FolkCuba 2009

Author: María del Carmen Vasallo

Havana, Cuba – FolkCuba 2009, the International Folklore Laboratory of Havana started its winter edition, as usual the third Monday of January. For 15 days, its participants learn secrets of the Cuban folk dances, which have African and Spanish precedents, as well as the magic of the sound of the Cuban percussion instruments.

Yoruba and Congos dances, as well as those with Arara origins and popular dances such as cha-cha-chá, pilón mozambique, son, conga, rumba and its expressions are some of the materials that are taught in this curse held at the seat of the Cuban National Folk Group (Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba), located in 4 street, between Calzada and Quinta, Vedado.

Since 1985, this prestigious company organizes this laboratories (workshops), which are taught by important figures. The Folk Group is a genuine expression of the cultural diversity we inherited and has traveled around the world with the best dance and musicals traditions of this archipelago. In every presentation, dancers transmit their energy and the public feels they are attending a great Cuban party.

Its repertoire reflect the most diverse Cuban cultural roots, both from European and African origins, as well as from the cultures that arrived from the other Caribbean islands. With particular emphasis can be seen in the creation of this music and dance group the Hispanic and French influences, as well as the Yoruba, congo, carabali and arara, brought to this Caribbean land since the 16 century by the African slaves.

For more than four decades stages from over 45 countries from Europe, Americas, Africa and Asia have received the performances of the National Folk Group in its international tours. Different audiences have given standing ovation in different languages to the deeply national art of this company.

FolKCuba 2009 will start its summer version the 1st Monday of July, also with a 15 day duration.

Source: CubaSí/Cubarte. Translation: Rodney Lopez (Cubarte)