The Afro-Latin Lounge

Welcome, mi gente. This is the first post of this new era. So far, I have been editing the Afro-Latin Lounge on the A Cuban in London blog. But not anymore. From today onwards, this will be the new house for all events happening in the African and Latin Diasporas in the UK, mainly London and chiefly dance-orientated, although not exclusively so. You will also have the opportunity to read reviews of plays, movies and books by me and other contributors. Above all, this is yet another interactive tool (like Feedback33 and ADAD ) to raise awareness of the rich African and Latin cultures in which you are as much a participant and contributor as you are the recipient.

So, raise the curtains and let the show start!

RUMBA BRIGHTON SEAFRONT WITH LIMON&FRIENDS
BRIGHTON SEAFRONT COMMUNITY RUMBA #1Summer is here and it's time for another Seafront Rumba with LimonSo come and enjoy the sun and sea in lively Brighton with dynamicCuban Rumba rhythms.When: Sunday June 8th. 2pm.Where: Brighton Seafront, in the circle next to the basketball area.Free all welcome.
Posted by inez&alberto

Feedback33 is a Professional Dancers' mentoring forum set up bySheron Wray. An opportunity to take part in various dance techniques with teachers from around the globe.It is a chance to gain insights into the passions, challenges, and experiences of various artists and teachers.

The dance class will be "Shango" with live drumming. The session will be conducted on bare feet and the class will be open to intermediate and advanced levels only. The class will be divided into three sections: Warm-up where we will work closely with rhythm, focus on stretching, toning and strengthening of muscles, this will be followed by a routine where isolated steps will be taught in the first hour, followed by a short sequence in the second hour. And lastly, we will have a warm-down where we'll focus on stretching, relaxation and breathing. Some of these exercises have some yogic influences. The class will be taught in a fun, relaxed and friendly environment and structured to give a good understanding of the technique. All this will allow students to appreciate and experience the pure joy of Afro-Cuban dance within a traditional framework.

Contact Zela Gayle (Co-ordinator) to book a place on this workshop.http://us.f305.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=inspiredbyluv@yahoo.co.uk(07946 551 537)Venue:
The London Studio Centre42-50 York WayLondon N1 9AB

Date: 12th June 7-9pm £5

About Shango:

Shango or Chango (also Xango in Brazil), is the orisha who "owns" fire, thunder and lightning. He also controls war and the bata drums. Chango is the patron of masculine beauty, music and dance. In his dance he will butt with his head and do three forward rolls towards the drums no worries, I won't ask the students to demonstrate this. I don't think I can do it myself anymore!). He opens his eyes extremelly wide and sticks out his tongue. Characteristic movements are waving his hatchet and grabbing his testicles. No other Orisha jumps higher, dances more violently or makes stranger gestures. He commonly eats fire. Chango's dances are either warlike or erotic. As a warrior, he waves his hatchet and makes threatening gestures. As a lover, he tries to demonstrate the size of his penis, bumps and grinds and acts very lasciviously with the women in the audience. The circle of dancers imitate his movements and join in his sexual exhibitionism.

Mario López-Goicoechea
Joined University of Havana Folkloric Ensemble in 1994. Performed with them for three years until 1997 when came over to the UK. Acted as PR and Dance Officer for the group in addition to his role as dancer. Developed strong links with neighbouring schools and made the first forays into combining dance with traditional Afro-Cuban tales to form a prolific and rich story-telling project. Same project has been replicated in the UK on various occasions with the library services of Haringay, Barnet and Newham councils.

- Since 1997 he has taught Afro-Cuban dance at all levels and at various venues in London, amongst which are: the South Bank, the Waterloo Action Centre, the Jackson's Lane Community Centre and the Marcus Garvey Library.
- As a performer has danced at various festivals, community events both local and nationwide and social functions amongst which are: the South Bank Cuban Fest, the V&A Cuban Weekend and the Walthamstow Community Festival.
- Has written about dance and Afro-Cuban culture. In Cuba contributed to several theses and papers on Afro-Cuban culture by foreign students, dealing mainly with English-, French- and German-speaking pupils. In the UK has been published by the national newspaper The Guardian twice (Lázaro Ros, Obituary, March 2005 and 'Ballet is elitist and won't enthuse children to take part', June 2007) and by the monthly Latin American newspaper Noticias where he penned a column. Has also been profiled in Hotfoot magazine (2002), ADAD's main publication (now online).

Mario specialises in dance forms derived from the Yoruba, Arará, Bantú and Efí/Efó cultures which make up the bulk of his classes. He has also taught Rumba, Haitian dance and Cuban popular dances, including salsa.

