Cuban folk and traditional dance workshop with Gissel Ortiz

Cuban dance workshop with Gissel Ortiz 1st and 2nd May 2026

Immerse yourself in Cuban culture during an exceptional weekend led by Gissel Ortiz, a dancer and teacher trained at the prestigious Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana, and dancer with the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba.

Two unique days to explore the richness, energy and diversity of popular and traditional Cuban dances in a warm, rhythmic and friendly atmosphere.

Friday 1 May – Cuban rumba workshop

A deep immersion into the essence of rumba, combining physical work, musicality and expression.

Programme:

• 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Physical preparation.
• 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Friendly break and shared meal. Bring your simple, tasty dishes for a moment of exchange and conviviality.
• 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Rumba.
• Question and answer session at the end of the workshop.

This workshop will allow you to anchor your posture, develop your body awareness and explore rumba in all its authenticity and expressive power.

Saturday, 2 May – Popular and traditional Cuban dances

A festive and dynamic day discovering Cuba's iconic dances, blending tradition and modernity.

Programme:

• 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Discover popular and traditional Cuban dances such as mambo, pilón, etc.
• 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Friendly break and shared meal. Bring your simple, tasty dishes for a moment of exchange and conviviality.
• 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Salsa fusion workshop.
• Question and answer session at the end of the workshop.

An exploration of Cuban folk roots to more contemporary influences, to enrich your dance, your musicality and your body awareness.

Through her teaching style, which combines rigour, generosity and cultural transmission, Gissel shares much more than just steps: she transmits the soul and history of Afro-Cuban and popular dances.

We look forward to seeing many of you for this weekend of joy, rhythm and passion for Cuba.