MiCUBA! Matinées — A Journey Through the Heart of Cuba @Tropics68 • Curated by Damarys Farres

🇨🇺 MiCUBA! Matinées — A Journey Through the Heart of Cuba

February Edition

Afro-Cuban Dance, Music, Love, Culture & Heritage

@Tropics68 • Curated by Damarys Farres

Once a Month, South London Transforms into Cuba

MiCUBA! Matinées is a monthly Cuban cultural experience created for dancers and non-dancers who love — or are curious about — authentic Cuban dance, music and heritage.

Blending educational workshops, live music, percussion, social dancing and Caribbean flavours, MiCUBA! brings together artists from across the island — from Havana to Santiago — to share their rhythm, stories and spirit.

Whether you come to learn, to dance, to listen or simply to enjoy the atmosphere, MiCUBA! offers a welcoming Cuban home in London.

🌿 February Edition — Afro-Cuban Special

On Saturday 28th February, we celebrate the powerful Afro-Cuban roots that have shaped Cuba’s music, movement and identity.

This edition offers a rich and immersive journey into rhythm, tradition, spirituality and expression — honouring the deep cultural foundations of the island.

💃 The MiCUBA! Experience

Afternoon Workshops (3pm – 6pm)

• Themed Afro-Cuban dance workshops

• Live percussion class

• Cultural insight and demonstrations

• Open level and beginner-friendly

• Live drums integrated throughout

Evening Matinée (6pm – 11pm)

• Dance and cultural showcase

• Live Cuban music

• Social dancing

• Guest DJs

• Caribbean buffet available

• Happy Hour drinks

✨ Immersive, inspiring and 110% authentic — a full day to dance, eat and live Cuba.

After 11pm

The Tropics68 and Cuban Connection collaboration continues with music and dancing into the early hours.

🌺 February Workshops

“Your Journey into AfroCuban"

With Damarys Farres

A special two-part workshop honouring the Orishas of love and strength

Hour One — Afro-Cuban Foundations

• Body movement and alignment

• Rhythm and musicality

• Cultural context and meaning

• Connection with live percussion

• Suitable for all levels

Hour Two — Oshún & Ogún

In celebration of the month of love

• Oshún — sweetness, femininity and joy

• Ogún — strength, courage and protection

• Character study and expressive storytelling

• Movement guided by live drums

🪘 Percussion Workshop

With Randy Lester (Santiago de Cuba)

• Afro-Cuban rhythms and patterns

• Understanding the dialogue between drum and dance

• Practical, hands-on learning

• Open to all levels

🎶 Guest Artists

We are delighted to welcome:

Vicky Jassey & Dave Pattman Accompanying the dance class and bringing additional musical depth, energy and authenticity to the experience.

Each month we feature Cuban and Caribbean guest artists who enrich the cultural journey.

🎨 February Theme & Dress Code

To honour Oshún and St Valentine, the colours of this edition are:

Suggested colours:

Red • White • Yellow • Gold

Workshops

Comfortable clothing

Smooth-soled shoes recommended

Long, wide skirts recommended for Afro-Cuban movement

(Skirts available to purchase or hire if required)

Evening Matinée

Smart casual or elegant Cuban style.

Please avoid sportswear, hoodies or prominent brand logos.

We aim to create a stylish, immersive and culturally respectful atmosphere.

🌿 Who Can Attend?

Everyone is welcome.

✔ Complete beginners

✔ Improvers and advanced dancers

✔ Non-dancers

✔ Music lovers

✔ Cultural explorers

✔ Dance teachers and promoters

No partner required.

No previous experience necessary.

MiCUBA! is about connection — not levels.

🎉 Celebrating Something Special?

Birthday? Anniversary? Group outing?

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

For group bookings, birthday packages, NHS or NUS discounts, please contact us directly for availability and details.

🎟 Tickets

Flexible options available:

• Single workshop

• Full workshop pass

• Percussion only

• Afternoon Matinée only

• Evening Matinée only

• Full-day experience

• Food-only experience

⚠️ Please read each ticket description carefully before booking to ensure you select the correct session.

Advance booking is strongly recommended, as workshops have limited capacity and editions often sell out.

👉 Book now:

[www.cubanschool.co.uk]

On the door: card, phone or cash (slightly higher price, subject to availability).

By booking, you agree to our terms and conditions.

---

📍 Location

Tropics68

68 Brigstock Road

Thornton Heath

CR7 7JA

Free parking nearby

Metered parking approximately £1 per hour

Good public transport links

Meet the Artists

Damarys Farres

Cuban-born dancer, choreographer and founder of DCubanSchool of Arts. A respected international promoter of authentic Cuban and Afro-Cuban culture, known for delivering culturally grounded and high-quality training experiences.

Randy Lester

Percussionist from Santiago de Cuba, bringing powerful Afro-Caribbean rhythms and deep musical heritage to MiCUBA! Matinées.

🌞 Experience Cuba — Your Way

Whether you are a dancer, non-dancer, musician or cultural enthusiast, MiCUBA! Matinées invites you to feel, move and celebrate the real Cuba — right here in South London.

One Saturday. One Theme. One Authentic Experience.

🎟️ Book Now — Join the Movement!

Follow the theme.

Let’s dance. 🇨🇺

Important Reminder:

Let's DANCE!

Get Inspired:

 🎥 Watch: Damarys & Juan Carlos in their Son action