MiCUBA Matinées — A Journey Through the Heart of Cuba @Tropics68 • Curated by Damarys Farres (1)

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

Powered by Tropics68 • Curated by Damarys Farres

Once a month, South London transforms into Cuba. Join us at Tropics68 for MiCUBA! Matinées — a one-of-a-kind authentic Cuban cultural experience that blends dance, live music, percussion, food, and community vibes.

Created by Damarys Farres (founder of DCubanSchool of Arts and UK Ambassador of Cuban & Afro-Cuban Culture), MiCUBA! brings together artists from across the island — from Havana to Santiago — to share their rhythm, stories, and spirit.

Each edition is unique and themed, offering a deep dive into Cuba’s vibrant traditions — from Rumba and Son to Afro-Cuban and Carnival expressions.

💃 The MiCUBA! Experience

Afternoon:

• Themed Cuban dance & percussion workshops (all levels welcome)

• Live demonstrations and artist animations

• Space to practice, jam, and connect

• Optional Caribbean food available on site

Evening:

• Dance class & cultural showcase

• Live music, guest performances, and social dancing

• Authentic Cuban food, drink, and tropical atmosphere

  ✨ It’s immersive, inspiring, and 100% real — a full day to dance, eat, and live Cuba.

  
  

🗓️ Upcoming Dates & Themes

• Sat 29 Nov – Rumba Matinée

• 27/28 Dec – TBC (Festive Edition)

• 24 Jan – MiCUBA! Special

• 14 Feb - Son Cubano Matinée

• 28 Feb – Afro-Cuban Love & Heritage

• 28 Mar – Spring Fiesta Cubana

🪘 Meet the Artists

Led by: Damarys Farres – Cuban-born dancer, choreographer, educator, and cultural ambassador. Founder of DCubanSchool of Arts and passionate promoter of authentic Cuban and Afro-Cuban culture in the UK, with a joyful, rooted, and empowering teaching method — a true journey into Cuba’s living culture. A former UK Salsa Champion and BBC cultural contributor. (Learn more)

Featuring:

• Lázaro López – One of the world’s most brilliant Afro-Cuban dancers and percussionists. A graduate of Havana’s ENA and former principal dancer with Raíces Profundas and Compañía Folklórica JJ, he’s toured internationally and starred in the West End’s Lady Salsa.

• Randy Leaster – Born in Santiago de Cuba, Randy’s percussion style fuses Haitian, West African, and Spanish influences. His dynamic performances have lit up festivals like Glastonbury and WOMAD, bringing Cuban rhythm to the world.

• Guest Artists – Cuban and Caribbean performers bringing new energy, movement, and music each month!

🌺 Why Come?

✅ Authentic Cuban experience — by Cuban artists, for everyone

✅ Learn, dance, and connect in a warm, inclusive space

✅ Feel the energy of live drums, real movement, and cultural storytelling

✅ Delicious Caribbean food & drink available

✅ One Saturday a month only — each time unique

💸 Packages & Booking

🎟️ Workshop Options

• Dance Workshops (2 hrs) – £35

• Percussion Workshop (1 hr) – £15

• All 3 Workshops (Dance + Percussion + Jam) – £40 advance / £45 on the door

💡 Workshops are designed to complement each other — take the full experience for best results!

🍹 Full Matinée Experience

Includes workshops + food + drink + live music & evening social.

Advance: £55 / Door: £65

Food & Drink (alone): £25 advance

💥 Special Offers

• Early Bird – £40 (Full Workshop Experience, book 10+ days early)

• NUS Discount – Available with valid ID

• Group Offer – 5 people booking together = discounted group rate

• Bring-a-Friend Deal – 2 Full Workshop Passes for £75

💳 Payment Options

1. Direct Transfer (best rate)

   • Cuban School of Arts (HSBC)

   • Sort Code: 40-02-17

   • Account: 21570412

   • Ref: Tropics + Date + Name (e.g. Tropics29.11-Sam)→ Then email or WhatsApp us to confirm your booking.

2. Online Booking (Event link on site)

3. On the Door – Cash, card, or phone (slightly higher price)

Spaces are limited. Each edition sells out — don’t miss your trip to Cuba in South London!

📍 Location

Tropics68, (68 Brigstock Rd, Thornton Heath CR7 7JA). Safe indoor venue with true Caribbean feel, great sound, and friendly community vibes.

💃 What to Bring

• Comfortable clothes & shoes (smooth soles recommended)

• Skirt or scarf for Rumba & Afro-Cuban workshops

• Good vibes, open heart, and your Cuban smile 😄

🌞 Experience Cuba — Your Way

Whether you’re a dancer or non-dancer, a musician or culture lover, MiCUBA! Matinées invite 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!

✅ Key Highlights

• Authentic Cuban dance, percussion & culture

• Live music + guest artists each edition

• Caribbean food & drinks available

• Early Bird & Group Discounts

• All levels welcome — come to dance or simply enjoy the vibe!

  
  

Why Learn with Us?

Led by Damarys Farres, organiser of Ase-ile AfroCuban Caribbean Latin Lab (Intense training) and El Son Cubano Festival in the UK and a passionate promoter of Cuban culture worldwide, DCubanSchool offers high-quality, culturally rich training in an inclusive, fun environment. Learn authentic technique, gain cultural insight, and dance with sabor!

Together, they provide a fun and enriching experience, offering guidance on everything from technique to social dancing tips.

What You’ll Learn in These Workshops:

• Rhythmic coordination and musical awareness through Cuban percussion

• Cuban and Afro-Cuban body movement, rhythm, and expressive storytelling

• How to connect rhythm and movement in real-time with live musicians

• Cultural insight into Cuba’s most authentic traditions

• Foundations of Traditional Son Cubano: Immerse yourself in the core elements of Son, mastering the essential steps, posture, and rhythm.

• Partner Work: Enhance your lead-and-follow dynamics, focusing on smooth transitions and traditional Rumba techniques.

• Styling & Technique: Add flair to your dancing with refined body movements, elegant arm styling, and precise footwork.

• Reversed Travelling: Take your dancing to the next level with advanced travelling techniques that introduce fluidity and a dynamic connection between partners.

• Signature Vacunas: Learn iconic moves, perfect for adding playful and characterful sequences to your repertoire.

  
  

New !!!

• One hour Social dancing: After the workshops, enjoy one hour of social dancing — at Tropics68.

  What to Bring:

Why Join?

🌺 Learn from top Cuban artists in London

🎵 Experience authentic rhythm and cultural immersion

💃 Improve your dance, timing, and connection

🪘 Train with live percussion and professional guidance

💫 Join a welcoming, fun, multicultural community

💃 Dress Code:

Casual Latin/Cuban style — comfortable clothing, skirts for Rumba, and shoes suitable for dancing. Bring your Cuban energy and smile! 😄💃

Important Reminder:

If you would like to attend the evening social dancing session, please contact us directly for availability and pricing.

Get Inspired:

 🎥 Watch: Damarys & Lazaro in their Rumba action