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

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

March Edition

Son Cubano Dance, Music, Love, Culture & Heritage

@Tropics68 • Curated by Damarys Farres and guest Juan Carlos Pacheco

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.

🌿 March Edition — Son Cubano Special

On Saturday 28th March, we celebrate Son Cubano, the musical and dance tradition that lies at the very heart of Cuban culture.

Born in the eastern region of Cuba and later flourishing in Havana, Son Cubano is the foundation of many Cuban and Latin dance styles, including salsa.

This edition invites you to experience the elegance, rhythm and connection of this iconic Cuban partner dance, guided by authentic music and cultural insight.

💃 The MiCUBA! Experience

Afternoon Workshops (3pm – 6pm)

• Themed Son Cubano dance workshops

• Live percussion class

• Cultural insight and demonstrations

• Open level and beginner-friendly

• Live drums integrated throughout

Evening Matinée (6.30pm – 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.

🌺 March Workshops

“Your Journey into Son Cubano"

With Guest Teacher Juan Carlos Pacheco

A special two-part workshop  exploring the elegance, rhythm and cultural roots of Son Cubano.

Hour One — Son Foundations

• Partner connection and posture

• Basic steps and rhythm

• Musicality and timing

• Cultural context and history

• Suitable for all levels

Hour Two — Son Style & Expression

• Elegant movement and body styling

• Lead and follow dynamics

• Traditional Son figures and flow

• Interpretation of live Cuban rhythms

• Social dance application

🪘 Percussion Workshop

With Randy Lester (Santiago de Cuba)

• Traditional Cuban rhythms

• Understanding the dialogue between drum, clave and dance

• Practical, hands-on learning

• Open to all levels

🎶 Guest Artists

We are delighted to welcome:

Juan Carlos Pacheco

A respected Cuban dancer and teacher bringing authentic Son Cubano style and cultural depth to this special edition.

Accompanying the workshops and helping bring the spirit and elegance of traditional Cuban partner dance to the MiCUBA! experience.

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

🎨 March Theme & Dress Code

To honour the elegance and tradition of Son Cubano, the inspiration for this edition is classic Cuban style.

Suggested colours:

White • Cream • Black  • Earth tones • Tropical accents

Workshops

Comfortable clothing

Smooth-soled shoes recommended

Lightweight skirts or dresses are welcome for dancers who enjoy flowing movement.

Evening Matinée

Smart casual or elegant Cuban style.

Think classic Havana elegance — linen shirts, dresses, vintage Caribbean flair.

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.

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📍 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.

Juan Carlos Pachecho

Cuban dancer and teacher specialising in traditional Cuban partner dances including Son Cubano. Known for his elegance, musicality and deep respect for Cuban dance heritage.

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