Cuban Dance Bootcamp with Damaris Hechavarria

Join us for an exciting weekend of Cuban rhythms, from Afro-Cuban folklore to salsa and vibrant urban style like the explosive Reparto. CUBAN DANCE BOOTCAMP WITH DAMARIS HECHAVARRIA Take your Salsa dancing to the next level! Join us for an exciting weekend of Cuban dance with internationally experienced dancer, teacher and choreographer Damaris Hechavarria. This Cuban Dance Bootcamp is designed for dancers who want to deepen their connection with Cuban music, rhythm, movement and culture. Across six dynamic workshops, you will explore Afro-Cuban technique and expression, Salsa Fusion and Cuban urban dance. All workshops are solo-based, so no partner is required. Get ready for a weekend full of movement, culture, energy and Cuban flavour! PROGRAMME SATURDAY 6 February 2027 – Afro Roots Explore dances connected to Yoruba-derived traditions in Cuba, learning movement, character, rhythm and storytelling. 14:15–15:15 | Workshop 1 Afro-Cuban | Bases & Technique Level: Open Level Explore the foundations of Afro-Cuban dance through grounding, body coordination, rhythmic footwork and expressive movement. This workshop offers a practical introduction to the essential techniques and body awareness that form the foundation of Afro-Cuban dance. 15:15–16:15 | Workshop 2 Yemayá Level: Open Level Dress theme: Wear something blue Discover the flowing yet powerful movements inspired by Yemayá, Orisha associated with the sea and motherhood. Explore wave-like motions, strength, fluidity and the expressive energy of the ocean. >>16:15–16:45 | Break –30minutes<<< 16:45–17:45 | Workshop 3 Oshún Level: Open Level Dress theme: Wear something yellow Explore the elegant and expressive movements associated with Oshún, Orisha of rivers, beauty and love. This workshop combines fluidity, grace, femininity and playful expression while exploring her distinctive character and movement. 17:45–18:45 | Workshop 4 Oyá Level: Intermediate Dress theme: Wear something red or burgundy Experience the dynamic and powerful energy of Oyá, Orisha associated with winds, storms and transformation. Explore strong, fast and expressive movements that bring intensity, character and dramatic energy to your dancing. What to bring for Saturday Wear comfortable clothing and suitable dance shoes. Please also bring a full skirt or large scarf for the Afro-Cuban workshops. SUNDAY 7 February 2027 – Salsa Fusion & Reparto 13:30–14:30 | Workshop 5 Salsa Fusion – Integrating Afro-Cuban Orishas: Oshún, Yemayá & Oyá Level: Intermediate | Choreography-Based Bring Afro-Cuban expression into your Cuban Salsa by integrating movements and characters inspired by Oshún, Yemayá and Oyá. This choreography-based workshop focuses on musicality, body movement, expression, character and styling, giving you practical ideas to enrich your Salsa dancing with Afro-Cuban influences. 14:30–15:30 | Workshop 6 Reparto Level: Open Level | Choreography-Based Discover the energy, attitude and urban flavour of Reparto. Explore rhythmic body movement, isolations, dynamic footwork and contemporary Cuban urban dance influences through a fun and energetic choreography. Expect plenty of energy, personality and Cuban flavour! What to bring Please bring: Comfortable clothes Comfortable shoes or dance trainers Water Good energy and willingness to learn TICKET PRICE Single Workshop Standard Online – £10 + booking fee On the Door – £12 Full Weekend Pass – Saturday & Sunday 6 hours | 6 workshops Early Bird – £45 + booking fee Available online until 15 November 2026. Best value – limited to the first 10 places. Standard Online – £48 + booking fee On the Door – £55 Saturday Pass 4 hours | 4 workshops Standard Online – £36 + booking fee Includes access to all 4 Saturday workshops. On the Door – £42 Sunday Pass 2 hours | 2 workshops Standard Online – £16 + booking fee On the Door – £20 Advance booking is strongly recommended, as places are limited. Online ticket prices do not include booking fees. ABOUT THE ARTIST - DAMARIS HECHAVARRIA Damaris Hechavarria, was born in Santiago de Cuba, south part of the most beautiful “isla del sabor” Cuba. She started attending night school of dance with the Conjunto Folklòrico de Oriente at the age of 13, making there her first dance steps followed by the prima ballerina & choreographer Milagros Ramirez. With 17 years old she relocates to Havana and begin the career of Folkloric Dances and Anthropology at the High Institute of Arts (1999/2003). Thanks to the master Barbara Balbuena during and towards the end of her studies and by the hand of the master & choreographer Isaias Rojas she was former dancer of the well-known company of Franco-Haitian Folklore Ban Rarrà getting to know all about this important root of the Cuban culture (2001/2003). At the same time, she starts teaching at CENSEA (Academy of Music and Dance for foreign students) improving her idioms and teaching skills for the future. Following the graduation, she gets to be part of the team of specialists of the Center for Theatre and Dance in Havana (organization that brings together professional dance companies who belong to the catalog of the Ministry of Culture in Cuba) traveling all over the country scouting and bringing talents to the ligth. Since 2004, she was former dancer & model in the famous "Cabaret Parisien" at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba giving proof of her talent in the multiple disciplines that the cabaret style shows, such as contemporary dance, ballet, tropicana lady style. On December of 2006 she moved permanently to Italy but continue her career commitments around the world bringing her talent and wisdom to the community giving bootcamps and private clasess mostly in Europe and forming part of the biggest dance festivals around the world such as El Sol Salsa Festival Poland / Salsitaly Festival Italy /Alafia Festival UK /CUBA in Tunisia Festival participating as dance teacher, percussionist and performer of Cuban Popular music and dances, folkloric music and dances and giving conferences about Cuban traditions . Damaris' commitment to show the richness and breadth of Cuban traditions, arts and culture has always been her driving force and her mission. As an educator led her to form her own dance company Alafia Dance in 2024 that promotes traditional Cuban dances from a modern interpretive key and Cabaret Intensive Training Program that allows new performers to grow with adequate and complete training for the show business world.