AfroCuban Dance/Rumba/Son Workshop

Name: AfroCuban Dance/Rumba/Son Workshop
Start: 2024-06-22T08:30:00-07:00
End: 2024-06-22T12:00:00-07:00
Location: The Dance Centre at Scotiabank Dance Centre

Schedule

Sat Jun 22 2024 at 08:30 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

The Dance Centre at Scotiabank Dance Centre | Vancouver, BC

Learn the foundations of traditional Cuban dances in this all-levels workshop with Professional Dancer and Choreographer Leo Gonzales, Director of the Cuban Movements Dance Academy (Edmonton), accompanied by AfroCuban Dancer and Instructor Yula, Director of Elegancia Cubana (Vancouver):
AfroCuban Dance (Orichas)/Rumba: 9:30 to 11 AM
Break: 11 AM to noon
Son Cubano: noon to 1 PM

AfroCuban Dance (Orichas): Orichas form the basis of the Yoruba series of AfroCuban dancing. Orichas are Yoruba deities, with a unique story and character such as Chango, Oya and Oggun. In addition to the story behind each Oricha, they have unique dance movements and symbology corresponding to their own musical incantation, accompanied by special drumbeats played on the Batá. For many Cubans, Orichas are much more than just a dance; they are both a religion and a culture expression.
Rumba: The music and movements of rumba in Cuba are mainly associated with African culture but also feature elements from Antillean culture and Spanish flamenco. Historically, rumba in Cuba developed in marginal neighbourhoods of cities in Cuba like Havana and Matanzas, near other ports and shanty towns and grew especially popular in rural areas where communities of African slaves lived. Performances consist of verbal and non-verbal forms of communication such as chants, gestures, handclapping, dance and specific body language. Instruments, either percussion or simply utensils from the home or work, are part of the practice.The practice of rumba in Cuba has been transmitted over generations by imitation within families and neighbourhoods.
Son Cubano: In the early 1900s, a musical fusion of Spanish guitars and African drumming emerged in eastern Cuba, giving birth to the vibrant and rhythmic genre of son cubano. With its infectious beats and soaring melodies, son cubano quickly captured the hearts of music lovers across the island and soon became a sensation that swept through Cuba. Son is considered the father of the Cuban salsa.