🇨🇺 MiCUBA! Experience: Son Cubano Edition

Master Workshops • Seminars • Social Dancing • Live Music

Saturday 18 July 2026

🕒 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 MiCUBA! – 19-23 Ironmonger Row, London EC1V 3QW

What is Son Cubano?

Son Cubano is the heartbeat of Cuban music and dance, blending Spanish melodies with African rhythms. Known as the "Mother or foundation of Salsa," Son is one of Cuba's most elegant and sophisticated social dances.

What makes Son unique is its characteristic timing known as contratiempo, where dancers move with the off-beats of the music, creating a smooth, grounded and deeply musical connection between partners.

More than a dance, Son Cubano is a cultural expression that embodies the history, identity and spirit of Cuba.

MiCUBA! Experience — Son Cubano Edition

Join us for a special MiCUBA! Experience dedicated entirely to the beauty, history and elegance of Son Cubano.

Whether you are discovering Son for the first time or wishing to deepen your understanding, this immersive afternoon and evening will take you on a journey through the music, culture and social traditions that shaped Cuban dance.

Expect masterclasses, workshops, seminars, live music, social dancing, cultural insights and an authentic Cuban atmosphere.

Everyone is welcome.

No partner required.

Programme

🕒 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Son Cubano Master Workshops & Seminars

Explore:

• Foundations of Traditional Son Cubano

• Contratiempo timing and musicality

• Partner connection and communication

• Lead and follow techniques

• Elegant movement and styling

• Social dance etiquette

• History and evolution of Son Cubano

• Understanding Son music and instrumentation

• Signature Son figures and combinations

• Reversed travelling techniques to develop fluidity, movement and connection between partners

• The influence of Son Cubano on modern Salsa

Suitable for all levels.

🎶 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Son Cubano Matinée Social

Continue the experience with an authentic Son Cubano social featuring:

• Traditional Son Cubano, Son Montuno and Charanga music

• Social dancing

• Cultural demonstrations

• Live music performances

• Cuban food and refreshments available

• A welcoming community atmosphere

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

Featured Artists

Damarys Farres

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

Damarys is also the creator and organiser of the UK's first El Son Cubano Festival. Through her work, she is dedicated to preserving and sharing authentic Cuban culture and traditions internationally. She is a leading figure in the Cuban community.

Juan Carlos Pacheco

A specialist in Traditional Son Cubano, Juan Carlos is dedicated to preserving and teaching the authentic essence of this timeless dance. His clear and engaging teaching style helps students connect deeply with the roots, rhythm and elegance of Son Cubano.

They collaboration (Damarys and Juan Carlos) provides a fun and enriching experience, offering guidance on everything from technique to social dancing tips.

Randy Lester

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

Guest Musicians, Artists & DJs

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

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

Dress Code: 1950s Cuban Elegance

This event celebrates the golden era of Son Cubano.

The atmosphere is part of the experience. We invite everyone to embrace the 1950s Cuban Elegance theme and help recreate the charm, sophistication and social spirit of a traditional Cuban social club era.

Recommended:

✔ Vintage-inspired attire

✔ Smart casual elegance

✔ Cuban and tropical styles

✔ Dresses, skirts, linen shirts and tailored trousers

✔ Smart dance shoes

Please Avoid:

✘ Jeans

✘ Trainers/Sneakers or sports shoes

✘ Sportswear

✘ Clothing with large visible brand logos

✘ Baseball caps

✘ Casual streetwear

Together, we can create an atmosphere that reflects the elegance, style and cultural richness of Son Cubano.

Who Can Attend?

Everyone is welcome:

• Beginners

• Dancers of all levels

• Musicians

• Cultural enthusiasts

• Families and friends

• Dance teachers and students

No previous experience is required.

No partner is necessary.

Location

MiCUBA!

19-23 Ironmonger Row, London EC1V 3QW

• Venue details will be announced shortly.

• Excellent transport links

• Parking available nearby

Tickets

• Workshop Pass

• Social Dance Pass

• Full Experience Pass (Recommended)

Advance booking strongly recommended.

Limited capacity available.

Places are limited.

Special Offers

• Discount available for El Son Cubano Festival 2027 Full Pass holders

• NHS and NUS discounts available (please contact us for your discount code)

• Young people aged 12–16 may attend when accompanied by a paying adult (please contact us for details and discount code)

Celebrating Something Special?

Birthday, anniversary or group outing?

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

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

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 heart of Cuba with us.

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!

Monthly Experience where London transforms into Cuba.

MiCUBA! is an authentic Cuban cultural experience curated by Damarys Farres, bringing together dance, music, food, education, community and cultural exchange in one vibrant celebration.

Open to dancers and non-dancers alike, MiCUBA! is a welcoming space to connect, learn and experience the rhythms, stories and spirit of Cuba right here in London.

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.

🇨🇺 Experience the Heart of Cuba Through Son in this edition.

Get Inspired:

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