Why Attend a Cuban Dance Festival?
The history of Cuban dance styles are irrevocably interwoven - the movements tell stories of Orishas, and love, and loss, and searching.
No dance style arises out of thin air – each one traces their roots back to another, older style, with an invariable link back to Africa. My reading has allowed me to understand how much my Salsa could be improved by learning, say, the upper body movement of Son, or the stories behind the Afro-Cuban styles, or the low rhythmic bounce of Rumba.
The styles connect and weave together to form generations of Cuban dance. The wild and well-travelled great-grandparents - Afro-Cuban - the stately grandmother – Danzon – the elegant parent - Son - through to the slightly out of control grandchild - Cubaton. As you meet and get to understand more of the family, you have a better understanding of the movements and the meanings behind those movements.
Why attend a dance festival that focuses on Cuban dance? We have two in New Zealand - Salsa Tumbao in Auckland and the incredible Aotearoa Cuban Festival in Rotorua and many other festivals that bring you a taste of Cuban styles.
Each dance style you learn gives you a better understanding of the moves you use on the social dance floor. You may find an Afro-Cuban dance move you love - that you can weave into your Salsa; or finally get that upper body movement right.
Above all it’s about community – the crazy, friendly, inclusive Cuban dance community in Auckland and the instant connection you get with Cuban dancers around New Zealand and the rest of the world.
Links:
Aotearoa Cuban Festival held in Rotorua in March. An absolute must attend!