Special Afro-Cuban & Rumba Workshops with Damarys Farrés & Kiki Maravilla

Service Description

Join renowned Cuban dancer Damarys Farrés and special guest Kiki Maravilla for an exciting evening of authentic Afro-Cuban and Rumba dance in London.

This special session brings together Los Hermanos Farrés for a rare opportunity to train with two authentic Cuban artists in one evening.

The workshop is open to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced dancers who wish to refine their technique, musicality, and cultural understanding.

You’ll develop your male and female AfroCuban and Rumba technique, musicality, footwork, and partner interaction, all taught with 110% PURE CUBAN FLAVOUR (Puro Sabor Cubano).

What is Afro-Cuban Dance?

Afro-Cuban dance is rooted in the African traditions that form the foundation of Cuban culture. These dances developed through the fusion of African spiritual practices, rhythm, and movement with Cuban cultural expression.

Afro-Cuban technique focuses on grounded movement, body isolation, rhythm awareness, and connection to percussion and traditional music. It develops strength, coordination, and musicality while connecting dancers with the cultural roots of Cuban movement.

What is Rumba Cubana?

Rumba Cubana is one of the most important cultural expressions of Cuba — a vibrant fusion of African rhythm, Spanish influences, song, and storytelling.

It is a dance of communication and emotion, deeply rooted in Cuban communities. Rumba combines rhythm (clave), movement, and playful interaction between dancers and musicians.

Learning Rumba helps dancers develop musicality, expression, and connection with the rhythm — it is not just a dance, but a celebration of Cuban culture and identity.

Styles of Rumba

In this workshop, you’ll explore the three main Rumba styles:

• Yambú: the most graceful and elegant form, danced slowly and smoothly.

• Guaguancó: lively and flirtatious, capturing the playful energy between man and woman.

• Columbia: fast, powerful, and full of improvisation — traditionally a men’s style, now open to all.

Each style reflects different emotions, energies, and stories within Cuban culture.

NOTE

During the workshop you will explore elements of Guaguancó, the most popular style of Rumba.

Guaguancó is lively, playful, and full of character, expressing the dynamic interaction between male and female energy through rhythm, movement, and improvisation.

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

Hour 1 – Afro-Cuban Technique

7:30PM

Discover the powerful roots of Afro-Cuban movement inspired by the rhythms and traditions of the African diaspora in Cuba.

You will explore:

• Body isolation and grounded movement

• Traditional Afro-Cuban posture and technique

• Rhythm awareness and musicality

• Cultural context and movement vocabulary

Hour 2 – Rumba Cubana

8:30PM

Develop your expression and connection to rhythm through the vibrant language of Rumba.

You will learn:

• Authentic Rumba body movement

• Male and female styling

• Musical interpretation and rhythm

• Playful interaction and Cuban flavour

More about Damarys Farrés

Damarys Farrés is a classically trained Cuban dancer, choreographer, and educator based in London. She is the founder of DCubanSchool – Cuban School of Arts, a former UK Salsa Champion, and one of the most respected ambassadors of Cuban culture in the UK.

Affectionately known as the Queen of Rumba in the UK, Damarys is deeply passionate about preserving and sharing authentic Cuban traditions. Her classes combine technique, cultural knowledge, and expressive movement, creating a welcoming space for dancers of all levels.

Together, Damarys and Kiki bring authentic Cuban energy, knowledge, and musicality to this special workshop.

More about Kiki Maravilla

Kiki Maravilla is a respected Cuban dancer, performer, and teacher known for his powerful stage presence and deep knowledge of Afro-Cuban folklore.

Originally from Cuba, he has performed and taught internationally, sharing authentic Cuban culture through dynamic workshops that combine technique, rhythm, and charisma.

Why Join?

• Explore rhythm and body language through an authentic Afro-Cuban lens

• Develop confidence, rhythm, and authentic sabor.

• Connect with a friendly, inclusive community of dance lovers

• Learn authentic Afro-Cuban and Rumba technique

• Deepen your understanding of rhythm and clave

• Develop male and female styling

• Improve body movement, musicality, and expression

• Add authentic Cuban flavour to your Salsa or social dancing

• Connect with a welcoming community of dance lovers

Location

Dance studio with mirrors

London – TradeStars Studios

A spacious mirrored dance studio ideal for Cuban and Afro-Cuban movement.

Dates

Thursday 12 March 2026

7:30PM – Afro-Cuban Technique

8:30PM – Rumba Technique

Check our calendar for more Cuban dance workshops across London and Brighton.

Prices

Standard price: £35

🔥 Special advance price: £30

(Book before 11:55PM)

Single workshop option available.

🎓 NUS & NHS receive 10% discount

Use code: NHSNUS10

Tickets may also be available at the door if space allows.

Important

Spaces are limited and a minimum number of bookings is required to run this special session with both teachers.

Advance booking is highly recommended.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable dancewear

• Long, wide skirt (for Rumba styling)

  • You can rent or purchase skirts directly from us — please contact us in advance.

• Dance shoes (no strong grip)

• Water and light refreshments

• Positive energy and openness to explore!

  
  

Bonus

After the workshop you are welcome to stay for informal social time, connecting with other dancers and sharing the spirit of Cuban music and culture.

Special Offer:

• Standard Price: £35

• NUS / NHS & Single mums on Benefits : Only £30 (adv payment only, limited spaces)

  
  

Booking & Payment Information:

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

• Name: Cuban School of Arts

• Branch: HSBC

• Sort code: 40-02-17

• Account: #21570412

• IBAN: GB87HBUK40021721570412

• BIC/SWIFT: HBUKGB4106A

• Reference: GitR + date + your name

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

Important Reminder:

Please wear comfortable and suitable dance shoes for Rumba movement.

Dress Code: Comfortable or smart-casual attire.

Get Inspired:

Feel the heartbeat of Cuba through Rumba Cubana —a celebration of rhythm, culture, and connection, danced with 110% PURO SABOR CUBANO! 🇨🇺🔥

 🎥