Hi galera,Thera are so many nice things happening this weekend so do not be lazy and come out to have fun!!! Here are a few tips:Thursday, 05/06: Pe-de-Serra ForAllGreat weekly Brazilian night with forro dance class + live Trio do Mangue + capoeira performance + djs7pm-1am @ Kiss Club, 4, Wild Court, WC2B 4AU - Holborn stn.£3 b4 8pm / £5 afterSaturday, 07/06: Pandeiro and Capoeira Angola WorkshopPedro Campolina and Mestre Carlao will teach a pandeiro and capoeira class together and everyone is welcome to join us, no previous experience required.1pm-4pm @ LSE, Houghton Street, WC2E 2AE - Holborn stn.£7Sunday, 08/06: Live forro at Stoke Newington FestivalLive Trio do Mangue from 1.30pm-2.15pm at DJ Russ Jones' stage: Hackney Globetrotting Stage., there will also be DJ Russ Jones plus many other atractions.1pm-7pm, Clissold Park, Green lanes, Church St, Stoke Newington N16Free entrySunday, 08/06: DJ Pedro CampolinaI'll play Brazilian music (mainly samba and forro) at Stread Eagle again this Sunday due the success of last Sunday! Check it out!6pm-11.30pm. 3, Kingsland Road, E2 8AA - Old Street stn.Free entryHope to see you soon!!!Pedro Campolinapercussion / capoeira07780552176

Hola mis solesA quick email to let you know that we still have a couple of spaces left for our SOY CUBANA SOY POPULAR - SON WORKSHOP- the father/mother of SALSA! at Bar Andalucia. *Please look at the programme and SUMMER OFFER! for this and/or our last workshop on the 5th JulyProgrammeTeachers: Rafael del Busto & Damarys Farres. - Posture- Holding- Timing- TORNILLO- Speciality of the House- Styling- Isolation Moves, - Footwork- Leading technique- Girls- learn how to use the fans (you can buy some from us if you don't have your own)- Lots of fun movements to learn And if, this wasn't enough we have a SURPRISE WORKSHOP in the last hour!!! * 4 hrs Workshop * 1hr free practice * Music * Top dance Cuban Teachers * Buffet * Fiesta till late!!!Workshops: 2pm-6pmPrice per workshop - £35* in advance - £40* on the door. SUMMER OFFER!!! £60* per couple (advance booking)£60* if booking together SON (7th June) & Afro-Cuban Day (5th July)Venue: Bar Andalucia, 139-143 Whitfield Street, London W1T 5ENLevels: All levels welcome! *classes will be taught at separate levels if neededFor further info, please contact me by email:cubanschool_arts@yahoo.comor call me: 07788110421BESOS!... LOVE! and keep DANCING! D!Our next and last workshop of this series will be : - Soy Cubana Soy Popular, - AFRO-CUBAN DAY!!! 5th of July - plenty of Rumba Hope to see you then.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Last update about the 110% CUBAN LADIES STYLING dance course - Time: 3.30 pm - 5pmTHIS SUNDAY- REGAETTON a la Carte with DamarysSummer offer- Drop in normally £25 ( *£20 if booked in advance) if you are interested in coming this Sunday, please call me to benefit from this offerDid you know that our £85 offer x 5 weeks in our 10 weeks Ladies Styling dance course do not need to be consecutive? You can come any time during the 10 weeks. You only need to inform me of the days in advance!Venue: The Basement, (400 York Way, York House, Basement Units, London N7 9LR. Tubes: Caledonian Rd, Camden Town, Kentish Town. Buses: 253, 29, 10) 10 WEEK LADIES STYLING COURSE
BY Damarys Farres & Guest teachers
Weekly plan
* Thank you very much to the students who participated in the Rumba -Demo on Saturday 17th of May. The performance was great-Week 5/ 8 June
Torso/Chest isolations
How to apply to Cuban- Salsa and AFRO
Break
REGAETTONWarm down
Venue: The Basement
----------------------------------------------------------Week 6/ 15 June
INTENSE Warm up (Guest Teacher)Salsa Steps and introduction to Latin-Regeatton!!!
Break
SALSATON (mixture of Salsa and Regeatton) 2 of the most popular style at the moment
Warm down
Venue: The Basement
-----------------------------------------------------------
For more information, prices and the rest of the PROGRAMME please email me or call me.Looking forward to seeing you soon.Besotes y...keep smiling* Remember this June we are having a couple of great birthday celebrations Damarys Farres & Leonie just to mention some- keep saving.....Happy birthday to Andrea too.....Damarys Farres (The Cuban School of Arts & UK's Cuban Salsa Champion)