shows |  contact us
home
bios
classes
events
forums
gallery
store
links
We were thrilled to have two members of the world renowned Afro-Cuban folkloric company, Ballet Folklórico Cutumba from Santiago de Cuba, teaching a dance workshop at our studio in Toronto, this past August 9th, 2005.

Adrián Limonta, one of Cutumba's lead dancers, and Ramón Marquez, master percussionist, taught an energetic and fun 2-hour workshop in Afro-Cuban Haitian Vodún and Gagá. Check below some of the photos from the workshop.

Ibrahím Ferrer died on Sunday, August 7th in Havana at age 78, after his European tour. He was known worldwide as one of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club singers. He was born in the "cuna del son", Santiago de Cuba, and became famous in Havana (back in the ' 50s), when he started singing with such artists as Benny Moré and Pacho Alonso. He also joined Los Bocucos, becoming the 2nd voice of pilón, after Pacho. In 1997 he recorded on Ry Cooder's Buena Vista Social Club album, which was sold 4 million times around the world. Then came the Grammy Award and Wim Wenders' film, and last year a new Grammy Award.

We join the pain of his family and thousand fans all over the world. Rest in peace Ibrahím Ferrer, glory of Cuban music and worldwide music history.
AfroLatino Dance Company and Blue Sankofa Inc. presented an hour long show, at the Betty Oliphant Theatre. Calle Mia was a fusion of Latin and Urban cultures, through dance, singing, and spoken word works.

"I loved the show and was very impressed with the skill and artistry of your dancers and the imagination of your choreography. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday - with extra inspiration to learn and improve!" said Richard Morrow.

"...[I] was really impressive. I really like the variety of the show and the cabaret flavour. Congratulations for this spectacular work..." said Laurent Briollais, another spectator.

Click on the thumbnails below for more images from the show:
October 27 - 29, 2006

Rosangela Silvestre, Choreographer, Instructor, Dancer and member of Balé Folclórico da Bahía, Brazil. A native of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, Rosangela, has researched and developed a technique of Brazilian dance - the Silvestre Technique, a technique of Brazilian Dance Expression. Rosangela has taught and choreographed for many companies and schools such as Alvin Ailey (NY), American Academy of Ballet (NY), Steps on Broadway (NY), Balé Folclórico da Bahía, Brazil, and many others.Check the flyer for more information.
Location: O.I.P. Dance Centre
190 Richmond St. East (at Richmond St. and George)
Contact: adrianna.y@gmail.com / 416.831.9579
April 12 - April 16

Direct from Havana, Cuba, this world famous music and dance spectacular is coming to Ontario to bring you a taste of Havana's legendary nightlife.
Prices: Balcony $24.50, Mezzanine $34.50, Floor $44.50
Where: Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
Avalon Ballroom
Times: April 12 & 13 - 2:00pm
April 14 & 15 - 8:30pm
April 16 - 7pm
Info: Fallsview Casino Resort
February 11-18, 2008

A week was way too short for everything this trip had to offer. While the beach and the weather were marvelous, perfect to escape the dreaded Canadian Winter, the highlight of the trip was by far the competent and fun dance instruction provided at the daily workshops.
The course included:
15 hours of intensive instruction
Professionally trained, experienced instructors
Cuban dance partner for each participant
Sessions featuring live band
Instruction in Rumba (Guanguancó), Casino, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, etc
Course certificate
Testimonials
"Amazing, amazing, amazing! I wanted to sign up for the next trip before I left Cuba. I really felt as if I got to participate in Cuban culture and I loved being in Havana. The workshops were challenging at times but exhilarating and all the helpers were amazing dancers. I think the highlight of the workshop was having a live band playing, now I can really hear the different instruments when I listen to the music. Everyone was really welcoming and hospitable and the accommodations while basic were sufficient because we really didn't spend much time there. I found the group that I travelled with lots of fun. I would recommend this trip to anyone, it's a must if you like cuban music and dance."
Stephanie Correia
Find out more...
May 23, 2008

Felix "Pupy" Insua, Choreographer, Teacher, Dancer and Director of Oriki Omi Oddara Dance Company, is coming to Toronto, for a 3rd time to teach a series of workshops as part of the Cuban Dance Festival. 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.
Clip of Insua dancing, from Calle 54 documentary

Description: This workshop is designed for those who have afro-cuban dance experience and will focus mainly on Orishas dances and movement.
Date: Friday, May 23, 2008
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Place: 585 Production Studio
585 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor
Price: Early Bird (before May 14) $30
With Cuban Dance Full Weekend Pass $25
Regular $40
Contact us by e-mail or call 416-671-7140 to book your spot. Workshop limited to 20 people max!
June 24, 2007

Come celebrate with us our 2nd Anniversary, with a full out party, the AfroLatino's way!

