Afro-cuban Dance Workshop

The Afro-Cuban Dance Workshop will take place from July 10 to 12 in Puerto Vallarta. The workshop will be enthusiastically led by Yaselis Sanchez, born in the province of Santiago de Cuba. She holds a degree in Modern and Folkloric Dance from the University of the Arts of Havana, Cuba. In her professional career, she has served as a teacher in prestigious companies in Cuba, such as the Narciso Medina Company, Yor-Dance Company, Rakatan Company, Tony Menéndez Company, Alejo Carpentier Vocational Art School, National School of Dance, Fernando Alonso National Ballet School, among others, where all her experiences as a teacher have been dedicated to serving the young talents of our country.

Since 1995, she has participated as a teacher in various international courses such as Plaza-Cuba, Baila en Cuba, Habana Dance, Caribbean Dance, Latin Dance Academy, La Bomba, Cuba Caribe, etc., teaching workshops on popular dances, Son, Changüí, Chachachá, Mambo, Yoruba, Franco-Haitian folklore, Yoruba folklore, Bantú, Salsa, and Rumba. She has participated with the folkloric company Ban Rarra in different festivals, contests, and events held throughout the country, such as the Wemilere Festival in Guanabacoa, Cuba-Disco, City in Motion, Caribbean Festival in Santiago de Cuba, La Guantanamera, Changüí Festival in Guantanamo, Dance Days, Drum Festival, among others.

Afro-Cuban Dance is a form of artistic expression that fuses elements of Afro-Cuban dance with modern influences, creating a unique and vibrant style. This dance is characterized by its rhythmic, energetic, and often improvised movements, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Africa and its diaspora in Cuba. Afro-Cuban dancers use their entire bodies to express emotions and tell stories, using complex steps, fast foot and hand movements, as well as spins and jumps that capture the audience's attention. In Puerto Vallarta, Afro-Cuban Dance has found fertile ground to grow and evolve, deeply influencing the local dance art. This city, known for its cultural and artistic diversity, has embraced Afro-Cuban Dance as a way to enrich its own dance tradition. Dance groups in Puerto Vallarta have incorporated elements of this dance into their choreographies, creating shows that combine the traditional with the contemporary, the local with the international.

The influence of Afro-Cuban Dance in Puerto Vallarta can be seen in the proliferation of dance academies and workshops teaching this style. These spaces not only serve as learning centers but also as cultural meeting points where diversity is celebrated, and creativity is fostered. Students and professional dancers have the opportunity to explore new techniques and styles, enriching each other and elevating the artistic level of the community. Moreover, Afro-Cuban Dance has played a crucial role in the cultural festivals and events of Puerto Vallarta. It is common to see performances of this style at dance festivals, community events, and local celebrations. These performances not only entertain but also educate the public about the cultural richness of the African diaspora and its impact on the Caribbean. Thus, dance becomes a bridge that connects different cultures and generations.

The integration of Afro-Cuban Dance into the dance art of Puerto Vallarta has also influenced other aspects of the city's cultural life. Music, fashion, and even visual arts have been impacted by the rhythms and movements of this dance. Local musicians have incorporated Afro-Cuban rhythms into their compositions, fashion designers have been inspired by the colorful costumes of the dancers, and visual artists have captured the energy and passion of Afro-Cuban Dance in their works. Afro-Cuban Dance has left an indelible mark on the dance art of Puerto Vallarta. Its influence extends beyond dance, permeating various facets of local culture. This cultural exchange has enriched Puerto Vallarta, making the city an even more vibrant and diverse place where traditions meet and evolve in harmony.

WORKSHOP DURATION: 4 hours, divided into 2 days.

DAY 1: Wednesday, July 10 from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Orisha Man) Santo Man, mixed class.

DAY 2: Friday, July 12 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Orisha Woman) Santo Woman, mixed class.

LOCATION: "Sol Candela - Dance School"

C. Jilguero 163, Aralias II, Fovissste 96, 48328 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

COST:

$500 pesos per person, general public.

Limited capacity!

$300 pesos for one day only.

$350 pesos for students with paid monthly tuition.