House of Life Force
Ase-ilé is more than a dance training—it's a living tribute to the spiritual, musical, and cultural legacies of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean traditions. Ase-ilé offers a unique and deeply immersive experience that bridges movement, history, and identity.
At its heart, Ase-ilé means “House of Power” or “House of Life Force,” and that’s exactly what you step into: a vibrant, welcoming space where culture breathes, dances speak, and ancestral energy moves through the body.
What Is Ase-Ilé?
Ase-ilé is an immersive training experience created to honour the roots of Afro-Cuban-Caribbean-Latin culture—through dance, music, storytelling, and lived experience. It is a curated journey designed by Damarys Farres, one of the UK’s leading Afro-Cuban artists, who has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing these traditions in an authentic and accessible way.
Whether you're a dancer, musician, or simply passionate about cultural exploration, Ase-ilé opens the door to a rich world where movement becomes memory, and rhythm becomes ritual.
Why You Shouldn't Miss It
What sets Ase-ilé apart is its depth, community spirit, and cultural integrity. Unlike other Afro-Cuban dance experiences, Ase-ilé is not just about steps—it's about understanding the context, music, history, and spirituality behind them. Each session is infused with storytelling, ancestral homage, and guided reflection, creating an environment that nurtures growth, respect, and joy.
Ase-ilé is about more than dancing—it’s about reconnecting with African heritage, understanding the resilience and beauty born from the transatlantic slave trade, and learning how diverse African ethnic groups shaped the cultural mosaic of Cuba, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
We honour the ancestral voices and the power of resistance, spirituality, and celebration in every session. Our training goes beyond choreography—it invites you to move with purpose, to dance with understanding, and to connect with a global Afro-diasporic community.
What You'll Gain
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Deeper understanding of Afro-Cuban and African diasporic cultures
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Sharper technique, musicality, and stage presence
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Confidence in social dancing and improvisation
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Cultural pride, community connection, and personal growth
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Respect for the resilience, spirit, and creativity born from African heritage—especially in Cuba and throughout the Americas.
Pathways to Experience Ase-ilé
Ashe-Espresso (2 Days to Full Weekend)
As the name suggests, Ashe-Espresso is a shorter, high-energy version of the Ase-ilé Lab. It's an Afro-Cuban cultural "shot"—intense, invigorating, and perfect for those wanting a taste of the experience.
Over a weekend or 1–2 day intensive, you'll explore:
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Foundation & technique
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Expression & application
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Social dance, expression, and rhythm fusion
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Afro-Cuban styles rooted in tradition
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Contemporary influences
Expect a lively, soulful atmosphere filled with music, movement, and cultural pride.
Classes are tailored to support all levels, from beginners to advanced dancers. All we ask is openness, curiosity, and respect.
Ase-ilé Lab (1–2 Weeks)
Our flagship training programme held annually in October is designed for those who want to dive deeply into the world of Afro-Cuban dance, music, and culture.
Over one or two weeks, you’ll explore:
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Foundation & technique
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Expression & application
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Afro-Cuban dance traditions (Orisha, Palo, Arará and Rumba Cicle)
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Franco-Haitian styles
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Musicality and percussion
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Afro-Cuban history and diaspora
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Cultural storytelling and ancestral practices
You’ll train with master instructors from Cuba and abroad, including internationally renowned artists like Ivan Valdespino, Héctor Oviedo, and our very own Damarys Farres.
Sessions range from 2-hour evening intensives to 6-hour weekend immersions and the programme changes yearly to reflect evolving themes and guest artists.
Why wait? Book your place today!
Our spaces are intentionally limited to maintain an intimate and high-quality learning environment. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
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With Thanks to our Collaborators
See Ase-ilé artists in action!
Participation in Ase-ilé is subject to terms and conditions. Please review them for full details.