What you will get:
DJ Billy Bryans spinning the finest and latest salsas and timbas
Performances by AfroLatino Dance Co.
Door prizes
Free salsa beginner and intermediate lessons
Hors d'oeuvres
Lots of fun!
Date: Sunday, June 24, 2007, from 6pm 'til 11pm
Program: 6pm - Doors open
6:30-7pm - Free salsa lessons
8:30-9pm - Performances and door prizes
Location: Dragonfly
1279 Queen St. West (2 blocks west of Dufferin)
Tickets: $10 in advance / $15 at the door
January 27, 2008

Beat those dreadful winter blues and come join us for an amazing night of Latin entertainment and partying hosted by AfroLatino Dance Company. Free salsa lessons, door prizes, hors d'oeuvres, performances, and many hours of the best cuban salsa and timba music.

What you will get:
DJ Billy Bryans spinning the finest and latest salsas and timbas
Performances by AfroLatino Dance Co.
Door prizes
Free salsa beginner and intermediate lessons
Hors d'oeuvres
Lots of fun!
Date: Sunday, January 27, 2008, from 6pm 'til 11pm
Program: 6pm - Doors open
6:30-7pm - Free salsa lessons
8:30-9pm - Performances and door prizes
Location: Revival Bar and Restaurant
783 College St. (southeast corner at Shaw)
Tickets: $15 in advance / $20 at the door
March 16, 2008

Since I stopped DJ'ing at Lula Lounge, friends have been asking where I'm going play so I thought I'd start an evening strictly for the music everyone wants to hear.

Starting at 6pm on Sunday March 16th, I'll spin a six or seven hour set of Cuban timba and African zouk (soukous) music with a few friends dropping by to take turns on the mic. It should be fun....


Date: Sunday, March 8, 2008, from 6pm 'til 12pm
Location: Revival Bar and Restaurant
783 College St. (southeast corner at Shaw)
Downstairs in the Stone Lounge
Cover fee: $10
May 24-25, 2008

AfroLatino Dance Company and Okokan Productions are bringing to Toronto the most exciting event of the year: a full weekend of the best in Cuban dance and music! You will be enjoying the sounds of no other than the great Pupy y Los Que Son Son, and the classes of guest teachers such as Felix "Pupy" Insua, Ana Machado, and Duane Wrenn and Maribel Vasquez.

Saturday, May 24 Sunday, May 25
4:00-5:20pm
Casino with Rumba Styling
Duane Wrenn & Maribel Vasquez
12:00-1:20pm
Rueda de Casino
Duane Wrenn & Maribel Vasquez
5:30-7:00pm
Afro-Cuban
Pupy Insua
1:30-3:00pm
Afro-Cuban in Salsa
Ana Machado
5:30-7:00pm
Afro-Cuban
Pupy Insua
Prices & Packages: (Early bird offer valid until May 14)
Package Type Early Bird Regular Special Early Bird
Full Weekend $115 $140 Full Weekend Pass
plus
Pupy y Los Que Son Son ticket for $135
(additional $10 off)
Saturday Classes $55 $65
Sunday Classes $80 $95
Drop-in $35 $40
Location: All workshops will be held at our 585 Yonge Street studio.
24/05/08
Cuban Dance Festival
23/05/08
Afro-Cuban Master Workshop with Felix Pupy Insua
11-18/02/08
1st Cuban Dance Workshop Trip
27/01/08
AfroLatino's Winter Party
24/06/07
AfroLatino's 2nd Anniversary Party
03/12/06
AfroLatino's 2006 Annual Showcase
27-29/10/06
Afro-Brazilian Workshops
12-16/04/06
Tropicana in Niagara
09/08/05
Cutumba's Afro-Cuban Workshop
07/08/05
Ibrahím Ferrer's legacy
Copyright © 2007 AfroLatino Dance Company. All rights reserved.