These extraordinary instructors are trained at the famous ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte) at Havana and are actually part of the professor staff there. Since 2006 they are also members of the instructors team of Baila en Cuba every November in Havana.

Papi & Noydee will teach 10 classes on our festival 6 of them being in the PRE-FESTIVAL 'SPECIAL' WORKSHOPS - Back to roots: Cuban Music and Dance!

'PAPI' ALFONSO

Orlando ALFONSO IZQUIERDO called ' Papi' was born in 1975. in Matanzas, Cuba. His received his official dance training at the famous Instituto Superior de Arte "in Havana in which he is now regarded as a leading lecturer operates. Nevertheless, beeing from Matanzas where 'rumba is born' he has done some public dance appearances already with his 7. In addition, he was also a dancer and dance teacher for various Cuban dance companies on numerous tours in many European countries.

His dancing knowledge ranges from Afro-Cuban folklore to popular dances from Cuba such are Danzon, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo all up to and included to Salsa Cubana, Timba and Reaggeton.

NOYDEE FONSECA

Noydee was born 1978. in Havana, Cuba. She has graduated from the National School of Modern and Folkloric Dance at Havana City in 1995 and has continued her dancing education in ISA (Superior Institute of Art) in Havana on the specialty of Folkloric Dance where she graduated in 1999. In her dancing career she has been a professor and dancer of artistic companies, attending national and international events such as: Choreographic Workshops of Dance, UNEAC Contests, Meetings of Dance Academies, Days for African Culture, Festivals of Performing Arts El Sinor, popular and ballroom dances, folkloric dances and music such as Wemilere, Folkcuba, Percuba, Musicalia, Cubadisco.

Her dancing knowledge ranges from Afro-Cuban folklore to popular dances from Cuba such are Danzon, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo all up to and included to Salsa Cubana, Timba and Reaggeton.

JORGE AMADO

Jorge Amado PEREZ MACHADO is not only musician, he is also dance instructor and soloist of Ban Rará company. Formed at ENA (Escuela Nacional de Arte) in Havanna, as percussionist and dancer Jorge is now integrating prestigious ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte). Since 16 years Jorge Amado is part, and since 4 years the solo dancer of the he company Ban Rará, with which he is performing in Cuba as well on international tours.

As intructor Jorge is also part of the teacher staff of Baila en Cuba impressing with his deep knowledge of afro-cuban rhythms and movements. This highly complicated rhythms are being explained perfectly by him and he show how to transform them into dance moves. Jorge is also a real master of religious batá drums.

In order to bring better understanding of the connection between music and dance Jorge will accompany the classes of Papi & Noydee with percussions .

Timba workshop - Baila en Cuba 2008

Cha cha cha workshop - Baila en Cuba 2008

Afro Cuban workshop - Baila en Cuba 2008