore the Palo Monte tradition, learning the movements, rhythms, and chants of Palo, Makuta, and Yuka. Plus, your daily Rumba classes.
Saturday, April 12: Abakuá Discover the secret legacy of Abakuá, exploring the basic steps and body language of this unique and exclusive style. Plus, your daily Rumba classes.
Sunday, April 13: Rumba A full day dedicated to the dance of the Cuban streets, practising the genres of Yambú, Guaguancó, and Columbia.
Monday, April 14: Wemilere to the Orishas and Rumba The festival culminates with a grand ensemble, connecting all the styles you’ve learnt to celebrate our tenth anniversary!
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.
