Donation $2-25

Delve into the roots of Afro-Cuban folkloric dance with internationally renowned dancer Liethis Hechavarria. Liethis will offer a comprehensive introduction to Afro-Cuban dance, teaching foundational  movements and techniques of dances of the Bantu people of Cuba, as well as the history and evolution of the dances as they traveled from Africa to Cuba. Featured cultures include Yoruba (Orisha dances), Congo (e.g. Palo) and Dahomey (e.g. Arará). All levels are welcome. Join us as we light up the dance floor on fire with Cuban heat!

Originally from Santiago De Cuba, Liethis Hechavarria received her early training as a dancer from Danys “La Mora” Perez Prades (her mother), Sergio Gallardo and Chuck Davis at Alvin Ailey American dance, Djoniba Dance and Drum Center and Escuela Nacional de Danza Moderna de Santiago de Cuba and the Cuban based children’s company Adiro Omode (Corazon de Niño). Liethis is a founding company member and principal dancer of Oyu Oro Dance Company in NYC and has performed at Jacob’s Pillow dance festival, BAM’s DanceAfrica, Latino Cultural Festival, La Tea Theatre, Heritage Sunday at Lincoln Center Outdoors, La Mama Annex stage, WOFABE African Dance and Music Festival, Los Angeles Center outdoor Dance Festival, and Minnesota’s International dance festival. Liethis also taught at Casa de Cultura and Ballet Nacional in Santiago the Cuba, Columbia University, Harlem School of the Arts, Lincoln Center Outdoors, Havana Viaje Ciudad en Movimiento festival and Alvin Ailey Extension.