If you missed the Cuban Dance Retreat from from MAY 8 - 15, 2010... you missed an amazing experience!

This trip was not your regular vacation in Cuba, it was a trip back in time to experience Cuban roots and culture from Afro-Cuban dancing, Casino Rueda to drumming circles and much more.

There was a great balance between learning, having fun, relaxing and socializing with new friends.

Here's how it went:

DAY 1:

At 10:30 AM the next morning we met by the beach for our Orientation meeting and Introduction to Afro Cuban Rhythms by Joaquin & Dance Lesson #1 taught by me (Vanesa). After an hour or so we headed to the beach.

The Bus departed at 1:30 PM for colonial city of Antilla where we were welcomed by locals with a parade followed by a Presentation by Cultural House de Musica. After a wonderful performance by very talented locals, we had a Dance workshop "Casino Rueda" and also a drum jam session. We then continued to enjoy the evening with a live band and some wonderful street dancing.

This day was very special for all of us since this little town of Antilla never sees or interacts with any tourists therefore they don't speak one word of English, yet, everyone was somehow communicating and interacting with each other using the language of music and dance!

DAY 2:

DAY 3:

Bus departed to colonial city of "Santiago De Cuba" at 8 AM. We stopped on the way at the "Santuario Nacional de la Virgen de la Caridad" which is a very beautiful church. We continued on our way to have lunch at local Paladar. This restaurant had the most amazing view of the ocean and "El Morro" which is a fort.

After a wonderful lunch and some relaxing time, we headed to Santiago where we were welcomed by a Private performance by the Ballet Folkloric "Cutumba" who are the best Afro-Cuban company in Cuba! There are no words to describe their performance, other than by the end, everyone was on their feet and some people had tears in their eyes.

The afternoon continued with Rumba dance & drum workshops.

After a great dinner at the roof top of a building in the middle of Santiago city, we headed to a traditional and historical landmark "La Casa de la Troba" where many of the Cuban famous artists first played their now famous songs. They had an amazing live band and we had a chance to dance and interact with locals which was a wonderful experience!

DAY 4:

On our 4th day we had the day off to enjoy the beach and relax at the resort. We then headed to Holguin city to learn some more Casino Rueda with "Yo Soy de Cuba" dance company as well as a drum workshop by "La Campana". We drove from Holguin to the town of Gibara where we had a very cozy dinner "home made" style.

The drummers learned a rhythm and to their surprise, they whole town was at the center plaza waiting for their performance! They did an amazing job playing for locals accompanied by "La Campana" school. We then headed to a local club with an ocean view and danced / drummed all night!

I have to say, our bus rides were the best!!! The "fun bus" I call it... was the place where we all came together, drummers and dancers as we played and danced in the bus on our way there and back... I though the bus was the "relaxing", "catch on sleep" time... think again... it was party all the way!

DAY 5:

Another beautiful sunny and hot day to relax and enjoy the beach/ resort. At around 5pm we all met for a wonderful private dinner at "Benny More" restaurant. We then headed on our "fun bus" to a nightclub in Holguin where they welcomed us with an amazing long lineup of shows by 3 different dance companies as well as a 12 piece live band!!!!

DAY 6:

On our 6th day, we went back to the little town of Antilla where we met with the friends we made on Day 1. We had a conga & drum lesson followed by social dancing and live band by the ocean!

We spent the day with these friendly and warm locals who welcomed us like family and made us feel as such. The memories and friendships made on this trip will never be forgotten!

Leaving Antilla was very emotional for everyone, as the bus was departing, the local kids kept running after the bus... this made everyone shed a few tears as we waved them goodbye.

When we arrived back at the hotel, we had the evening free to do as we wished. Many went down to the beach to drum and dance. Others headed to the private quiet beach to watch the sunset...

After a relaxing evening and dinner at the hotel, different groups went on to enjoy the night in different ways. We headed to a local club called "La Roca" where we danced the night away while others watched the Hotel Show for the evening, drummed, danced, relaxed.

DAY 7:

OUR LAST DAY was free time to do as we wished... many went down to the local market to do some shopping, others stayed by the pool while others enjoyed the last day at the beach saying our goodbyes to the ocean, sand and sunny hot weather.

Over all, this was not just any vacation... it was the experience of a lifetime and even though I'm not the best writer, I hope by reading this you got to experience a little bit of our wonderful trip!

Special thanks to Paul from Soul Drums http://www.souldrums.com and Joaquin from Rumberos http://www.rumberos.ca for organizing and putting together such a wonderful experience!!!

Make sure you join us next time!!!!

More photos and videos to come...