Back… to where it all began

One’s roots act like magnets which despite of distance attract people to where they belong. The reason for this natural inclination could probably be found in dusty medical books or somewhere nearby. But instead of looking for an explanation, let’s just enjoy beautiful sceneries of my motherland… our motherland, since I know that many of you reading this are my compatriots.

Cuba is…well, what Cuba is not? It means a lot and it goes both ways. I have been criticized in many occasions for visiting Cuba so often. Some say, “How can you support a communist regime?” My answer to those ignorant people usually is, “I will stop visiting Cuba when you will stop buying products from Communist China=never.” Some say, “Go explore new places!” Although, I definitely agree that it’s time to go visit new countries, I simply can’t conceal my love and interest to Cuba. Every time I go there, new things open to my eyes and soul. Here are some pictures from the paradisiacal places I encountered last time I went. See for yourself and make sure to include those places into your bucket list.

Cayo Coco beaches

Cayo Coco beaches

Cayo Coco

Cayo Coco fauna

Pinar del Rio flora

Valle Vinales

Valle Vinales

"Los Jasmines" Valle Vinales

Cayo Coco fauna

Cayo Coco people

Cayo Coco fauna

13th Annual IFE-ILE AFro-Cuban Dance Festival back to Miami

Want to explore new music and dance styles, try yourself in drumming, make new friends?

Then you should definately visit the 13th Annual Afro-Cuban Dance Festival which is scheduled for August 13th at Little Haiti Cultural Center in Miami, 212 N.E. 59th Terrace, 33137.

Back by popular demand, this year the festival offers workshops in orisha dance, afro-modern, salsa-casino, as well as drumming classes. It was first held in 1996 by the renowened choreographer and dancer Neri Torres, MFA, Founder of IFE-ILE Dance Company. For 13th years in a row, Neri together with her talented musicians and dancers celebrates the captivating Afro-Cuban heritage. Now you have a chance to join them too!

The culmination of this year's festival will be the performance of IFÉ-ILÉ musicians and dancers  at Cuba Ocho art gallery in Little Havana, 1465 S.W. 8th Street, where the audience will have the opportunity to take professional dancers’ place on stage for dancing, drumming and singing.

If interested, please visit http://www.ife-ile.org/ or call Neri directly at her cell 786.398.7184 or 305. 796.1125.

Dance, drum, and learn together with IFE-ILE:) Hurry up to get the best admission prices!