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Kate Maguire brings a vibrant energy and fun to the Cuban dance scene.
Kate is teaching two high energy workshops at Salsa Tumbao 2024 - Rumba and
Afro-Cuban - Oya.
Be ready to move!
We chatted to Kate about coffee and sabor.
First and foremost, how do you take your coffee?
"A bit boring - its an Americano with milk on a daily basis. The extra special version is sweetened condensed milk in a long black - yummm!"
Kate is the main instructor and Director of Salsa ¡Agua!, has been dancing Latin dance for more than 20 years. She has been teaching Cuban dance and Salsa since 2008. Her patient, fun, energetic teaching style is contagious.
She will have you dancing and having a great time before you know it.
Cubans speak of sabor (flavour) when they talk about dancing. When and how did you find your own personal style in dance?
"Dancing and learning from the Cubans is all about the sabor.
The Cuban experience held at Jambalaya - one of the original festivals in NZ, back in 2008 - explored the history of Cuban dance. I got to explore more in Cuba in 2009 and 2017. I have immersed myself in all of the dances and the history of Cuba."
A trip to Cuba in 2009 saw her training in Havana with Isaias Rojas Ramirez director of Ban Rarra dance company. She was a senior instructor and performer with the Cuban Groove in Auckland, working with New Zealand’s premier Cuban professional dancers Greydis Montero Liranza and Isbert (Vivio) Ramos for several years before her relocation to Tauranga in 2013. A return trip to Cuba in 2017 led to further opportunities to train in Havana with Isaias Rojas Ramirez director of Ban Rarra dance company and Santiago All Stars.
Describe a move that you love / that is part of your typical style?
"Turn the pretty lady - rodeo, pasito y vuelta. Its a lovely, basic move that encompases the simplicity and beauty of Casino."
What tips do you have for students who are still trying to find their own sabor?
"Listen to the music, and don’t try too hard. Relax and give it a go. Leads give the follow a chance to shine too. Learn, and develop your Rumba and Son."
Kate is captivated with the fun, authenticity and depth of Cuban dance and she wants you to discover the joy of Cuban dance too.
What elements of dance add flavour / style to Cuban dance?
Everything can add flavour! Learn the dances that came before. Constantly review your understanding the cultural context of your dance. Don't look for the flashy moves, develop your basic technique. Basic moves - done well - allow you to bring flavour. Build your base - then start having fun.
Kate is a trustee of the NZ Cuban Festival Trust which runs the Annual National Cuban Festival, and is also part of the organising committee for the Bay Salsa Festival.
She teaches a range of Cuban dancers (Salsa, Rudea de Casino, Son, Rumba, Chachacha, Cubaton and some Afro Cuban dances), Bachata and Merengue.
Classes run on Tuesdays from 7.30 at the Elizabeth Street Community & Arts Centre
Find Salsa ¡Agua!:
Facebook: Salsa ¡Agua!
Website: Getyourcubanon.com
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