🇨🇺 MiCUBA! Experience: Afro-Cuban Edition

Master Workshops • Cultural Seminars • Live Percussion • Social Dancing • Live Music

Saturday 15th August 2026

🕒 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 MiCUBA! – Ironmonger Row, London EC1V 3QN, UK

What is Afro-Cuban?

Afro-Cuban culture is one of the richest and most influential foundations of Cuban identity, born from the meeting of African traditions and Cuban life over centuries.

Rooted in the spiritual, musical and dance traditions brought to Cuba by Yoruba, Bantu-Congo, Arará and other African peoples, Afro-Cuban culture continues to shape the rhythms, movements, ceremonies and artistic expressions found throughout the island today.

This special MiCUBA! edition offers a pathway into the diverse world of Afro-Cuban traditions, exploring the dances, rhythms, stories and cultural influences of Yoruba-Orisha traditions, Palo (Congo/Bantu heritage), Arará traditions and other Afro-Cuban expressions.

Each edition may focus on a particular tradition or explore connections between several traditions, offering participants a deeper understanding of Cuba's African roots.

More than dance, Afro-Cuban traditions are living cultural expressions that embody history, spirituality, identity, resilience and community.

Let's walk the Path to Your Afro-Cuban Culture- together

Join us and be surprised.

MiCUBA! Experience — Your Path to Afro-Cuban

Join us for a special MiCUBA! Experience dedicated to the rhythms, traditions and cultural heritage of Afro-Cuban culture.

Whether you are discovering Afro-Cuban traditions for the first time or deepening your existing knowledge, this immersive afternoon and evening will guide you through movement, music, percussion, history and cultural expression.

Through dance, live percussion, cultural seminars and authentic artistic experiences, participants will explore the traditions that continue to influence Cuban music, dance and identity today.

Each edition offers a unique focus and may explore Yoruba-Orisha traditions, Palo (Bantu-Congo influences), Arará heritage, Afro-Cuban folklore and other cultural expressions.

Expect master workshops, cultural seminars, live percussion, social dancing, guest artists and an authentic Cuban atmosphere.

Everyone is welcome.

No partner required.

Programme

🕒 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

AfroCuban Master Workshops & Cultural Seminars

Explore:

• Foundations of Afro-Cuban movement and expression

• Yoruba and Orisha traditions

• Palo and Bantu-Congo influences

• Arará traditions and cultural heritage

• Rhythm, musicality and interpretation

• Traditional Afro-Cuban body movement

• Understanding percussion and sacred rhythms

• Call-and-response traditions

• Dance, music and storytelling

• History and cultural significance of Afro-Cuban traditions

• The influence of African heritage on Cuban culture

• Connection between movement, rhythm and identity

Suitable for all levels.

No previous experience required.

🎶 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

AfroCuban Cultural Matinée Social

Continue the experience with an immersive Afro-Cuban cultural social inspired by the traditions explored throughout the day.

Featuring:

• Afro-Cuban music and rhythms

• Live percussion sessions

• Cultural demonstrations

• Social dancing

• Guest performances

• Traditional and contemporary Cuban sounds

• Community celebration and cultural exchange

• Food and refreshments available

A perfect opportunity to practise what you have learned while connecting with fellow lovers of Cuban culture, music and heritage.

Featured Artists

Damarys Farres

Cuban-born dancer, choreographer, cultural ambassador and founder of MiCUBA! and DCuban School of Arts.

Recognised internationally for her commitment to preserving and promoting authentic Cuban culture, Damarys has spent decades creating opportunities for cultural exchange through dance, music, education and community engagement.

Through MiCUBA!, she continues to connect people with the richness, diversity and heritage of Cuba.

Lazaro Lopez

Renowned Cuban dancer and teacher specialising in Afro-Cuban traditions.

With extensive knowledge of Yoruba-Orisha traditions, Afro-Cuban folklore and traditional Cuban dance forms, Lázaro is passionate about sharing the cultural heritage of Cuba through authentic teaching and performance.

