Puro Sabor Cubano @ Tropics68 – Son, Rumba & Percussion Workshops + Matinee

Experience the true essence of Cuba with Puro Sabor Cubano — a day of rhythm, dance, and culture led by Damarys Farres, founder of DCubanSchool and UK Ambassador of Cuban & Afro-Cuban Culture. Learn Percussion, Son Cubano, and Rumba with live music, top Cuban artists, and tropical vibes at Tropics68! 🇨🇺✨

(Followed by optional Cuban Connection evening with live band & food)

About the event / Service Description:

Join Damarys Farres — founder of DCubanSchool of Arts, creator of authentic Cuban cultural experiences, and Ambassador of Cuban & Afro-Cuban Culture in the UK — for a day of Puro Sabor Cubano!

In collaboration with Tropics68, these vibrant workshops bring you the heart of Havana with live percussion, Son Cubano, and

Rumba, taught by top Cuban artists Randy Leaster and Lazaro Lopez, under Damarys’ direction.

Each session combines rhythm, technique, musicality, and authentic Cuban flavour — perfect for dancers, musicians, and lovers of Cuban culture.

💃 Workshops Line-up:🪘 1PM – Percussion with Randy Leaster – Only £10 advance special!💃 2PM – Son Cubano with Damarys Farres & Lazaro Lopez🥁 3PM – Rumba with Damarys Farres & Lazaro Lopez🎶 4–5PM – Practice & Jam Hour – apply what you’ve learned and connect with others

🌙 Top up your Saturday with the evening Cuban Connection Night – live band, Caribbean food & social dancing (DM for details).

What is Son Cubano & Rumba?

Son Cubano – The elegant, soulful foundation of salsa, blending Spanish melodies with African rhythms. It celebrates connection, joy, and the heartbeat of Cuban culture.

Rumba – The expressive, powerful rhythm of Afro-Cuban tradition. A conversation between dancer and drum, Rumba connects movement, storytelling, and spirit.

Discover more through our annual Rumba & Afro Training (ASEILE Festival) and Son Festival each October.

What You’ll Learn in These Workshops:

• Rhythmic coordination and musical awareness through Cuban percussion

• The elegance and flow of Son Cubano partner work

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

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

• Cultural insight into Cuba’s most authentic traditions

More about Damarys Farres:

Damarys Farres is a classically trained Cuban dancer, choreographer, and educator. Founder of DCubanSchool of Arts and organiser of Puro Sabor Cubano, she is internationally recognised as the Ambassador of Cuban & Afro-Cuban Culture in the UK.A former UK Salsa Champion and BBC cultural contributor, Damarys curates festivals, performances, and training that celebrate the richness of Cuban dance and identity. Her teaching is joyful, rooted, and empowering — a true journey into Cuba’s living culture.

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

Location:

📍 Tropics68 (Full venue address here)

What to Bring:

• Comfortable dancewear

• Dance shoes or trainers with smooth soles

• Long, wide skirt or scarf (for Rumba & Afro-Cuban sessions)

• Water bottle and good vibes!

Why Learn with Us?

Led by Damarys Farres, organiser of 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.

Booking & Payment Information:

Advance Booking:Payments can be made via direct transfer to avoid extra charges.

Name: Cuban School of Arts

Branch: HSBC

Sort Code: 40-02-17

Account: 21570412

IBAN: GB87HBUK40021721570412

BIC/SWIFT: HBUKGB4106A

Reference: Tropics + date + your name (e.g. Tropics18.10-Sam)

💸 Percussion Special £10 advance only

💸 Any 1-hour workshop £15

💸 All 4 hours £35 advance / £40 on door

Special Offer:

• Advanced Price: £25 (x 2 Dance workshops) / £35 including percussion workshop

• Standard Price: £45 x 4 hours (including 1hr social/practice/jam session)

On the Day: Cash, card, or phone payments accepted at the door.

📩 Please email or WhatsApp us after transfer to confirm your booking.

Dress Code:

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

More about - What is Son Cubano?

Son Cubano is the heartbeat of Cuban music and dance, blending Spanish melodies with African rhythms. Known as the "mother of salsa," Son is an elegant and sophisticated style that thrives on its unique timing—contratiempo—moving with the off-beats of the music. This timeless dance highlights grace, musicality, and the art of connection between partners.

What You’ll Learn in This 2-Hour Workshop:

• 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 Son 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 Figures: Learn iconic moves like “El Borracho” and “El Lisiado,” 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:

  • Comfortable shoes and clothing

Important Reminder:

Please wear comfortable and proper dance shoes to get the most out of your workshop.

Dress Code: Smart casual or comfortable attire.

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

Get Inspired:

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