Ase-ilé Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, Latin & Rumba Training Lab 2026

Rooted in Heritage. Raised in Rhythm. Powered by Community

A unique immersive training experience celebrating Afro-Cuban traditions through dance, music, percussion, history and cultural exchange. An Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, Latin & Rumba Training Lab — where dance, live percussion, culture and heritage meet.

Created and curated by Damarys Farres, founder of The Cuban School, Ase-ilé returns in October 2026 with its most ambitious edition yet.

This year, Ase-ilé expands its artistic team, bringing together internationally respected dancers, choreographers, musicians and cultural educators from the Afro-Cuban tradition.

Participants will have the opportunity to train with a collective of artists who bring different perspectives — from movement and choreography to percussion, rhythm, musicality and cultural understanding.

Across London studios, Ase-ilé invites dancers, musicians and culture lovers to experience the connection between body, rhythm and heritage.

What is Ase-ilé?

Ase-ilé means “House of Power” or “House of Life Force.”

More than a dance training, Ase-ilé is a living exploration of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean traditions through movement, music and storytelling.

The programme is designed to help participants understand not only how to dance, but also why these dances exist — their history, rhythms, cultural roots and connection to the African diaspora.

Each session combines technique, expression, musicality and cultural context, creating an environment where learning becomes an embodied experience.

2026 Artist Faculty

Dance, Choreography & Cultural Education

Damarys Farres

Founder & Artistic Director of Ase-ilé

Cuban-born dancer, choreographer and educator, Damarys is one of the UK's leading Afro-Cuban dance specialists.

Through The Cuban School and Ase-ilé, she has dedicated her work to sharing Afro-Cuban traditions through dance, live music, storytelling and cultural exchange.

Héctor Oviedo

Afro-Cuban Dance Artist & Teacher

Internationally recognised for his knowledge of Cuban folkloric traditions, Orisha dance and Afro-Cuban movement. Héctor brings extensive experience, authenticity and depth to his teaching.

Sergio Larringa

Dance Artist & Teacher

A respected Cuban artist known for his technical approach, expressive movement quality and understanding of Afro-Cuban dance traditions.

Kiki Maravilla

Dance Artist & Teacher

A vibrant performer and educator bringing creativity, energy and connection to Cuban movement traditions.

Lázaro López

Dance Teacher, Choreographer & Percussion Support

An experienced Afro-Cuban dance instructor and choreographer with deep knowledge of Cuban folkloric traditions.

Alongside teaching dance, Lázaro will support selected sessions through percussion accompaniment, strengthening the connection between rhythm and movement.

Music & Rhythm

Randy Lester

Percussionist & Musical Educator

Randy brings the heartbeat of Afro-Cuban traditions into the training space.

Through percussion workshops and live accompaniment during dance sessions, participants will develop a deeper understanding of rhythm, musicality and the relationship between drums and movement.

Training Programme Includes

Afro-Cuban Dance Traditions

Orisha

Explore dances connected to Yoruba-derived traditions in Cuba, learning movement, character, rhythm and storytelling.

Palo

Discover powerful movement traditions influenced by Central African heritage preserved in Cuba.

Arará

Explore rhythms and dances connected to the Ewe-Fon traditions of West Africa and their continuation in Cuba.

Rumba

Explore Cuba’s iconic social and cultural expression, including:

• Yambú

• Guaguancó

• Columbia

Working on rhythm, improvisation, interaction and expression.

Abakuá

A specialised Afro-Cuban tradition exploring unique rhythms and movement vocabulary.

(Subject to minimum participation requirements.)

Training Dates

📅 October 2026

Saturday 10 October

Sunday 11 October

Monday 12 October

Tuesday 13 October

Wednesday 14 October

Thursday 15 October

Saturday 17 October

Sunday 18 October

🎉 Friday Celebration / Party

A special gathering for participants, with possible additional training sessions depending on interest.

Training Venues

Sessions will take place across selected London dance studios:

📍 Flow Dance Studio – Oval (Sat 10th & Sun 11th )

📍 Happy Feet – Old Street

📍 TradeStar – Caledonian Road (Mon 12th / Tue 13th / Wed 14th )

Booking Options

Full Ase-ilé Intensive Pass

Early Bird: £169 until 21 July / £139 (NUS & NHS)

After this date, prices increase.

Includes access to the full programme across the training period.

Individual Sessions

For those unable to attend the full intensive:

Individual sessions available from £35 per session

• 2-hour weekday sessions

• Subject to availability

Who is Ase-ilé For?

Suitable for:

✔ Beginners wanting cultural understanding

✔ Experienced dancers developing technique

✔ Teachers and performers expanding knowledge

✔ Musicians interested in Afro-Cuban rhythm

✔ Anyone passionate about Afro-diasporic culture

No matter your level, come with curiosity, respect and an open heart.

Final Message

Ase-ilé is not only about learning steps.

It is about understanding rhythm, honouring heritage and connecting through movement.

October 2026 will be a special gathering of dance, music, culture and community.

Are you ready to enter the House of Life Force?

Why join?

• Maximise your progress in a short period. You'll gain a wealth of knowledge, techniques, and cultural insights in a condensed, high-impact format.

• Explore the deep spiritual and energetic roots of Afro-Cuban and Rumba dance heritage, blending technique, rhythm, and cultural storytelling.

• Train with two internationally acclaimed masters, Ivan Valdespino and Damarys Farres, who bring deep knowledge and passion for Afro-Cuban and Rumba dance.

🔥 Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to train with top Cuban dance experts and enrich your dance journey!

🔥 Limited spaces – Advance booking highly recommended!