🇨🇺 MiCUBA! Experience: Rumba Edition

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

Saturday 8th August 2026

🕒 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 MiCUBA! – Finbury Park, London

What is Rumba Cubana?

Rumba Cubana is one of Cuba's most important cultural treasures and a UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Born in the solar courtyards, docks and working-class communities of Havana and Matanzas, Rumba is a vibrant fusion of African heritage, percussion, dance, song and social interaction. It is a living tradition that celebrates community, resilience, creativity and cultural identity.

This special MiCUBA! edition explores the three principal styles of Rumba — Yambú, Guaguancó and Columbia — while uncovering the rhythms, movements, traditions and cultural stories that continue to shape Cuban music and dance today.

More than a dance, Rumba is the heartbeat of Cuban culture. Rumba is a cultural expression that embodies the history, identity and spirit of Cuba.

MiCUBA! Experience — Rumba Cubana Edition

Join us for a special MiCUBA! Experience dedicated entirely to the power, rhythm and heritage of Rumba Cubana.

Whether you are discovering Rumba for the first time or deepening your understanding of Afro-Cuban traditions, this immersive afternoon and evening will take you on a journey through music, movement, history and cultural expression.

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

Rumba Cubana Master Workshops & Cultural Seminars

Explore:

• Foundations of Rumba Cubana

• Introduction to Yambú, Guaguancó and Columbia

• Afro-Cuban body movement and expression

• Rhythm, musicality and interpretation

• Understanding clave and traditional percussion

• Call-and-response traditions

• Improvisation and communication through movement

• Partner and solo Rumba traditions

• History and cultural significance of Rumba

• The influence of Rumba on Cuban music and dance

• Connection between dance, percussion and song

• Traditional etiquette and social practices within Rumba culture

Suitable for all levels.

No previous experience required.

🎶 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Rumba Cubana Matinée Social

Continue the experience with a Cuban cultural social inspired by the traditions of Rumba.

Featuring:

• Traditional Rumba rhythms

• Guaguancó, Yambú and Columbia music

• Live percussion sessions

• Social dancing

• Cultural demonstrations

• Guest performances

• Cuban music and community atmosphere

• Food and refreshments available

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

Known for his dynamic teaching style, deep cultural knowledge and authentic approach, Lázaro helps students connect with the essence of Cuban movement, rhythm and expression while understanding the cultural roots behind every step.

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

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.

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 Rumba

The atmosphere is part of the experience.

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

Suggested Colours:

❤️ Red

🤍 White

💙 Blue

💛 Earth and natural 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!

Finsbury Park (the exact location will be shared on the day of the event with those who book in advance).

• 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.

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

Get Inspired:

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