Origins

March 2020 - a small band of happy but exhausted dancers talk incessantly as they drive back from the Aotearoa Cuban Festival.
The conversation veers from the fantastic workshops we participated in, to how the Cubans manage to move like liquid; to the parties where everyone on the dance floor could and would dance Rueda; Son; Chachacha; Rumba; Afro and all the other styles we love so much.
After all when you combine the elegant talent of Creative Director Greydis Montero Liranza with the awe inspiring drive and organisational talents of Kate Maguire and her team (so much admiration!) you are guaranteed an exceptional weekend of Cuban flavour.

As always the conversation turns to Auckland - why don't we see as many people dancing Cuban Salsa on the Auckland dance floors? Why don't we have more Cuban Styled festivals? Why not one in Auckland - in September - when everyone is getting withdrawal symptoms?
Who could do it? Who would do it? Why hasn't someone done it yet?

Late March and we're in Lockdown. I do not do bored well. In fact I am known for crazy ideas. With a background in Advertising and Event management - the concept grew fast and happened even faster. From a cup of coffee with a small group to a fully fledged Festival in less than a month. And here we are - the (edit) SECOND Salsa Tumbao Auckland Festival.

The Aim
The aim is to promote the talented professionals who teach Cuban Styles in Auckland and the events and festivals that show off the beautiful culture and dance styles of Cuba.
What's in it for the people who organise it? We just want more people out on the dance floor who will break into Rumba; who will dance Son; who will not run away from a Chachacha and who don't give you odd looks when you throw in some Afro Cuban moves.

For the author, dance is not about performance. I just want to move. - to dance with my soul (because quite often my body is not willing Ha!).

Traditionally dance is about communication.
I am from Africa - where every celebration; every victory; every sorrow; every plea for assistance from the heavens is done in the form of dance. The rich harmonies of human voices; African drums; and the pounding of feet on the red soil.

This is why I love Cuban dance - it touches the part of Africa that is in my soul.

We want to share that passion for Cuban dance.
The festival is just the beginning. We have plans.

Who?
We started looking for Cuban instructors in Auckland and were amazed at how many dance schools teach or include Cuban styles.

Vivio Ramos of the Cuban Groove moves with an easy elasticity in every fibre of his being. And his dance CV is more than impressive. If you haven't been to one of V's classes - get to one. Soon!

Javiera Pavez of Viva Dance embodies joy on the dance floor. She positively glows when she dances. You will leave her classes happy and ready to get out and dance. Go to her class this week! You'll love it.

Diego Troncoso of Bailando Rueda. You will feel instantly welcome in his family of dancers. Diego's teaching style is a lot of fun and really easy to follow. I love the humour in his classes. Wednesdays and Fridays near the airport - pick one and get there.

Liz Parsons of Sweet Azucar just kicked off a new round of Chachacha classes. (Love Chachacha!). Liz is the embodiment of elegance. Her classes are a laugh a minute and filled with snippets of info. A lot of fun! Out West but not to far to get to. Do it do it do it!

Pauly of SalsaCrewNZ is a legend on the Salsa scene. Hmm hmm that man can move! We love his classes because he does a bit of everything - in the same way that you will on a dance floor. His relaxed teaching style is comfortable and easy to follow. Yet his CV has him on stages around the world. Treat yourself to one of his classes.

Camila Leah Rossi of Viva Dance moves with natural grace and a beautiful smile. She teaches a series of children's classes on Saturdays at Viva. We first met in a Rueda class with Vivio. Small salsa scene. Your children will love her!

Lofty Ned keeps a low profile online - but he has run a great mix of Rueda and Linear classes for more than 8 years. Catch him on Tuesdays from 6.30pm at the Devonport Community House. Guaranteed fun, with great teaching thrown in.

2021 Edit:
And more amazing dancers and schools have popped up since last year!

Club de Baile are new on the scene since this was first written. Armando and Christa have just kicked off Timba and Bachata lessons in Grey Lynn. They have this supportive teaching style and such a great energy when they dance. If you're looking to round out your Cuban styling definitely give their Timba classes a go.

Silene Pedron of Zumba with Silene. If you've met Silene - you'll be dragged into her infectious personality almost instantly. She is just so much fun. We met at Vivio's class - she is the one who will spend time with someone who is struggling - the one who adds her own flair to every move - and who gets everyone giggling. And whoa, can she dance!

So many great classes around. We plan to visit ALL the classes to give you the lowdown.
(If I've missed anyone please let me know!)

Where else?

The Aotearoa Cuban Trust do Cuban events all over the country - The biggest being the NZ Cuban Festival in Rotorua in March. If you haven't been yet - PUT IT IN YOUR CALENDAR NOW! It's fantastic; it's addictive; it's amazing.

The Bay Salsa Festival happens over Labour Weekend. This event supports the NZ Youth Salsa Team - so worth supporting them. It's also really good fun - a bit of everything which means a great mix of dancers. Greydis and Kate are both there this year - so you'll be able to get your Cuban fix too.

If you missed it - Greydis Dance is runs a regular series of workshops and a monthly party in Rotorua. We're head down as often as we can to catch a bit of that Rotorua Cuban magic.

So many more Cuban dancers on the Auckland dance floors since last year. So many great musicians playing the scene too.
It makes my spirit sing.