Cuba's
Horizon (Santiago de Cuba is regarded as the country's most Caribbean city, and
has been dubbed the
cradle of the Revolution' in honour of its rebellious past. Viewed
from the luminous bay, the city
appears to rise on natural terraces with houses that project lacy ironwork
balconies, Moorish pointy
windows, and narrow outside staircases. The people are warm and hospitable.
Historical sights are many and include the Moncada Barracks, the place
where
Castro and over 100 terrified, ill-equipped rebels faced off against
a thousand of Batista's
well-armed troops (though, from some accounts they sounded like Dad's
Army) and the
Cementerio Santa Ifigenia, where a number of famous dead independence
fighters, including José
Martí, are stuffed and exhibited for veneration.
The mountain ranges of the Great Sierra Maestra National Park have played
a prominent part in
shaping the country's recent history - Castro and his rebels hid out
here from Batista's troops
between 1956 and 1959 before they rode in triumph through Havana. Since
then they have become
a geographical term for revolutionary nirvana, much like Sherwood Forest
was to Robin Hood. The
park has lush virgin forests, excellent hiking trails and plenty of
endemic wildlife. Trekking, excursions to see
the rebel strongholds or to climb Pico Turquino, Cuba's highest point
( 1972 metres ) in the Sierra Maestra
are very popular.
II. Cycle de Danse et Percussion Folklore
Style: Yoruba, Bantu, Bembé, Carabali, Iyesa, Congo Layé,...
Danse et Percussion d'Orisha (Danse des Dieux, Danse of the Gods, Goettertanz)
Instruments: Claves, Chékére, Conga,..., Bàta:
Itotele, Okonkolo, Iya
III. Cycle de Danse et Percussion de la Tradition Franco-Haitienne
Style: Tumba Francesa, Vodu, Gaga, Contradanza ...
Instruments: Conga, Cata, Bambous, Boku, Tumba Francesa,...
All professors are Master-Percussionists and professional dancers.
Level
3 different levels: Beginners / Advanced / Professionals