AFRO-CUBAN DANCES OF THE ORISHAS

Introduction to Afro-Cuban dances of the Orishas with Zaida Arencibia.

This 8 week course will be run by Cuban dancer Zaida Arencibia and will cover Yoruba dances for Eleggua, Ochun (Iyessa), Obatala, Chango and Ogun. The course will also cover dances for Palo and Macuta (from the Congo Tradition), plus carnaval dances for Congo Oriental and Mozambique. During the course dancers will work on Cuban technique and physical conditioning as well as learning the choreography for the specific dances.

Some dance experience is necessary for this course. Beginners to advanced levels welcomed.

Zaida Arencibia – Havana, Cuba
Zaida was selected for the National School of Dance in Havana at the age of twelve. She studied there on a residential basis for 7 years, training in contemporary and folkloric dance. From there she went into teaching at a school for dance in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and was selected to be an internationalista in 1987; her posting was to Maputo in Mozambique, where she taught dance for 7 years. She took up residence in England in 1996 where she now works as a free-lance choreographer and dance teacher, specializing in the dances of the Orishas.
Running alongside and complimenting this fantastic course is Introduction to Afro-Cuban Rhythms and Percussion Techniques with Andy Boothman.