Known for his dynamic teaching style, he helps students connect with the rhythm, meaning and spirit behind every movement.

Randy Lester

Master percussionist from Santiago de Cuba, bringing powerful Afro-Caribbean rhythms and deep musical heritage to the MiCUBA! Experience.

Through live percussion and musical demonstrations, Randy helps participants understand the unique relationship between rhythm, music and movement within Cuban culture.

Together, Damarys, Lázaro and Randy offer an engaging, educational and inspiring experience suitable for all levels.

Guest Musicians, Artists & DJs

Featuring special guest artists, musicians, DJs, dancers and cultural practitioners from Cuba and the UK.

Together, they bring the spirit, rhythm and soul of Cuba to life.

Dress Code: Colours of the Ancestors

The atmosphere is part of the experience.

For this Afro-Cuban Edition, we invite guests to embrace the vibrant colours and expressive spirit of traditional Cuban culture.

Suggested Colours:

🤍 White

💙 Blue

💛 Yellow/Gold

❤️ Red

💜 Purple

🟢 Green

🤎 Earth tones

Recommended:

✔ Comfortable dancewear

✔ Cuban-inspired attire

✔ Flowing skirts and dresses

✔ Linen shirts and lightweight clothing

✔ Dance shoes or comfortable footwear

✔ Traditional Afro-Cuban styling encouraged

Please Avoid:

✘ Sportswear

✘ Clothing with large visible brand logos

✘ Excessively restrictive clothing that limits movement

Together we can create an atmosphere that celebrates the energy, elegance and cultural richness of Rumba Cubana.

Who Can Attend?

Everyone is welcome:

• Complete Beginners

• Improvers and Advanced Dancers

• Musicians

• Cultural Enthusiasts

• Families and Friends

• Dance Teachers and Students

• Anyone curious about Cuban culture

No previous experience required.

No partner necessary.

Location

MiCUBA!

Ironmonger Row, London EC1V 3QN, UK

• Excellent transport links

• Parking available nearby

Tickets

• Workshop Pass

• Social Dance Pass

• Full Experience Pass (Recommended)

• Tickets from £10

• 3-Hour Master Workshop Experience from £40

Advance booking strongly recommended.

Capacity is limited.

Special Offers

• NHS and NUS discounts available

• Group booking discounts available

• Young people aged 12–15 may attend selected events when accompanied by a paying adult for only £5 (venue permitting)

Celebrating Something Special?

Birthday, anniversary or group outing?

MiCUBA! Matinées is the perfect place to celebrate in a vibrant and joyful Cuban atmosphere.

Please contact us for group bookings and special arrangements.

By purchasing a ticket and attending the event, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.

🌞 ONE DAY. ONE CELEBRATION. ONE CUBAN FAMILY.

Come dance, learn, connect and celebrate the spirit of Cuba with us.

Every Month, London Becomes Cuba.

🇨🇺 Let's Dance. Let's Celebrate.

Important Information

• Advance booking is recommended.

• Payments may be made by bank transfer in advance to avoid additional booking fees.

• On the day, cash, card and contactless payments will be accepted, subject to availability.

• Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable dance shoes to make the most of your workshops and social dancing experience.

• For outdoor activities (weather permitting), please refer to our Outdoor Summer Policy on our website for guidance on sun protection and what to bring.

About MiCUBA!

MiCUBA! Matinées is an authentic monthly Cuban cultural experience curated by Damarys Farres.

Each edition explores a different aspect of Cuban culture through dance, music, percussion, education, history and community.

Bringing together master artists from across Cuba and the UK, MiCUBA! creates welcoming spaces where everyone can learn, connect and celebrate authentic Cuban culture.

Our mission is to preserve and share the richness of Cuban traditions while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, learning and community and welcoming spaces where everyone can connect, learn and celebrate.

One rhythm. One culture. One Cuban family.

🇨🇺 Discover the African Soul of Cuba. Your Path to Afro-Cuban Culture Starts Here.

Get Inspired:

 🎥 Watch Damarys & Juan Carlos in action as they bring the elegance and charm of Son Cubano