AfroLatino Dance Company and Okokan Productions are bringing to you, for the first time,
a full weekend of the best in Cuban dance and music, filled with workshops with some of
the best Cuban teachers, and a show with the legendary Cesar Pupy Pedroso y Los Que Son Son!
For more information on the show such as venue, times, prices, please check the Cuba in Toronto website.
TEACHERS
Felix "Pupy" Insua
Choreographer, Teacher, Dancer and Director of Oriki Omi Oddara Dance Company,
is a powerhouse name, with extensive dance and teaching experience both in Cuba and North America.
A former member of both Conjunto Folklorico Nacional and Yoruba Andabo, the two biggest
folkloric companies in Cuba, Insua brings a wealth of knowledge in Afro-Cuban dances and traditions.
Ana Machado
A professional dancer, choreographer and dance teacher from Havana, Cuba, she began dancing at the tender age of 6,
eventually joining the National Academy of Dance (Escuela Nacional de la Danza), a prestigious and world-renowned
8-year program. There she successfully studied and graduated in Modern Dance, Ballet, Afro-Cuban and other folk dances
as well as traditional and modern Latin social dances like Danzon, Rumba, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Son, and Salsa.
After graduation, she started her professional career with the prestigious Compania de la Danza Moderna and continued
as the lead dancer in famous Tropicana dance troupe, with which she travelled all around the world.
In 1990, Ana settled in Toronto, where she has been professionally dancing and teaching Salsa and Afro-Cuban dances since.
Duane Wrenn and Maribel Vasquez
New Orleans, LA native Duane Wrenn was born to dance. President of the successful
Energetic Soul Studios in Clawson , MI, Duane has a
B.S. degree in Exercise Science and is a highly accredited Fitness Consultant. Over the last six years Duane has put
his knowledge and experience to use developing several unique classes from dance to aerobic and strength. With over 500 special appearances both locally and abroad his experience and track record speaks for itself.
Duane is considered one of the top instructors of Afro-Cuban Salsa (Casino) style dancing in the Midwest . His background ranges from Cuban Rumba, Son, Capoeira, and Break dancing. Duane specializes in Casino style dancing with an Energetic Soul*sa Twist.
Maribel Vasquez is a world class Salsa dancer. Born and raised in Southern California she showed a talent for dance
from an early age, expressed first through her Mexican cultural heritage as Cumbia.
A pivotal moment in her dance life came when she met Energetic Soul Studios Master Instructor Duane Wrenn in 2001.
As part of her extensive training directly under Duane, Maribel has advanced to the level of Top Senior Instructor
at Energetic Soul Studios teaching group and private lessons. She regularly assists Duane as he teaches workshops
locally and throughout the country.
WORKSHOPS
Casino with Rumba Stylingwith Duane Wrenn and Maribel Vasquez
This workshop will focus on adding rumba styling to casino (Cuban salsa) partner work. You will how to spice up your partner
work with rumba, both for men and women. This workshop is for those who are intermediate to advance cuban salsa dancers.
Afro-Cubanwith Felix "Pupy" Insua
These workshops will challenge you in any possible way, by incorporating elements from Afro-Cuban
(Rumba, orishas, Arará) and popular dances (Son, Cha Cha Cha, Casino). Definitely a workshop with something for everyone,
"out-of-the box" concept, and the amazing knowledge and energy of Felix Pupy Insua. All levels welcome.
Rueda de Casinowith Duane Wrenn and Maribel Vasquez
Learn exciting and new patterns for (Casino) Rueda. This workshop will have challenge both intermediate and advanced
level dancers. It is a pre-requisite to be or have been in intermediate level Cuban salsa before joining this class.
Afro-Cuban in Salsawith Ana Machado
Learn how to incorporate afro-cuban movement into your Cuban salsa, and look more authentic and flavourful by doing so.
This workshop is specially designed for those who have had some exposure to afro-cuban movement before but beginners are
welcome as well.
