5-class Afro-Cuban series on Elegua, the opener of ways

Schedule

Sun Mar 12 2023 at 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Location

Salchata Dance Company | Toronto, ON

5-class series focusing exclusively on the Orisha Elegua; the opener of ways & paths, keeper of the crossroads. Taught by Professor Sarita Leyva of York University's School of Fine Arts in Cuban traditional dance and graduate of ENIA, one of the top National Folkloric dance schools in Cuba.
Explore one of the roots of modern Afro-Cuban with one of the most central Orishas; Elegua, through whom all Orisha ceremonies & rituals must be approved before proceeding. Elegua is part of the Orisha pantheon of West African deities from the Yoruba dance complex in Cuba. It precedes the existence of modern-day Cuba, but the rhythms, steps & body movement of the Orisha dances had a profound influence on the development of Rumba, Son, & Salsa. In this 5-class series, we'll explore the different Bata drum rhythms of Elegua & how the Elegua dance steps & body movements sync with those rhythms.
Sarita’s extensive dance history includes being an alumna of:
-ENIA (Escuela Nacional de Instructores de Arte); one of the top National Folkloric dance schools in Cuba
-Domingo Pau; a living encyclopedia of Cuban dances
-Isaias Rojas; director and founder of Compañía BanRará
-Juan Teodoro Florentino; choreographer and musician of Ballet Folklórico Cutumba
-Ernestina Quintana "Nenita"; dancer and founder of Compañía de Danza Contemporánea de Cuba
Each Afro-Cuban dance complex (Yoruba/Kongo/Arara/Carabali/Rumba) has many dances within them, and they are all difficult enough to learn on their own. This series is focusing exclusively on Elegua of the Yoruba complex.
Sarita will teach the steps, intention, rhythms, body movement & history of this specific Afro-Cuban dance. Limited spots available, so book early to reserve your spot!
For videos of Sarita showcasing Elegua please visit:
https://saritaleyva.com/photo-gallery
And alternatively:
https://havanapeoplesalsa.co.uk/cuban-salsa-elegua-saints-dance-cuba/
*15% of proceeds go straight to over-the-counter medicine to locals in Havana, Cuba.

Where is it happening?

Salchata Dance Company, 228 Merton st,Toronto,ON,Canada

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Host or Publisher Salchata Dance Academy

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